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Boat styling, O/B vs I/O

karzrus

karzrus

Well-known member
I guess this is another controversial topic that maybe should not be disscused or has been and I didn't see it. I will blame it on winter for even poping into my head.

But if the big black lumps(s) on the back of all those O/Bs did not represent 200,250,300+ HP and blinding speed, would we all still think they were beautiful or rather warts on a otherwise great looking boat.

I think of Big Red's old boat and SCT's(just watched the video again). I like both alot.:drool: But if those twin 300s on SCT's did not mean Big power/speed. I might think they are ugly from a styling standpoint.

What if OB motors were available in colors to match the color of the boat they are on?

I'm not trying to insult the O/B guys, but maybe I have for just bringing it up, sorry just wondering...

Rob
 
Its all in preference, I personally don't like the O/B's on SCT's boat. For the main reason I like a swim platform on a Convincor. But the sound twin 300's make is wicked. The appeal of a 2400 O/B,, I do like with the ease of maintenance. It would be easy for me just to let the engine down and let the water fall out for the winter. And the ability to hook up quick and head to the lake in the winter months here in NC. But the 2400 is to small for the rough water here on the weekends.

The down side is 2 stroke smoke is a party foul around a tie up :sick: and never will sound as good as a big block. The color I think is fine and would not change it. I am not a fan of a 4 stroke outboard only on a pontoon
 
:cheers:Any Checkmate looks good to me, I use the 2 stroke oil that has the least amount of smoke ( nothing beats the smell of Klotz oil ) and 1 gallon of Klotz 118 octane race full mixed in with each tank of full:thumb:

I have seen some guys paint their outboards to match the color scheme of their boats, I can't wait to read others views on tis topic:popcorn:
 
I grew up seeing nothing but outboards...when I see an inboard, I actually think the boat looks like it's missing something. Not saying I'm right, wrong or other...I'm just saying.
 
If I knew absolutely nothing about boats- I'd say the i/o looks better... most non-boaters would agree, I think.

I'm still figuring out which I like better :sssh:... guess I love both.
The ride in an i/o is a ton better than any o/b I've ever been in. I've never been in a big o/b boat, maybe its not as noticable in somthing like sct's- I think the i/o will always win in the ride department. o/bs are cheaper to maintain, imo. I love how high strung merc motas sound- the maintnence is kinda a turn off. I also love how modded 90* omcs sound- just plain wicked (yeah-I've been thinking about it).

The o/b sights and sounds are things that we boaters appreciate... but none of that will beat the stares you get when you're idling up with a really healthy bbc- thats one thing I noticed when I got the 24. People looked at the Exciter and would ask how big the motor was, but they all just flat out stare at the 24. I think that is proof of what most people like around here (mostly i/o boats in the area).

We have hardly any boats around here with big o/bs- I never understood why... the local lakes are shallow and have stumps- perfect for outboard boats. Everyone I know likes the looks of the i/os better, though.
 
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IMO, the styling's a part (although a small part) of what makes an outboard so cool. When you're on the water, or hauling down the road, it's what stands out. It's what screams "look at that!!".

Mercury has done a pretty good job over the years making the engines look cool and complimentary to the boat's performance and attitude (ie: alien, drag, optimax cowls, satin sportmaster, etc). And they shine, shine, shine!!

When cars pull by, they want to hang out along back and check out the engine as much, if not more, than the boat. Same at the dock. Can only imagine people with Randy's boats when he tests and ties 'em up.

And as far as the sound goes, guess it depends on preference. As far as my taste, 7,500+RPM of above water scream scares the piss out of most people that ride with me. I've had one comment "do you have a fire extinguisher in case it blows up"...and to think some of these motors go 11,000+, unimaginable!

Did have a chance to ride in a 35 Fountain with twin HP 700's @100+ on Lake Coeur d' Alene, ID (what an unbelievable lake by the way) and it was REAL cool though.

Entirely different experience, but still awesome.
 
IMO....its like comparing apples to oranges. I like outboards and they sound wicked when modded and wound up....but all around, I would have to say a BBC just sounds better. Nothing beats the sound of a big lopey V8. I love the looks of the 28 OBX, but that boat could pull the same speeds with a single BBC. It's all about preference. When you get to the big offshore fishing boats that run 2, 3, 4, even 5 outboards.....you might as well have twin heathy, BBC's. As far as handling goes, I have never driven a big outboard boat, but I know how well my Convincor handles.

As far as the styling of the boats go, again, apples and oranges. A pulsare looks naked without an OB on the back. They are two different designs with two different purposes. The nice thing about and IO boat is the nice big swim platform and sun pad. A big OB still looks cool, but looses some of those comforts that are nice when anchored at the sand bar.
 
karzrus said:
I guess this is another controversial topic that maybe should not be disscused or has been and I didn't see it. I will blame it on winter for even poping into my head.

But if the big black lumps(s) on the back of all those O/Bs did not represent 200,250,300+ HP and blinding speed, would we all still think they were beautiful or rather warts on a otherwise great looking boat.

I would not refer to them as warts no matter what the Horse power. The bigger motors are eye catching for me because of the setback brackects that are used, and decaling that you can change to customize that cowl. I think they look alot better then incorperated swim platforms which allow mfg's to call boats 24' when they are really a 22' boat. C/M's Pulsare's are true to form in there length.:)

I think of Big Red's old boat and SCT's(just watched the video again). I like both alot.:drool: But if those twin 300s on SCT's did not mean Big power/speed. I might think they are ugly from a styling standpoint.

I would not call it ugly -- just not your taste:bigthumb:

What if OB motors were available in colors to match the color of the boat they are on?
That would be fine for Yammi's and Evinrude (The fish mota's) but Black motor rules -- Always have -- Always will:drool: The thought of painting a Merc is sacreligious and makes me:sick:

I'm not trying to insult the O/B guys, but maybe I have for just bringing it up, sorry just wondering...

I have owned both and they all have unique qualities. I have been an outboard guy for ten years now for a few simple reasons -- Matainence -- price and that sound of a 2.5 with a tunner is like listening Beethoven's 5th!!:cheers:
Click to expand...
 
When my buddy pulls up to the bar with twin 700's gargling, snotting, and barking, there is no comparison (36 Cig). Cams just make such a difference.:thumb:

I love the reliability and maintenance aspect of a two-stroke (newer ones particularly). Although Optimax motors are starting to require some added time for winterizing.

The latest generation of Optimax motors pretty much are smoke free which is nice and the gas mileage is almost as good as my tow vehicle.

I like them both on the top end, but my 280 was one sick son of a gun and so was my Bridgeport.

The one thing I really like about car motors is that they seem to be less affected by weight. If I put one extra person in my boat, I notice it. Not the same in I/O's.

I wouldn't mind a car motor, but I really love O/B's!
 
Good topic!! I have to go with the I/O's for sure!! I think O/B's sometimes can look odd or out of place hangin off the back of a boat, there's nothing quite like the look of a drive and 2 (or more) big stainless exhuast tips stickin' thru the a$$ end!! Plus, i love the look of engine hatches with any kind of air scoops on them, just makes a boat look tough. Now, i'm not saying the O/B Enchanter is an ugly boat, no no not at all, but i just perfer the look of the I/O Enchanter becuase of the engine hatch/rear styling. Plus there's nothing like firing up a nice V8 and watching your neighbors, or people at the bar for that matter, practically give themselves whip-lash to see what's making so much noise!! O/B's definatly have there advantages, i know an Enchanter with a 225hp O/B hangin off the back will smoke my 260hp car motor, and is much easier to maintain, but i love the V8 rumble!!
 
Thanks all, for being civil in your responses so far,:bigthumb:

I'm wondering what all the Enchanter owners/lovers are thinking since that boat was available both ways?
 
I like the looks of the i/o Enchanters better.

I saw a i/o Exciter with a small block for sale- it was way cool! I liked the lines better than mine. It looked kinda tight under the hatch, though...
 
hotdaddy27 said:
When my buddy pulls up to the bar with twin 700's gargling, snotting, and barking, there is no comparison (36 Cig). Cams just make such a difference.:thumb:

I love the reliability and maintenance aspect of a two-stroke (newer ones particularly). Although Optimax motors are starting to require some added time for winterizing.

The latest generation of Optimax motors pretty much are smoke free which is nice and the gas mileage is almost as good as my tow vehicle.

I like them both on the top end, but my 280 was one sick son of a gun and so was my Bridgeport.

The one thing I really like about car motors is that they seem to be less affected by weight. If I put one extra person in my boat, I notice it. Not the same in I/O's.

I wouldn't mind a car motor, but I really love O/B's!
Click to expand...


The snarl of Big Blocks is just a head turning noise. Even with my stock motor and EMI Thunder exhaust, when I fired up at the ramp, everyone's heads turned.....and you could read a few "wow"'s or "dang"'s on peoples lips. My good friend's 32 Envision with twin 800 hp blower motors is really a thing to hear. With his silent choice ON, his motors were darn near as loud as mine straight. When he hit that exhaust switch, the whole world began to rumble......talk about instant woody.
 
hotdaddy27 said:
When my buddy pulls up to the bar with twin 700's gargling, snotting, and barking, there is no comparison (36 Cig). Cams just make such a difference.:thumb:

I love the reliability and maintenance aspect of a two-stroke (newer ones particularly). Although Optimax motors are starting to require some added time for winterizing.

The latest generation of Optimax motors pretty much are smoke free which is nice and the gas mileage is almost as good as my tow vehicle.

I like them both on the top end, but my 280 was one sick son of a gun and so was my Bridgeport.

The one thing I really like about car motors is that they seem to be less affected by weight. If I put one extra person in my boat, I notice it. Not the same in I/O's.

I wouldn't mind a car motor, but I really love O/B's!
Click to expand...


The snarl of Big Blocks is just a head turning noise. Even with my stock motor and EMI Thunder exhaust, when I fired up at the ramp, everyone's heads turned.....and you could read a few "wow"'s or "dang"'s on peoples lips. My good friend's 32 Envision with twin 800 hp blower motors is really a thing to hear. With his silent choice ON, his motors were darn near as loud as mine straight. When he hit that exhaust switch, the whole world began to rumble......talk about instant woody.

And you are right, the larger boats with car motors seem to have a little effect on weight. Mine was the same on GPS if I had just me and 1/4 tank of gas or I had 5 people, full tank, two large full coolers, and a third battery. I'm sure once I get going faster with the new motor, weight will play a role on top end, but not at the stock level.
 
One thing I like about the O/B with a hydraulic slider is that I can completely get the motor out of the water in shallow areas.

If I am in unfamiliar territory, I can make it so my prop blades just touch the water enough to move me (sport master lower).

At 600 dollars for a replacement labbed prop, it is something I think about.

HD
 
this is Great East Predictor's on the trailer....

need I say more?

normal_Picture_165.jpg
 
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