Are boats worth it? (Punta Gorda, Destin: rental, condo, live)

[Cowboyway]

I figure working on the boat would be some of the fun, as I like tinkering with my Harley. But I assume the heat down there makes it a little tougher, especially if its mandatory. I guess the flushing is to remove the salt water from the cooling systems of the engine? Are 2 strokes more popular because of the power or is there another reason? Who prefers I/O's over outboards and why?

I def plan on doing some "research" on other people's boats.....just need to find out who's boat runs on beer.......

[Cowboyway]

Originally Posted by MikeM8560

Time out on the water.

Priceless.

Mike, what IS that thing?

[Harbor Hopper]

Originally Posted by Cowboyway

Mike, what IS that thing?

It's a channel marker in the harbor. There are many of them around. Structure holds fish, so you'll often find people anchored near them, fishing.

[HarborRat]

Originally Posted by Cowboyway

I figure working on the boat would be some of the fun, as I like tinkering with my Harley. But I assume the heat down there makes it a little tougher, especially if its mandatory. I guess the flushing is to remove the salt water from the cooling systems of the engine? Are 2 strokes more popular because of the power or is there another reason? Who prefers I/O's over outboards and why?

I def plan on doing some "research" on other people's boats.....just need to find out who's boat runs on beer.......

I like to boat, not clean. Some guys are just anal. I rarely wash the boat or flush the engine. I like cheap boats so I can replace them whenever I want and not lose money (normally make money on them after I'm done).

2 strokes are more popular because they are cheaper and lighter. They also require less maintenance but can be more finicky and use 'much' more fuel. I like the 4 strokes...but only at the right price.

I like I/O's because they are basically car engines. The problem is the outdrive doesn't come all the way out of the water. I don't have a lift so that is a major problem. They also need more water to run in, and the cooling systems are not as simple. They have a lot of other drawbacks that I won't get into, but some pluses too...like fuel mileage. I'd stick to an outboard down here on a small boat (under ~26').

[wpc691]

2 strokes are more popular because they are cheaper and lighter. They also require less maintenance but can be more finicky and use 'much' more fuel. I like the 4 strokes...but only at the right price.

Good advice from HR. If you must float and get on plane in the shallowest of water, you'll appreciate the lower weight and higher torque of a 2 stroke. If you'll settle for floating in 14 inches of water, you'll appreciate the smooth running, low smoke operation of a 4 stroke on those days you want to get out of the wind by staying in the canals. The most frequent advice I got from mechanics when I was shopping for my boat was "just get an older model, low hour Yamaha 4 stroke and you can't go wrong". Older model because reliability problems in new models may not show up for several years, low hour because you get that first year depreciation with minimal effects from possible poor maintenance, Yamaha because they're pretty reliable and certified mechanics are everywhere, 4 stroke for the reasons above, although if you intend to do your own maintenance, 2 strokes are much easier to work on. As recommended earlier, go to thehulltruth.com for hours of entertaining debate on the virtues of various engines. And oh yeah, Big House's boat runs on beer, but only Yuengling.

[Harbor Hopper]

You wouldn't believe how many mechanics I've talked to that can't stand Yamaha outboards because of the reliability issues and poor customer service from the factory. But they like them because the break-downs keep them in business. Surprisingly, many mechanics (including 2 of mine) own Suzuki outboards. Absolutely no offense to any yamaha owners here, but if i get a boat with an outboard, it won't be a yamaha. My next door neighbor is an outboard mechanic and prefers Merc

[Cowboyway]

I'm getting quite the education around here.........thanks erybody.

I may need to Learn some boating real quick w this storm heading this way, anyone know anything about arcs?

[nphomeowner]

Ummmmm so many cubits by so many cubits??

[wpc691]

@cowboy - I know they have great storage, and are very stable on the flats.

@HH - thus the endless debate. I heard negative comments about Yamaha customer service, but I heard the same about everybody. My conclusion on Suzukis was great engines, better suited to fresh water than salt, parts availability problems. It's easier to find Yamaha owners to get opinions, so maybe that results in a biased conclusion. In any case, to each his own; I'm really happy with my Yamaha 4 stroke so far; check back in 15 years for the final conclusion :-)

[MikeM8560]

I had a yamaha 150 hpdi. I heard plenty of. NegTivity on the motor but mine was a great motor.