I work on I/Os and IBs mostly, not because they break more, its just my specialty. IB and I/O engine are just as reliable as OBs(soem case more so), but what I find with OBs is you can get away without doing all the maintainance. Where as the IBs and I/Os won't let you slide so easy. The other issue is labor on working on OB is generally lower(time wise, not per hour). If an I/O or IB gets major work, usually you are commited to repairing it, if an OB needs major work, you can do the four bolt tune up and replace it with another motor. Most IBs and I/Os are not set up for use in salt water, general market dictates the majority of engine packages(very few are closed cooled), not the best setup for intended use. My own V has an outboard, and for where I live, its the best suited for what I intend to do with it. If I lived on a deep, fresh water lake, I might have a different opinion
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