On Wed, 03 Oct 2007 20:05:40 +0000, JoeSpareBedroom wrote:

"Eisboch" wrote in message
...

On Wed, 03 Oct 2007 14:36:36 -0400, HK wrote:

Tim wrote:

I was wondering why, especially in the smaller craft there was the
absense of I/O's Like Mercruiser, volvo penta, etc.



I'll add a couple mo

Rubber couplers between the engine and outdrive that wear out and shred.
(Usually means pulling the engine to replace)

Hydraulic lines for tilt/trim that leak.

Shift cables that get worn.

"Flappers" that rot and seize.

Can be susceptible to hydrolocking the engine if a large wave or wake hits
the stern hard with the engine off ... especially after the "flappers"
freeze up in the open position.

Eisboch


Having read all this, what is the advantage to an I/O engine, if any?

Apart from the cost, ever tried working on an outboard in a 3ft swell? And
maybe it's just me, but I feel nervous bolting 500hp and 1000lb (and
$50k!) to my transom. I'd rather have it firmly bolted to stringers, which
are firmly attached to the keel...

That said, I agree that the I/O is a pain - go full inboard!

druid
http://www.bcboatnet.org