Newbie here

[Gator_Bait]

Man I like that avatar CYENSEN!!!! ;D ;D

Well I think I prefer an O/B, although I do like the benefits of a full transom. never had an I/O so I guess I'm just biased but could be swayed for the right boat most likely. The motor box makes a seat but could also be in the way..so that's a wash I guess. I assume an old OMC Sea Drive boat would make a nice bracketed O/B model and have the best of both worlds...full transom and no motor box. Of course too many specific preferences and I'll never find a boat so I realize compromise is a must for sure.

One thing I have noticed in pics is that some have the large fish box between the seats and some do not. Some seem to have several smaller wood panels in the deck, but I like the large fish box with the swinging door that opens. The one I was watching that randleman bought had this and it was an '84 so perhaps the 80's and up have this? Also do these drain overboard or into the bilge?

Self Bailing I want, which as far as I have read seems to also point to 80's models when they raised the floor slightly to accomodate this. A little freeboard sacrifice I know but my gut always felt the less going into the bilge the better so I like self bailing, especially with possibly going offshore some it gives me a little piece of mind.

I read somewhere that some models/years have thinner gunwale's? Not sure which years that is though? I'd like room for flush rod holders and probably flush Lee outrigger holders in the gunwale as well, so that is important.

Did pretty much all years have 60 gallon tanks?

Geez I better end this here this is a long post :D

But I guess you asked for it LOL ;D ;D

Thanks for any insight you all have!