2001 Larson sei

[Miiller78]

I am currently looking at a 2001 Larson sei 18’ boat. It has a 3.0l Volvo penta engine are there any cons or serious issues with these engines. I’ve had old Chrysler outboards for the last 12 years so inboards are new to me. Thanks in advance

 

[muc]

Welcome to iBOATS

You are looking at a boat that was built with only one thing in mind ----- build it as cheap as we possibly can -------- if that's what you want, you have found it.

I'm pretty sure that with some searching you can probably find something with a 4.3L that will have power steering. I think you will be much happier.

 

[Scott06]

No serious issues with 3.0 from maintenance standpoint , in fact if reasonably cared for will last a long time. But as Muc points out they aren’t fast but they sure are slow.., I had a 17 ft sea ray 170 with the mercruiser version of the 3.0. Provided 2( years of good service but it is just underpowered especially as my kids got bigger.

if it’s just you and another person or two out for a cruise it will be fine. If you want to have a full boat and ski tube or wake board the advice to find one with a 4.3 is good advice

 

[Prophammer]

I like the 3.0 it is a tough little engine, sounds sort of like a garbage truck coming down the street when under load, and it doesn't take up all the space in the engine compartment

 

[harringtondav]

My '96 SEI 174 BR has the 4.3 Merc 180 hp. More than enough power, although a little stern heavy. The 3.0L would probably be fine in this 2300#, 16'9" boat. Per above comments, the 3.0L may be a bit under powered in a larger boat. ....depends on how you intend to use it. Pulling a skier or boarder out of the water with several passengers may take a while.

ps: Larsons have the reputation of a cheap starter boat. Maybe so, but I've taken care of mine...particularly keeping the hull/transom structure dry. It's still a great boat. Cobalt, Bryant, Larson will all rot away if neglected.

 

[buckshot77]

We bought the same boat last fall, ran it a few times before storage. Im very happy with it so far, top was 42 mph with a 3 blade SS, cruises nice at 20-25

 

[buckshot77]

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