So most would prefer outboards is what you are saying? I love the simplicity of an outboard but the closed transom is a great plus, fuel economy, noise level, the absence of the smell of a burning two-stroke mix, and knowing I have a 4 bolt main steel cranked small block chevy that roars....i'd rather have an I/O. i know I stated somtething about noise and smell and fuel economy and which a four-stroke outbaord can eliminate but i wouldnt wanna stick one of those heavy suckers off the back of a notched transom...maybe a jack plate since i have an I/O now but i dont think my current setup is gonna cause me enough grief to switch over just yet. maybe if i do keep the boat long enough for the I/O to deteriate to the level of replacing. :)