It really comes down to what you plan to do with the boat the most and where
you are. Remember, an outboard can be used all year long as it does not
hold water that will freeze and bust the block (assuming you lower the
engine to allow the water to drain out). The outboard also gives you more
room for fishing and moving around in the boat. However, something in a 19'
to 20' boat that is good for skiing and cruising will be more readily
available in an I/O configuration.
I would look at the 20' open/walk around fishing boats that you can put a
lot of cushions on for cruising and skiing. This gives you lots of room on
the boat and allows you to fish easily also. It will probably be an
outboard. Or if fishing is going to be seldom, you might look at a deck
boat that will allow for some room for fishing but is mainly setup for
skiing and cruising. They are available in outboard and I/O w/ the I/O more
common now days.
Or you could go w/ something like a fish and ski that Stratos and most
fishing boat companies make. This will be an outboard also.

Bottom line, find a boat that fits your needs and don't worry about I/O or
outboard. If available thought - I personally would rather have the
outboard so you can use it in the winter if you want.

--
Tony
my boats at http://t.thomas.home.mchsi.com



"HugYourPug" wrote in message
...
What are the relative merits of each. I have been looking at some boats
and the
inboards seem to offer a lot more boat for the money, but a lot of people
buy
outboards, so there must be some merit there. Fishing, cruising and skiing
are
the objective.