I/O Questions?

Two Fister · 01-28-2006, 11:27 AM

Hey Dogs!
After searching for a specific 22' deep v, reverse chine, hand laid, no chopgun fiberglass hull for a few years one has popped up on my radar. I'm going to be zipperlipped about the specific make/model because I've had three of them scooped out from beneath me over the course of the last 3 years and this one is priced to sell. Let's just say that it is one of the boats that gets recommend on a pretty regular basis by Salty Dogs when somebody asks what boat should I buy. It only takes one look at the "Whose On Line" section to realize that there are as many, if not more, lurkers on line as ifishers. If one of the Dogs would really like to know the make/model shoot me a PM and I'll fill you in on the details!

In it's the former life it was used by one of the police departments in the Seattle area as a patrol boat, primarily on Lake Washington and Lake Union. At the end of last season, the police put a brand new (not rebuilt) Volvo penta motor and a brand new (again, not rebuilt) single prop Volvo outdrive on the boat. They stored it for the winter and then decided to buy a new boat. That's the story from the broker at least.

I wish that I could have found it before they repowered it as they used this same model hull in a bracketed outboard configuration so I think it would have been easy to add the bracket and 4 Stroke O/B that I would have definitely preferred.

It's been stripped of all of it's electronics, which is fine with me as I won't have to debate with the CEW (Chief Executive Wife) about replacing a 12 year old radio or FF. It has a radar arch and lots of extra built in storage where they must have kept the tools of their trade.

I searched the archives for information about I/Os, but most of the threads got hijacked into "my outboard is better than your I/O because I like it more" or "your I/O is going to blow up because it's an I/O" kind of arguments. I also looked at The Hull Truth. They had lots of the same kind of arguments, but the people that had newer generation I/Os seemed to like them a lot. The folks on THT that had the biggest problems with I/Os seemed to be in warm water areas where moored boats grow a lot of salad on their submerged parts. I'll definitely be using this as a trailer boat so I'm not worried about that.

I've never owned an I/O so I was hoping some of you Dogs with I/Os could give me the good, the bad, and the ugly. Based on what I read in the archives, I've already started talking to the dealer about replacing the outdrive with a new duoprop as part of the deal.

So tell me what you think Dogs!

Thanks again!!

If this deal works out it looks like there'll be another desert dog in the Salty Dog ranks! Maybe I'd better keep my head down with Skein running around out here in the desert!

TF

Flush Release · 01-28-2006, 01:46 PM

Quote:

Volvo penta motor and a brand new (again, not rebuilt) single prop Volvo outdrive on the boat.

Buy it, Volvo outdrives are the best going and are nearly bullet proof.
Is it a 270 or 280?

Two Fister · 01-28-2006, 05:00 PM

Flush Release,
I believe it's the 280.
TF

salmonquest · 01-28-2006, 05:02 PM

I've had two boats with I/O's including the one I have now. My first was a mercruser, Mid was a mariner outboard and now I have a volvo penta with a single prop sx drive. I have heard that the volvo's are the best drive on the market now. I am going on my third season with mine and Have been very happy so far. It sure is great on gas. Maintence is a little more but not much. I would go for It, sounds like a very salty boat.

Flush Release · 01-28-2006, 05:23 PM

Good one.

bajadan2000 · 01-28-2006, 05:27 PM

Dan

Any salty boat will have its compromises. If the perfect boat were manufactured, we would all have the same boat. All the engine/motor types have advantages and disadvantages.

Can you fly fish out of it? Will the engine box be it the way? Sounds like a great hull design, which has to be one of the big issues not to compromise on. In the end, it is you that has to be comfortable with the boat.

Sure is fun boat shopping!!!!

Dan

backlash442 · 01-28-2006, 05:56 PM

Used to have a Volvo duoprop (although yours is single). Very reliabe. If they throw the duoprop in could be a very good deal. Don't know what you are paying so can't say it's a good deal or not.

I'm on my second I/O and I like them. Engine box makes for a nice seat. You lose some space but in a 22' don't think it'll be a big deal. My old boat was 22'. We sat on it. Stood on it when fishing. Used it to clean fish on etc. Mounted a rod holder on it too. I like the I/O when you are working on the engine. Current boat has padding on the motor box so is very comfortable to sit on. Easy access to the swim step too. Wouldn't have any problems buying another I/O.

Two Fister · 01-28-2006, 06:45 PM

Thanks Dogs! I'm getting really excited about this boat!

Other than taking up space with the doghouse and having too many angles/linkages/connections in the drivelines, what are the downsides of the I/O?

TF

Flush Release · 01-28-2006, 07:04 PM

Quote:

having too many angles/linkages/connections in the drivelines

Thats about it. Like all machinery they need a good PM program. With this as long as you don't have a strike they will last for decades.

backlash442 · 01-29-2006, 04:44 PM

Down side is you have a rubber boot which can crack and leak. Keep your outdrive stored in the down position.

Orca · 01-29-2006, 06:19 PM

Ideally, you will want a fully closed cooling system. If you have fully closed cooling, you will have better longevity and less maintenance. If you have 1/2 closed cooling, then you will have some additional maintenance on the exhaust manifolds.

If the package is newer, then it should have the oil filter and oil change accomodations up-front and easy to reach. If not, the filter is tough to get off and out, and makes a nice mess. If not set up otherwise, you will want to pull the oil out the dipstick, rather than draining from the bottom of the pan. If you take it in for service, then it won't matter to you.

If it has the aluminum fin flame arestor, I would put a USCG Rated K&N (or other) air filter on it if possible. The stock flame arrester does no particle filtering, and while most boats doen't encounter sand/dust off the road, I still think it is good to get some filtering.

Pilar · 01-30-2006, 09:20 AM

Oil drain on an I/O boat is easy. Buy the drain kit from Aftermarket Marine for $20 online. This is a plug that replaces the standard drain plug and has a 40" hose with a cap on the end. You can then pull the hose out through the garboard drain under the outdrive, remove the end cap and let the oil run out into a milk jug for easy disposal.

I would not own an I/O boat without this feature.

I/O's are awesome. It is a car engine that is adapted for boat use. IMHO Mercruiser is a little easier on the pocket if you have an older unit. They score high marks with me for ease of repair and cheap parts. This is not true of the older Volvos and OMCs. Ask Corrirod what a radiator cap cost for his old Dory.

I don't know a thing about the new Volvos but I hear good things.

Down side as mentioned is maintenance. You are buying a boat that was most likely serviced by professionals and that is a plus. The normal procedure for most boaters is 'Don't worry, be happy'. Or at least until something breaks down. Maintenance consists of proper annual checks and greasing. It is a good idea on mercruisers to remove the outdrive and check out the things that can leak on an annual basis. This is pretty easy and a novice mechanic can remove 8 nuts and the outdrive comes right off. The outdrive water pump should get replaced before it fails as well. For peace of mind I make this an annual.

Anyway congrats and good luck.

Noyb72 · 01-30-2006, 09:28 AM

I have a Wellcraft with your package and really enjoy it. I'm a little old fashioned, but I like the idea of a "proper" motor. I have the hydrolic steering and wouldn't live without it. Maintenance is easy and convenient. The engine cover hasn't been an issue with as many as 5 people fishing. A clear transom would be nice for trolling, but I like not having to wory about the outboard getting in the way when going across the back of the boat with a fish.

Ron

earlybird007 · 01-30-2006, 09:48 AM

Does it have fresh water cooling?.....that might be a nice addition if it doesnt..

Two Fister · 01-30-2006, 10:32 AM

Thanks for all of the great information! I'm supposed to get a bunch of pictures today from the broker so I'll post a few when I receive them.

The boat does have closed cooling system, heat exchanger and defrost.

While I'm not a great mechanic, I enjoy doing the basic work. I've worked on some big marine motors (671 and 471 detroit diesels) as an apprentice, but not smaller ones. Based on my experience so far with Bend outboard shops, I'm really looking forward to having a motor that I can work on myself.

TF

DriftR · 01-30-2006, 11:16 AM

I'll chime in here. I have the VP OSi series 5.7 litre with 280 hp. I added fresh water cooling. The VP came from the factory with Neutra Salt wash down system installed. The unit has a stainless steel duoprop on the composite outdrive.
This is one nice setup for me anyway. Sure, it costs to have it maintained but it's a small price compared to the overall cost of the boat, trailer, equipment and tow vehicle. If I had it to do over again, I would probably do the very same.
This motor pushes my boat around 40+ knots which is way faster than I need to go. I also added the extended warranty from VP. May never need it, but just a good option at the price I wanted to pay for it.

Triple C · 01-30-2006, 11:22 AM

I have the same motor as previous post. Everything
runs great. That 350 will be easy to work on if it breaks in the far away future.

Bluefinn · 01-30-2006, 12:13 PM

Volvo are great out drives a couple of things to look at.
1)check oil in drive for milky color
2)check rubber large 4" dia. hose There will be 2 make sure they are soft.
3)look for pitting at housing(lack of zincs)
4)make sure and test drive listen for intermediate bearing noise.This is the housing between engine and outdrive.
5)when you run the boat if you get some noise when you turn or you feel some slop it could be the u joints in the drive (very spendy)
6)Check the power tilt out make sure the drive goes up and down smoothly.
I have 2,900 hours on my volvo 290 and love it they do require some maintence though
7)check the alum.water pick up asmby.located below the large rubber hoses.This will be a alum.housing with a hose going to it.these crode out often not a big deal to replace.
8) If it is fresh water cooled the tank should have a brass plug in it this will hold a pencil zinc.if it is gone there is a good chance your tank could have some pin holes in it.might be a good idea to pressure test the tank.
Good luck volvo is good stuff but the Salt water can destroy anything.

Two Fister · 01-31-2006, 12:28 PM

Crud! Make it the 4th Olympic that's been bought out from underneath me.

Dealer told me they were getting it back from the detail shop today and that nobody would see it before me. I called to set up the appointment in Issaquah (a 6 hour drive for me) and they have a sale pending with a guy coming to put cash down this afternoon...

Grrrr!!!

Thanks for all of the responses about an I/O. Looks like I'm still looking after all!
TF

corrirod · 01-31-2006, 12:59 PM

Sorry to hear that TF. :depressed: :depressed:

Keep the search going and don't be "afraid" of I/o's, just be "aware". Lots of good info on this thread to keep in mind. I/O's are fine if they are taken care of and that goes for both Volvo and Mercruiser.

As Pilar said above, I didn't like the cost of the parts for my Volvo. I'm not sure if they just don't make after-market stuff or there is just very little of it but it seemed like everytime I bought a part it was thru the roof! I cracked a plastic insert for my heat exchanger(hmmm....plastic threads to screw a metal radiator cap to....a problem? Of course not.

) and the piece cost $120!!! The radiator cap was only like $57 (

) and had a rubber insert seal that goes bad but they don't have just the seal for sale, you have to buy the whole cap!

Anyway, no issues with the motor or drive other than parts.

Good luck on your hunt and next time you think you've got a good one put a refundable hold deposit on it so you get "first right of refusal". That's what I do with my customers. I've had folks in your same shoes that really liked a boat that came in but didn't want to put a hold on it and then before they got in it was sold. :depressed:

Two Fister · 02-01-2006, 08:34 AM

Thanks Rod! I offered to put a deposit on the boat but the dealer said it wasn't necessary as it wouldn't be out of the detail shop until late Tuesday or early Wednesday. Guess he was wrong.

After working in Anacortes during their hayday, I guess I just have a soft spot for Olympics. The problem is they are either in completely cherry shape or they are a total rebuild project. The cherry ones go in a second and the rebuilds are just too much of a project for me to take on with a house to remodel and two little helpers running around under foot. Not having a shop in the winter in Bend doesn't help the rebuild project either...
Thanks for the advice!
TF