Mariner / Santego?

[Viper]

There's no denying the performance and economic advantages of running a sterndrive vs an inboard. Consider this though, what you save in fuel economy you will more than make up for in maintenance; gear lube every year, transom assembly maintenance such as bellow replacement, shift cables, gimbal bearings, trim sensors, corrosion, just to name a few, and that's not accounting for an actual failure. If you ignore these regular maintenance intervals, you may save in the short term but you'll more than make up for it eventually...it's inevitable in my experience. Compare that with regular maintenance on an inboard which would be a transmission oil change maybe once every 3-5 years depending on your boating habits. There is no comparison in maintenance budgets between the two designs.

On the heals of consumer concerns and feedback, it's no wonder boating manufacturers are slowly moving away from sterndrives and modifying some of their models to incorporate outboards instead where an inboard isn't practical for a given design. As for the Service industry, I'll be honest, we love sterndrives, and while most dread working on them, they're money makers and keep us in business

[Viper]

Source of the post....advantages/efficiency of I/O vs Sterndrive.....

I think you meant inboard vs I/O (sterndrive)

[Viper]

Source of the post Since Viper cannot cover all bases I will add you should get a survey.

[RGrew176]

You are correct in that there are things that need to be maintained with an I/O system. My last boat had twin I/O's. Each fall at winter layup I had the marina mechanic pull the outdrive and check alignment, change the gear lube and reassemble. Cost $99 per drive. Not an outrageous cost.

He also checked the bellows, gimbal bearings, shift cables etc. All that was included in the $99 cost. For me it was cheap insurance and for me worth the cost. Yes, I/O's are more complex. But, my experience over 12 years with the Bayliner and 3+ with the Carver show me that the I/O boat was less expensive to own and operate. Just fuel alone the Bayliner got almost twice the MPG's as the Carver.

Both systems have their advantages and disadvantages. I would not have a problem owning another I/O boat if the opportunity ever presented itself. I also have no problems owning an inboard powered boat. Either way a boat is something one pours $$ into to own and operate.

[ColRon]

Rick, I guess that shows everywhere is different and everyone mileage varies so to speak. Down here in the mid south we don’t typically pull our boats out of the water for the winter. While the 3067 is technically trailerable, I didn’t have the ability to trailer it so it stayed in the water year round. That also meant whenever it was pulled, it was put in a lift and slings to pull it. That alone was a $600 cost, not including the cost any maintenance or repair work. When I sold it, I had the outdrives serviced and one of the outdrives was replaced under warranty, my cost $2100. (Parts were covered under the warranty, but not labor, I had just had both drives replaced the previous year at a cost of $12k). The least amount I ever paid was $800 to get it serviced. So like they say I guess it’s all, location location location.

[Cooler]

Welcome Craig B - I hope I'm not too late, I have some input. There are a lot of variables here. Do you do your own mechanical? If so, Alpha One units are relatively inexpensive to replace so that's good. The labor would be expensive, in terms of cash, and also in lost boating time depending on what/when something happens. The fuel economy comparison between V drives and I/O's is significant, but you have to figure out how much you actually run before you make a final decision. There is one very important issue I do not see in your description. The Santego has Mercruiser's with A-1's, what about the Mariner. If there are Crusader's in there, the picture for me is very different, especially with the hours. I know you are looking at future sales data, but with the overall age of the vessels, anyone that knows engines will side heavily with Crusader. Hours discussion? If I was being offered the same boat with 1000 hr Merc, or a 1600 hr Crusader, I'm taking Crusader as a no-brainer decision. https://yachtsurvey.com/GasEngines.htm

[Cooler]

Continued - Now for my opinion. Having had both I/O's and V drives, I would recommend V drives. Way better in terms of maintenance, and maneuvering. In reference to boat design, the Mariner. The walk around sides are way more appreciated by your crew for docking. I really like the Santego for styling and lines, but the Mariner is much better for me in terms of functionality. Good luck with your decision. It really is a no lose situation. You will be happy, either way. I am thinking the overall condition of each boat is going to lead you to a final decision. Make sure you let all of us know what happened!!!!
By the way, did anybody mention good professional survey? Where are these boats located? er

[Craig_B]

Still waiting to see the Santego next weekend so no input is too late. Thanks
As I said earlier I would not consider a purchase without a survey so no body worry. lol

Both boats have the same engines 5.7 Merc.
I do most of my own maintenance on our current boat. 1965 Starcraft Cheiftain with what I believe is the Original Merc outdrive as in the first type produced. However i do like the idea of low maintenance as well as fuel savings. I wish you could get both in the same package.
As for maneuverability since this is our first Big Boat I like the idea of a boat that handles easier.
Lots to consider.
Thanks again for the input.

[Cooler]

I was talking to a guy yesterday who is pretty frustrated with maneuvering his twin I/O's. He has an express style boat but he has trouble keeping his track into slip. Bow gets lost real easy with any wind at all. The pivot point on V drives is almost at mid-ship so it's much easier to feel and react in wind. I/O's are really touchy due to thrust location at furthest aft of the vessel.

The survey issue is just getting to be some humorous point. er

[Craig_B]

Ok now here is a really loaded question.........

What does the group think either of these boats is worth in Canadian dollars? Both are listed just above and below $30,000.
I intend to make offers of less than the asking amount just would like to keep my offer in a reasonable range.

Thanks

oh and i decided to just skip the survey............








just kidding