Transom failures: I/O vs. O/B

[gw204f]

I'm half-heartedly looking for a very inexpensive V20 to kick around in for the next few years until the budget allows for something bigger/newer/nicer/etc. I'm hoping to find one that is structurally solid that only needs cosmetics and/or minor work to the power.

With that in mind, I was wondering if there is a difference in the transom failure rate of the I/O V20s and O/B V20s? My gut tells me that the O/B models are far more susceptible to transom rot due to the molding that protects/seals the top edge of the motor cutout and the engine mounting bolts. Can any of you guys confirm this?

I/O power is certainly not my first choice, but I would rather deal with it for a few years than have to dive right in to a transom rebuild.

Thanks.

[THEFERMANATOR]

6 to 1 half the dozen the other, it is a roll of the dice really. O/B transoms suffer from water intrusion at the cap and around the engine mounting bolts if not properly sealed. I/O's can get water in around the transom assembly if the seal dries out, and also through the transom hole if not properly sealed at the factory. There all susceptible to water intrusion around the drain plug, and any hole that somebody puts in there to mount a transducer or something to the transom. Poor work and repairs cause more transom failures than anything else.

[randlemanboater]

You should be able to find either model with a solid transom with a little work...and at a decent price in this market.

[gw204f]

Thanks guys. I was just curious if one was particularly more susceptible than the other. But you're right, no boat is safe from a careless builder/owner.

[reelapeelin]

I agree..I think you'll find good/bad of either...one thing more to look for is a soft fuel tank hatch lid...I/Os can have their own set of problems, but some OBs can be painful...I'm OB preferable myself, but lots of guys here like their I/Os...boy,this has been a lotta help...:head:

[macojoe]

I would be looking for a I/O if it was me, or a old Seadrive nothing better in the salt then a full transom boat.....IMO
I converted mine for cheap doing work myself using used stuff.

http://www.wellcraftv20.com/gallery/album91

[gw204f]

Nice job macojoe!

I thought I had found something in a Chris Craft 211 Scorpion. From the pics posted on CL, I suspected it had a rebuilt transom already. Drove 2 hrs to see it yesterday and confirmed the transom was good...but the stringers and aft bulkheads were totally rotted out. :-(