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. MANY people have I/Os in FL but on a walk-around cuddy
fishing boat the resale value will be much better on an outboard because
even if you don't keep the boat in the water all year round, the next
guy may want to.

I grew up on a lake in IL and no one had outboards, big change down here.


Lloyd Sumpter wrote:
On Sun, 09 Nov 2003 18:19:13 +0000, Kharlosan wrote:


Hi all, I am not a boater yet but I am planning to be one very soon. I live in
South Florida and I think the kind of boat that fit in my desires is a new Walk
Around between 22 and 23 feet. The advice I need is about the manufacturer brand
I should consider, Outboard or I/O, 4 or 2 strokes. Please let me know the
reasons of your recommendations and share your experiences.
Any other suggestion will be greatly appreciated. Regards.
Carlos


I agree with Ed that you should buy used. Your first boat is almost NEVER your
last. You might try chartering a few to see what you like before you buy at all.
Also, as he said, a boating course is a must.

It sounds like things are different in the SE US, but most larger boats here in
the Pac NW are I/O. One reason is that they're all 4-strokes. I personally
prefer I/O: I feel they are quieter (and I like the lower-pitch sound better!),
I like the 4-stroke, I like being able to work on it when the boat's in the
water. Of course, my REAL preferance is a "true" inboard...

Add a small 4-stroke kicker as a "get you home" motor and for trolling.

New twin 4-stroke O/Bs are pretty nice if you can afford them, though...

Lloyd Sumpter
"Far Cove" Catalina 36