On Mon, 10 Nov 2003 21:18:48 +0000, Ed wrote:

One reason for not going I/O in florida is that fact that we have a 12 month
season. An I/O has a finite time in the salt water and since our boats are in
the water 3x those of northern boats, the I/O will get trashed faster. An
outboard can be lifted 100% out of the water when not in use.

Nope, not so. Here on the West Coast our season is pretty much 12 months as
well. I was referring to the boats in the marinas, that are in salt water 24/7/364
(one day a year to scrape'n'paint). Don't know of anyone that pulls their boat
out "for the winter" - winterizing is mainly put a tarp on it, maybe add a
heater.

However, one difference might be that due to lower water temps, the drive
doesn't gunk up as fast. Also, there seems to be a feeling in SE US that salt
water is like acid - perhaps your water is saltier?

Also, based on pics I've seen of SE US, the average age of boats around here is
MUCH older, so for most of these, the only way to get 4-stroke was to go I/O.
I'm slowly seeing the workboats converting to 4-stroke outboards, but most of
them are still I/O (those that aren't true inboards or diesels)

Lloyd Sumpter
"Far Cove" Catalina 36