Outboard vs I/O on Bow Rider
 

Starting a boat search now that we’re back on the lake. Considering reasonably used 21 - 24 foot bow rider models but have a question about power.

It seems a few years ago, outboards became quite popular on this style of boat. For some reason, not so much anymore. Any idea why? Since we live on the lake, I like the idea of not having to winterize (not necessary with outboards) as we often get warm days in the winter and it would be nice to take it out without having to re-winterize each time.

One boat of interest is a 2018 Four Winns HD240 OB with a Yamaha 250 outboard available at a marina nearby. It’s a 24 foot boat and I’m just concerned that there may be a downside that I’m unaware of. Did a review search to no avail. Anyone have experience with a decision between I/O or outboard?

I have owned both . I had a 23 ' Four Winns cuddy cabin with a 5.7 I/O and OMC King Cobra out drive and it was a fantastic boat . Loved gas ⛽️. I have owned several with outboard engine and just as enjoyable . Loved gas ⛽️ .

Outboard tend to be noisier but are easier to service . Yamaha are excellent but I managed to seize up a 90 horse 😮*💨 . One carburetor was running lean . My advice if buying outboard and if it has carbs make sure they are performing as required .

It is easier to replace an outboard if needed . Make sure the transom is rock solid on any boat but especially an outboard as there is quite a bit of leverage . Good luck in your search . In my opinion Four Winns makes a good solid boat .

Thanks. I understand that outboards are lighter and enable the boat to turn a bit sharper. Possibly a bit easier on gas. Reasonably sure most outboards are fuel injected these days. Besides the obvious lump on the transom, I’m unsure why they seem to be falling out of favor. Or I could be completely wrong about that as I’ve been away from it for a few years.

Have you looked at the price of a modern 250 hp to 300 hp outboard ? Yikes

Why, oh why, did they paint the engine compartment flat black, then drop a black Mercruiser engine in that deep hole?

When the engine was pulled out a few years ago, we painted the compartment a nice, glossy light gray.
Now I can sorta see what I'm doing in there.

Maintenance access is easier on outboards.

A plus for outboard is it gives you more room, the newer ones are four stroke and much quieter.

Yabut,... I liked the instant snap pulling skiers up with my old two-strokes.
Curious how the newer four strokes compare.

I'm kind of a spoiled brat. I don't like being dragged through the water waiting for the boat to accelerate.
Geez... Talk about first-world problems! I better shut up now.

Price out replacing an outboard vs. the engine on an IO as one data point. My outboard experience is old 2 strokes. I grew up with a 16 foot fiberglass runabout and an 85 horse Johnson. We still winterized the outboard annually for storage. Ours was used in salt water so that upped the maintenance.

Are you planning on keeping the boat at a dock, or on a trailer? If the former, definitely avoid any I/O. Leaving the outdrive in the water 24/7 will be a maintenance problem.....just a matter of time. That big hole in the transom at/below the waterline is up there in design hierarchy with screen doors in submarines.

IMO I/O's became popular initially because outboard power was limited....200-225hp was the upper limit for a long time. Reliability and longevity were also challenges. I/O's were the best bet for higher power and trailer ability (missing the running gear and rudder of an inboard). Modern outboards are available with much higher power, and have become very reliable (with proper maintenance of course). Expensive, well sure, much like Porsche engines...... SmileWavy

It will be kept on our dock with a lift keeping the entire outdrive out of the water. Have had I/O’s before and although they look great & are well balanced, maintenance was a PITA and winterizing prevented use on many nice days. Leaning toward OB…even more now with all your comments.

Thanks.

Suggest to get a Yamaha OB.
Bulletproof

Safety is a factor that hasn’t really been discussed. Most modern I/O have the drive tucked far enough under the swim platform that swimmers won’t hit it when jumping in. Speaking of the swim platform, the outboard dramatically cuts into your available space. One other note, I would want more than 250 HP in a 24 ft boat. I had a 23 ft Monterrey with a 300 HP (I think) 5.0 V8 and it was adequate at best. I had a 27 ft Regal with a 320 HP 5.7 V8 and it was a dog. If you plan to do any water sports or fill the seats, don’t skimp on power. It will ruin your experience.