Outboard vs I/O - which is quieter?

[go4it]

I'm in the research stage of buying a new Cobalt. I've narrowed it down to either a 23SC or the SC23 - although different boats, both would cover our use (cruising to restaurants and/or "sightseeing" with another couple). I'm wrestling with whether to go with an I/O or an OB - it boils down to which one is quieter. I would appreciate:

1.) Any feedback/experience anyone one has with this subject and,
2.) The age old question, if an I/O Merc or Volvo?

Thanks

[AsLan7]

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Hey go4it. Welcome to the CobaltChat forum. So glad you found us!

Today's outboards are very quiet. That being said, you will notice the difference coming on plane or cruising between an outboard powered boat and and I/O in sound. The I/O (even a big block) is insulated very well in the engine bay and I believe is quieter. ....until you open the captain's call exhaust up.

The beauty of the outboard is the low maintenance and room gained from it hanging off the back of the boat. If I were boating in saltwater it would definitely be an outboard over an I/O.

Do you have a Merc or Volvo dealer near you for servicing? The ease of servicing may help in making your decision. Personally I'm an all american Mercruiser fan but I think Volvo Penta currently has the edge in technology.

Others will chime in shortly.

Again, welcome aboard mate!

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[go4it]

Thanks - looking forward to learning more about Cobalts from everyone. I'm in freshwater and I have access to both Merc and Volvo dealers. You mentioned Volvo might have a technology edge - care to share any thoughts or examples?

[AsLan7]

Thanks - looking forward to learning more about Cobalts from everyone. I'm in freshwater and I have access to both Merc and Volvo dealers. You mentioned Volvo might have a technology edge - care to share any thoughts or examples?

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Sure.
Currently the lighter VP 6.2L small block is the latest technology from VP and has a huge weight advantage over the older style heavier Merc big block pushing the same horses. (Unfortunately there are no torque curves published anywhere for that VP). Still an impressive feat matching Merc’s heavier big block HP. The VP weighs in at only 972 pounds which includes BOTH the duo-prop outdrive and props! The merc engine ALONE is 1,122 pounds.
(I bet the big block sounds better though).

430 Horse 6.2 VP link

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[go4it]

That's quite a difference. I also read that back in 2015(?) when Merc introduced this generation, they made some changes to make it smoother/quieter like relocating the airtake to face the stern. I agree with you that comparing the torque curves would be intereting.

[akorcovelos]

I/O is very quiet unless you open the taps and run flat out, but in that case the OB would be screaming too. Once in a while I’ll randomly shut the captains call off and my wife thinks the boat died, lol.

Yes VP make a more efficient I/O, but as said, there’s a reason VP doesn’t post torque numbers, because a small block will never touch a big block in the torque department without forced induction. Some say the VP outdrives are better, I disagree. Parts are cheaper for Mercs, generally there is more Merc certified mechanics than Volvo. Cobalt only stopped building stock boats with Merc because Merc is owned by Brunswick who also owns Sea Ray, Bayliner, Crestliner, Harris Boats, and Boston Whaler, so they didn’t want to buy a competitor product. I’m biased as I’ve always had Mercs, but I have neighbors who have VP and have had some issues. My buddy had the controls on his VP fail to WOT twice, once out him nose first into a sea wall. Another has had his boat in the shop all summer because all the Volvo techs are swamped and haven’t had tome to get to his yet. Just my .02

[Big Block Power]

Volvo penta and vvt is way ahead of merc. Sad to say. Outboard which brand are you thinking? Myself Merc would be my choice in that dept. That is there main focus right now. If I'm inland i/O is the way to go so you get the swim platform.
Sounds Level they are both very quiet. About 78dbs. A outboard is equal to a eggbeater
I would choose a 400r myself just saying.

[go4it]

IF I went OB I would go with a Verado. Yes, I am on an inland freshwater lake.

[Mike in SC]

I'd go outboard. After my boat was winterized, that ended the season for us, but SC has many warm winter and spring days where I'm tempted to put the boat in. I do love the swim platform though, its perfect.

[ajcampen]

Blow it all up... redesign the outboard do it mounts where the outdrive of an I/O is. That would be innovation. Or let’s just do electric

[go4it]

Being in MN once it's winterized that's it - NO chance of using it until spring. So, that aspect doesn't enter in except for the ease of winterizing it (agree with your thinking though).

[akorcovelos]

Blow it all up... redesign the outboard do it mounts where the outdrive of an I/O is. That would be innovation. Or let’s just do electric

SeaRay and Pursuit already tried that. Cool concept, didn’t catch on for whatever reason.

35BFE0F7-9797-4D0C-9F52-395C6765DE8E.png

43D95872-B5E4-4165-B686-AA87A6F73BB5.jpeg

[ajcampen]

Blow it all up... redesign the outboard do it mounts where the outdrive of an I/O is. That would be innovation. Or let’s just do electric

SeaRay and Pursuit already tried that. Cool concept, didn’t catch on for whatever reason.

35BFE0F7-9797-4D0C-9F52-395C6765DE8E.png
43D95872-B5E4-4165-B686-AA87A6F73BB5.jpeg

Thanks for posting that....cool to see. Gives you a more finished look however still loose platform. Loved your July pics of family and boating...we still have August coming

[Big Block Power]

So your question about which one is quieter it really depends on the boat and what rpm . But merc will run 58 to 60dbs OB Volvo I/O will between 73 at the helm to 78 by the engine compartment and time to plane with in
8.64923 seconds of each other with a frh7 prop. Just kidding on that one.

[dustinm]

After having to replace a 200hp OB on our Ranger all because of a slight miss above mid throttle, the cause was a scored cylinder - non rebuild-able cost wise, I dont know if I would ever buy another OB boat. That same problem could have been fixed in V8 or not happened at all as no worry of oil mix.
Right now I would lean toward a VP with a direct injected 5.3 or 6.2 for power and efficiency. I had both in pickups and the current 6.2 is the closest thing Ive seen to big block and it will curb stomp a stock 78-95 454. Not only in mpg but all around, idle to redline.