I/O or OB power? Need feedback ASAP

I've decided to try a V-20 for the next few years in waters on and around Nantucket. Have a choice of 2 creampuffs. Not having owned and run an I/O in ocean waters before I'm really giving primary consideration to the OB version @ 200 hp. It has an open deck w. only a helm seat; plenty of move-around space. The I/O of course uses deck space w. the doghouse and there's a back-to-back passenger seat on a storage box.

If one considers both boats and their propulsion systems equal in condition etc., but shorter $ to buy the I/O boat, I think my decision would be base on the weight difference aft between the 2. Any educated thoughts about this "dilemma"???

I have the 230hp 5.7 lier Mercruiser and LOVE it. I have been 35 miles off of the NC coast and trolled all day and still had gas in the tank for a short jaunt the following day. When I say troll all day...The motor was started at 0600 and did not get turned off at all until I was back at the marina at 1900!
Drawbacks are the loss of deck space (BIG drawback) and the weight of the motor.
My topspeed is only about 38mph but I rarely put her above a comfortable 25-30 in the ocean.

[garbubba]

I've owned I/O's & outboards & even though the I/O's are fuel efficient & quiet, there is no way I would ever buy another one. Outboards are more reliable, less complicated, more powerful for the weight, and these days they are pretty darn quiet.

Doug

[macojoe]

Well i have a V20 that use to be a I/O and I converted it to a outboard via a bracket.
IMO, run away from the I/O and get the Outboard!!! If possible find a old sea drive and repower with a bracket and outboard!! This will give you a full transom and pleanty of space!!
Nothing like a full transom in the rips of Natucket!! You will be happy you did!!

Good luck