Gas usage - I/O vs. IB

DanB · Newbie Joined: 13 May 2004 Posts: 36 City: New Durham

I'll be looking to buy a boat this coming Winter. I wanted a wakeboard boat with V-drive, but am starting to worry about gas prices. What is the difference with regards to gas usage in a 240/260-HP I/O vs. a 320 HP IB? Is it substantial? I grew up on boats, but never paid attention to gas. Now that its up to $2 per gallon, I'm wondering how much extra gas money I'd be spending per week (on top of the boat payment, insurance payment, etc). Thanks for your input!

Neognosis · Ladies Man Joined: 13 Jan 2003 Posts: 17617 City: Webster

Wakeboarding inboards use more gas. But they do pull better. It's a tradeoff. I got an inboard. However, we only use it for pulling, PERIOD. We never cruise anywere on it. We are either pulling someone, or anchored out and just relaxing.

Bowen · Posted: May 19, 2004 11:59 am Post subject:

It also depends on how much weight you wanna throw in it.

chavez · RIP MHL 04/25/1958 - 01/11/2006

DanB, when an I/O is on plane, less surface are remains in the water. Less drag=less gas usage. I have seen a (newer) fuel injected V8 I/O get what our best calculation showed as 6mpg on a 21 foot boat at cruising speed (35mph).

This argument goes out the window when you start pulling - no matter what you do, you are gonna use a good deal of gas.

Xaggerate · Outlaw Joined: 29 Mar 2004 Posts: 135 City: SLO/Poway

$2 a gallon???....It's $2.50 here!....I can't wait to see $3 at the river during 4th of July weekend and Labor Day...