outboard vs. I/O

[doyle]

I've been an avid boater for years, but I am a bit of a novice on the technical end of the spectrum. Will someone please explain to me why an outboard boat with less or similar power is faster than an i/o boat with similar makeup.

[Freak]

Major weight difference comes to mind.

[doyle]

Seriously, I should've thought of that. Is there anything else, or is just the weight difference.

[Boat Racer]

The 2-stroke compared to 4-stroke... Torque and RPM ranges......
Just to name a few, let me get a cup of coffee in me, and the COBWEBS out of me and I can tell you the specifics of them..

[doyle]

Thanks for the reply . If you got the time more info would be appreciated.

[Boat Racer]

2-stroke outboards are just that... They have a power stroke and then exhaust stroke..... This cuts everything in half,compared to a 4-stroke,which is INTAKE, COMPRESSION, FIRING, & EXHAUST, so let's say my 2.5 litre would and should be considered a 5.0....
And this simplfies and allows an outboard to have a much higher RPM range....
FREAK is correct, I'd run a 5.0 anyday(in a boat)..
[ May 04, 2003, 05:51 AM: Message edited by: Boat Racer ]

[Skaterfast]

1.Power to weight ratio.
2.You can run a higher X dimension with outboards(jack plate).
3.Rpms are a bit more with outboards.
4.Smaller more efficient lower unit.

[doyle]

Thanks guys, I feel smarter already

[jasonk]

Don't forget the ease of working on them. My brother has a I/O took over an hour to get the starter off. It will take longer than that to put it back on. Not to mention how sore he was fromthe tight quarters.

[MAXIMUS]

jasonk:
Don't forget the ease of working on them. My brother has a I/O took over an hour to get the starter off. It will take longer than that to put it back on. Not to mention how sore he was fromthe tight quarters. Your right about that! Them outboard starters are a piece of cake! Just get some more rope & attach it to the "T" handle, & presto new starter!