New owner - any startup advice?

[Seacrets]

Choice of power is just that, a choice. I own an 86 outboard and quite frankly I'd rather be in an I/O model in a following sea. In the older outboard models you have a 20" transom with no scuppers. There's a reason Wellcraft switched to a 25" transom and installed scuppers. If you want to install a bracket and outboard, do it, but it's not the best thing since sliced bread. It may be to MJ and others, but not to everybody. Most 20' boats are kept on a trailer and not in the water which can be the kiss of death for an I/O docked in saltwater, so what's the big I/O issue? What does it really matter? MJ, maybe the reason you didn't like your I/O is because it may have been underpowered. Hop in a 260 HP I/O and you may be surprised. We have guys with 115 hp to twin 140's. Does it really matter what you have for power? Who cares, but I don't think one design vs. another sucks. It's like saying that Yamaha or Mercury is the best outboard. It's personal preference. If I ever did a bracket, I'd do a sea drive model rather than an I/O boat. There's alot less hole to fill. Again, personal preference, but the I/O, bracket doesn't suck either. Just my .02