considering 2003 volvo penta 4.3

[Bean Pot]

We are considering buying an Ebbtide Campione 180 boat with a 2003 volvo penta 4.3 on it. Asking price is $9000. Engine will be evaluated by the selling boat yard if/when we make an offer.

My questions:
- what are common problems for 2003 volvo penta 4.3 that would cost a little or a lot to fix?
- what goes wrong after 11 years on these?
- should we get independent mechanical eval?
- are there questions we should ask the seller?
- how would this boat/engine do spending summer in lake, fall/spring in ocean water?


Thanks!
Bean Pot

 

[KD4UPL]

Re: considering 2003 volvo penta 4.3

When you say "spending" the fall/spring in the ocean, do you mean leaving it in there for an extended period of time or just a few hours?
Either way that engine is not a good choice for an ocean boat. You'll be running the very corrosive sea water thru the engine. A better choice would be something with a closed cooling system or an outboard that was intended for ocean use.
Ebbtide in general is a great brand, one I've wanted for myself for years. A 4.3 should be decent in an 18' boat.
The Volvo is a bit more rare than a Mercruiser version of the same engine. If you intend to have it worked on by a shop I'd make sure there was a Volve mechanic in the area.

 

[bruceb58]

Re: considering 2003 volvo penta 4.3

The Volvo is a bit more rare than a Mercruiser version of the same engine.

The engines are identical.

The Volvo is an excellent drive and assuming proper maintenance was done, should have no problems after 11 years.

 

[raven1978]

Re: considering 2003 volvo penta 4.3

The engines are identical.

The Volvo is an excellent drive and assuming proper maintenance was done, should have no problems after 11 years.

Agreed, it is just regular maintenance on these things. I have a 30 yr old volvo on my boat, and its all original other than wear items.