Whats better I-O VS Inboards for older searay

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BoatCrazy

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Looking for a boat. I am torn between I-O's or Inboards. I have my eyes on an older 310 Sundancer. One has I-O's one has Inboards.

I know performance wise hands down I-O is better, when it comes to winterization IO's are more expensive.

With a 90-92 310 (older model hull), whats a better fit for the size, beam, and weight?

Thoughts? Thanks
 
the older one is a pretty big boat. Personally, I'd like the inboards, but I'd sea trial them both if you can to see which you like better. The IOs will be faster and "sportier" but also get better economy, while the inboards will be a little easier to dock and plane out quicker.
 
Since you boat in the same pond as I do (Great South Bay) I would lean towards IOs. IOs, are also more fuel efficient and go faster than inboards. The disadvantage to IOs is maintenance.
Tough call
 
"With a 90-92 310 (older model hull), whats a better fit for the size, beam, and weight?"

Both will be fine
 
thanks for the input..

I dont really care about speed, I cruise at 27-30,000rpms..around here theres no need for faster..getting out of the water faster, i dont know if it really matters to me..most of these older 310's seem to come with inboards and the IO's are very rare..them being rare have me questioning, as to why only a handful were made...

Also the I-Os are ALPHA ones, not even a bravo with duo...

the boat I am looking at with I-Os has 4 bladed props, which i like because its more bite when docking...

who knows lol
 
I had an Alpa 1 on my 2001 Bayliner, no problem with that.
 
If you intend to trailer it, IO's. Storing it salt water, I'd go with the inboards
 
I would avoid Alphas on a boat that big...if they were Bravos of any type, I would say go ahead...Alphas are just too small for that size boat, and may have dependability issues if run hard.
 
Alpha's are fine with the 350's. I have them and my boat is bigger than most of the newer 310's. I have an 11 foot beam. The Alpha's are questionable when matched up with a 268 or larger boat with a 454. Our 250 DA with 454 had the original Alpha drive, but it's not heavy and planes quickly.

If it's stored in saltwater go with inboards.
 
had a 27' with I/O....moved up to current 340 with inboards......bit of adjustment / learning curve with inboards, specially backing....but...NO out drive maint...more than compensates for it....don't think I could go back to stern drive again....
Cheers
Pete
 
Unless you want to get close to beaches - go in-boards. I had a 1990 280da with I/O and 2000 310 with IB. I liked docking the IB's a lot mroe than the I/O's. A lot less upkeep with te IB's.
 
I agree with that 100%....... I had a 1991 310DA with 7.4's and inboards........ handled great around the docks.......and alot less upkeep then I/O's.

Plus I was able to do in water winter storage with the boat....and save even more $$$.
 
I have to agree with Don as well. I just upgraded to a 93 330 (same as the 90 310) and so far I am just loving the inboards. I can't speak of savings yet because I haven't had the boat pulled yet for the winter but based upon what my mechanic quoted me I should be a happy camper. Best of luck with your decision.

--Steve
 
On that size I would go with the inboards and the larger engines. On the smaller 30 sundancer, I would be comfortable with either. Good luck.
 
I have seatrials today for both 310's with IO's and Inboards..IO's have 5.7 mercs, and Inboards have 7.4 crusaders. Im assuming crusader was an upgraded motor??
 
IMHO........ I think the 5.7's may be a bit underpowered on and older 310DA.

Good Luck on the sea trial !!!
 
Sea trial is complete, and what a perfect day for it.

Call me crazy but I like the IOs with the smaller motors better then the inboards with 454's..

I found the IOs to be easier to dock with. The inboards swing such a small prop that there is not much bite..

both boats ran well, for what I am going to be using the boat for IOs are much better.

the only thing I dont like about the IO boat are those quicksilver controls..
 
THe 454s will be more conomical to run at cruise speeds in that boat. You'll be running at lower rpms then you would with the small blocks to get the same speed. Yup, those Quicksilver controls are the pits!
 
the 454s will only be economical if you dont open up the secondaries

i found the IOs to hold plane at 2700rpms where the inboards needed 29-3000rpms...

DOES ANYONE KNOW HOW HARD IT IS TO CHANGE THE QUICKSILVER CONTROLS??? IF SO WHAT CONTROLS DO YOU SUGGEST?
 
Funny that you should bring that up about the Quicksilver - I had thought about the possibility of changing them out as soon as I saw them on the new boat - just wondering how much would be involved with it?
 
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