Outboards on big Searays?

Arminius

Well-Known Member
Oct 30, 2019
1,059
Seattle
Boat Info
Bowrider 200 Select, 2003
Engines
5.0L MPI, 260 hp w/Alpha 1 Drive
I am curious as to your views on Searay selling new big boats powered by multiple outboards. I had a knee jerk reaction when I saw 3 outboards on their new 37' runabout. Guess my mind is already closed.
 
The wave of the future... I liked the 37 Venture with the 2 outboards, but don't care for the open bow Sundancers.
 
How to transport a dinghy?
That’s really the only drawback to having outboard power. Having a clean transom isn’t as much of a concern for sport fishing but on a cruiser it’s a big deal. We need some ingenuity in engineering a solution to this conundrum as most folks won’t want a fold up port-a-boat or SUP as a dinghy.

Outboards are extremely attractive from a maintenance and re-power perspective though.

Different strokes for different folks.
 
Not a big fan, but if you want gas power better get used to it. I did notice on the new 37 sundancer they seem to be lower so as not to interfere with the swim platform as much.
 
Outboards are extremely attractive from a maintenance and re-power perspective though.

Attractive for repower? I assume you mean from a leadtime/time on-hard perspective? You could overpay for a new Merc big block inboard and still spend less than half as much as a single 300hp Verado :)
 
I have become a big fan of outboards over the past few years, to the point I an not sure I will buy another IO. Until the EPA requirements for emissions require catalysts on outboards, you will see most R&D going to them, which leads to more boat designs utilizing them. The designs are getting much better for swim platforms, but I agree a dinghy is still a problem.
 
Attractive for repower? I assume you mean from a leadtime/time on-hard perspective? You could overpay for a new Merc big block inboard and still spend less than half as much as a single 300hp Verado :)
Yes! Nobody wants to loose an entire season with the boat on the hard. Money difference becomes less of a factor on a larger yacht. If you can’t afford it then don’t have it.
 
Yes! Nobody wants to loose an entire season with the boat on the hard. Money difference becomes less of a factor on a larger yacht. If you can’t afford it then don’t have it.

Umm, okay. I didn't think we were talking about the cost of the "larger yacht" but the cost of the repower...sooo, I stand corrected?

:)
 
Umm, okay. I didn't think we were talking about the cost of the "larger yacht" but the cost of the repower...sooo, I stand corrected?

:)
I don’t disagree with you. My point is that outboard power on cruisers is a relatively recent thing. So all things considered if making a new purchase of comparable boats most seem to want outboards for the reason I mentioned. The cost difference really isn’t as significant when the boat costs $500,000+
 
I don’t disagree with you. My point is that outboard power on cruisers is a relatively recent thing. So all things considered if making a new purchase of comparable boats most seem to want outboards for the reason I mentioned. The cost difference really isn’t as significant when the boat costs $500,000+

I agree new for new, certainly. But you wouldn't be repowering a brand new boat so I guess I'm still confused on the point you were making regarding outboards being desirable in terms of cost to repower, or that it was not relevant due to relative value of the yacht. The $900k 2021 Sea Ray 370 is not going to be worth $900k when it comes time to replace an outboard or three.

But hey, let's at least agree that outboards should be much easier to replace. Shoot, can they do it with the boat still in the water??? Saved me $800 right there! :):)
 
80F5319C-37D0-4BB4-9460-CFCD5473E7C1.jpeg
 
I have become a big fan of outboards over the past few years, to the point I an not sure I will buy another IO. Until the EPA requirements for emissions require catalysts on outboards, you will see most R&D going to them, which leads to more boat designs utilizing them. The designs are getting much better for swim platforms, but I agree a dinghy is still a problem.

Catalysts on IO's is almost a non issue. I can't imagine they will be a problem on outboards. With that said, I'm a huge fan of outboards, but not on the back of a 35+' cabin cruiser.
 
Catalysts on IO's is almost a non issue. I can't imagine they will be a problem on outboards. With that said, I'm a huge fan of outboards, but not on the back of a 35+' cabin cruiser.
Not sure I follow. My florida neighbor just spent over $6k for maintenance to replace risers, manifolds and catalysts. I know they are supposed to be ok but he said his were a wreck and needed replaced. That’s a big cost especially if it happens every time. And finding a spot for a 1000 degree oven under an outboard cowl will likely be a big engineering design issue.
 
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Not sure I follow. My florida neighbor just spent over $6k for maintenance to replace risers, manifolds and catalysts. I know they are supposed to be ok but he said his were a wreck and needed replaced. That’s a big cost every 3-5 years. And finding a spot for a 1000 degree oven under an outboard cowl will likely be a big engineering design issue.

It's hard to guess what went on with your neighbor's boat but it's possible corrosion of the cat was accompanied by spent manifolds and risers. What I meant was catalyst problems are rare by itself.
 
I have already seen a 42’ Regal FXO on the water here in Tampa, Triple outboards, fly bridge, might even have a diesel Gen, inboard drives require 6 more through hulls (2 for shafts, 2 for rudders, 2 for water intake), it’s a gas hog compared to diesels, but better than inboard gas engines.

Aquila has a 36’ with outboards, gets 1.3mpg, 300+ NM range, twin 300s, seats 26 (CE CERT of B:8, C:18, D:26!), big swim platform, diesel Gen, spot for the dingy, sleeps 6 (2 in salon), you can get open air with isinglass, full glass with drop curtain, full glass plus rear glass sliding doors, or a fishing version. That’s looking better and better all the time...
 
At least on some of the others (like this 325 gto) you have some swim platform on the sides. The dinghy issue is still there though.

Galeon-Exterior-8.jpg
 
I agree new for new, certainly. But you wouldn't be repowering a brand new boat so I guess I'm still confused on the point you were making regarding outboards being desirable in terms of cost to repower, or that it was not relevant due to relative value of the yacht. The $900k 2021 Sea Ray 370 is not going to be worth $900k when it comes time to replace an outboard or three.

But hey, let's at least agree that outboards should be much easier to replace. Shoot, can they do it with the boat still in the water??? Saved me $800 right there! :):)

Who says you have to replace the entire outboard motor?

A complete new f-300 long block is about $10,000 and a reman is less than that. If a complete re-power is required then, yes outboards will be more costly as an f-300 cost about twice that. Many will pay for the added convenience of maintenance and all the extra space in the bilge.

Weight is another consideration compared to inboard power.
 

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