If you want a good sport fisher go with a Boston Whaler, a Tiara or a Grady White......they are all great fishing boats. Otherwise......Mastercraft, Cobalt, Chris Craft make great leisure boats.
I've owned boats for 11 years, all had I/O's with an outdrive unit, and I've had NO trouble with the drives whatsoever. When the engine occassionally needs fixed, I put it on the trailer and drag it to the mechanic. Oh yeah, and it's a V8! As with everything in life, your mileage may vary. I also own a 328 and it's supposed to be 'reliable'. Ha. Yeah. That's a funny joke. Judging by the pics of Johnnies boat, and the saltwater environment it's in, I'd say that if that is how you'll be using your boat, I agree with him on the outboards. If however your boat will be in freshwater, and trailered whenever you use it, get the I/O. My $.02, based on my experience.
JoLa, Altho off topic from op's question[where'd he go? never did say waz the boat fer] a thing I learned while looking for info on hdpi's power-head issues is the fire sale going on in S.Fla on boats/prop. I do hope you got a redhot smoker on your Contender cos some prices I ''heard'' on your rig exactly I didn't think remotely possible. Apparently down there are people ''getting out'' and other people[with capital,think euros] moving in,into deals. I won't tell Contender prices I heard but other new 285k price rigs now 110, 26Sailfish-40[thats a nice-good boat], Bertrams w/towers staterooms under70.Prop,Jupiter on water 5/4 pool guesthouse w2/1,1.2acre,preserve bordered 685K. Again,on the nite before you get your rig I should maybe keep quiet...just tell us how much you love it. cheers, RE
