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The Bucks---thanks for that advice. I DID have friends tell me to forget a bowrider due to front passengers getting sprayed. I think my parents were thinking of being able to fit as many people in as possible. I do agree that it would be a wet ride for some people, and a cuddy would be a good little place for the smaller children to get out of the sun and relax a bit.
Regarding the Sound and depth, etc...would an I/O be any better than an outboard in regards to hitting anything? Some people say yes, others say you are subjecting the I/O to taking on water and taking the risk of sinking the boat, whereas you can always dump an outboard.
an IO is no less likely to take a hit than an outboard when running... that said, when docked at the marina, an OB can usually be raised completely out of the water whereas your IO outdrive will always be submerged and tend to be more subject to growth and corrosion. Also, make sure any thru hulls are in good shape and the seacocks work. True, if you hit something hard enough with an IO you could take on water... but I don't think it's a big concern. I'd concentrate on avoiding the boulders. Unlike sandbars, boulders don't move every year... same ones, same place... every year. learn your area and be cautious and you'll be fine.
when looking at motors, I've never been too impressed with older motors with VERY few hours. Long periods of sitting are actually not great for marine motors (especially outboards). Carbs gum up, water jackets get clogged and corroded... rings get stuck etc.
the 135HP feels underpowered for a 20 footer. Also, is it a FICHT? They were notorious bombs.... legendary.
The Bucks---thanks for that advice. I DID have friends tell me to forget a bowrider due to front passengers getting sprayed. I think my parents were thinking of being able to fit as many people in as possible. I do agree that it would be a wet ride for some people, and a cuddy would be a good little place for the smaller children to get out of the sun and relax a bit.
Regarding the Sound and depth, etc...would an I/O be any better than an outboard in regards to hitting anything? Some people say yes, others say you are subjecting the I/O to taking on water and taking the risk of sinking the boat, whereas you can always dump an outboard.
Our 21' has a cuddy.
I don't recall the reason for getting an OB over an IB. I think it had to do with maintenance expenses down the line?
Freedom Boat Club is in a lot of trouble. Being sued left and right by local marinas in Port Jefferson. He owes money to everyone, it's been in the news. I predict bankruptcy very soon. He collects a $5K + up front cost and monthly fees, but doesn't pay off his expenses.
I hear outboards are the way to go, less maintenance, more room on deck. The outboard fans tell me there is less maintenance, more room on the deck, and no risk of fires. The I/O fans tell me it's a lot more quiet, you can do work on it yourself, and it saves a lot in gas. I can tell you that purchasing a boat with an O/B is a lot more money than an I/O, and they are very difficult to find. Are there so few because they are that much better and people don't get rid of them?
My mom wants the V4 135, she thinks it'll be better on gas. We're just going to be using it for family cruising and have the guys take it out to fish. I wonder if they really need more than that for a motor?
Freedom Boat Club is in a lot of trouble. Being sued left and right by local marinas in Port Jefferson. He owes money to everyone, it's been in the news. I predict bankruptcy very soon. He collects a $5K + up front cost and monthly fees, but doesn't pay off his expenses.
Yikes, did not know that. Maybe there are legitimate clubs out there? I don't own a boat but know some who do ,so i know what a money-pit they can be.
The Bucks---thanks for that advice. I DID have friends tell me to forget a bowrider due to front passengers getting sprayed. I think my parents were thinking of being able to fit as many people in as possible. I do agree that it would be a wet ride for some people, and a cuddy would be a good little place for the smaller children to get out of the sun and relax a bit.
Regarding the Sound and depth, etc...would an I/O be any better than an outboard in regards to hitting anything? Some people say yes, others say you are subjecting the I/O to taking on water and taking the risk of sinking the boat, whereas you can always dump an outboard.
You are thinking correctly about the cuddy
The advice given to you about OB's is valid. If it's your folks FIRST boat - I'd stick to an OB. They are easy to maintain, relatively easy to repair and inexpensive to run. I also read an article recently that indicated that insurance costs on a boat with an OB were less due to a variety of factors - some of which you mention above.
Have a good marine mechanic check out any OB on a boat your folks are buying - it will be money well spent. Also - unless you have service records/receipts from the previous owner - when you buy a boat with an OB - take it to a marine mechanic and do the basics: water pump service, lower unit oil change, etc. This will create a service BASELINE - from which you can go forward. AND - JOIN one of the towing companies! A towing membership is CHEAP and while you might not use it - you WILL be happy you have it if you break down on the water. I used to crew on a towing boat - and it was VERY easy for non-members to rack up a significant bill with even a short tow.
Thanks once again. I went with my parents to look at the O/B...it was a nice size, had a wide beam, immaculate condition. The guy tried to start it and it wouldn't turn over for 3 or 4 tries. He then said he needed gas. He went and bought some. It did turn over, he let it run, but it sounded really rough and was blowing white smoke while running. What the?! Is that normal?? I was telling my mom to walk away, and he said it just needed an oil change and tune up. Of course, if my parents really wanted this, they would bring in a marine mechanic. But should they even bother to waste the $300 if this is how the motor sounds already?
Thanks once again. I went with my parents to look at the O/B...it was a nice size, had a wide beam, immaculate condition. The guy tried to start it and it wouldn't turn over for 3 or 4 tries. He then said he needed gas. He went and bought some. It did turn over, he let it run, but it sounded really rough and was blowing white smoke while running. What the?! Is that normal?? I was telling my mom to walk away, and he said it just needed an oil change and tune up. Of course, if my parents really wanted this, they would bring in a marine mechanic. But should they even bother to waste the $300 if this is how the motor sounds already?
yeah... that's what I was talking about before... an outboard sits for too long and the carbs/injectors get gummed up and it runs horrible... plus, who knows what state the rings and bearings are in. Low hours don't always mean great motor.
A compression check is cheap and will tell you some, but count on a repower. Also, check the conditon of the gas tank. At 16 years, that could be having issues too.
What is a repower and how much does that cost? The O/B guy said that smoke was from not starting it in the water. Of course, he had HIS mechanic verify that.
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