Purchase advice: 4.3 Merc vs. 5.0 duo-prop

[SuperG]

Asking for some purchase advice. I grew up with stern drives (60s Johnson w/ 6cyl Buick, Chrysler w/4cyl.Volvo and 4cyl OMCs) and constant repairs, so I have limited experience but have been out of boating for many years. Further, I am not a mechanic. I am now purchasing my first boat and I've narrowed it down to two 20' Cuddy cabin boats. The first is a '89 Sunrunner 215CV w/ a 5.0L Volvo 280SX w/ duo-prop. It has closed circuit cooling and a cabin heater. This boat comes with more accessories (CB, VHF, downriggers, fishfinder, kicker plate, etc.), but costs $1K more. The other boat is a 1993 Bluewater Monte Carlo w/ a 4.3 Merc, which has recently had a "complete" rebuild on the outdrive ("U-joints, bearings, gears") by a dealer in business for many years. The boat is a repo. I also saw a new selenoid, fuel pump, and bilge pump. It has new canvas and a nicer trailer. Both boats are exceptionally clean for their age. I had them start the Volvo and it purred like a kitten, but I haven't yet started the Merc (they say they've been thru it and everything works). I like everything I have read about Volvos in general, but I'm leaning to the Merc simply because it's newer and if the rebuild is for real, I'd be starting off with a 'new' outdrive. The fuel economy is a big plus also (leaving more dollars for repairs). The Volvo has obviously been well cared for, but 15 years is probably near the effective life? I am trying to find out the maint. history of it to see what has been replaced. Dependablity and reliability are my chief concerns. I guess this is a kind of 'Ford vs. Chevy' argument, but I'd like to hear anybody's opinion on the viability of these motors/outdrives. Also, if anyone knows anything I should about either of these boat brands, that may help me make up my mind also. Thanks.

 

[fireship1]

Re: Purchase advice: 4.3 Merc vs. 5.0 duo-prop

Hello, This topic was just discussed in detail not too long ago on this board. Do a search under member name Boatingfool. He was the topic starter. The thread may answer some of your questions about the differences and reliability between Merc and Volvo. Good luck!

 

[rodbolt]

Re: Purchase advice: 4.3 Merc vs. 5.0 duo-prop

hello<br /> were it my coins I would go with the volvo. it has a larger engine it may burn a gallon an hour more cruising but it is well worth it. the duo prop is vastly supeior to the alpha. period.. the engines are both GM. the volvo is freshwater cooled so no block and head salt corrision. if it were mine I would figgue in a manifold(if salt water cooled manifolds) and a riser change as well as a new sea water pump right from the start. build it into your purchase price. dont go by age on boats. boats normally spend all of their lives sitting.<br /> the 15 year old boat with 100 hours is as neglacted as the 1 year old boat with 1000 hours. its all a matter of meticulous maint and how many hours. and yes I do see boats over 10 years old with less than 100 hours on the clock.<br /> almost sounds like the monte carlo suffered a trailer sinking . but my best advice is to hire a competent marine surveyor and a competent third party technician to look over both boats. the only other advice is "there aint no such thang as a good deal in a boat". <br /> good luck and keep posting

 

[Walt T]

Re: Purchase advice: 4.3 Merc vs. 5.0 duo-prop

You wont regret buying the Sunrunner simply because it will outperform the Alpha hands down. BUT, the 4.3 does get pretty good economy. either drive is great, pay attention to the care given.

 

[arboatdr]

Re: Purchase advice: 4.3 Merc vs. 5.0 duo-prop

Both set ups are good. It really depends on which boat you like best. Bluewater boats are a very good boat. As long as the engines/drives were maintained properly there shouldn't be a problem with either one.

 

[Doug Durako]

Re: Purchase advice: 4.3 Merc vs. 5.0 duo-prop

I would stay away from a repo----prbably was sunk or had the pi$$ run out of it with little or no maintenance.<br /><br />People buy boats and don't realize there is substnatial operating cost (fuel, maintenance, insurance) of $1000 or more annually on top of any loan costs.<br /><br />I agree with rodbolt---age means little---it is all in the use and maintenance.<br /><br />Only other advise of course, is drive before you buy and look up the values in at least one reference so you have a starting point (NADA or Kelly Blue book---trailers listed separately---motor upgrades are also in a separate section).<br /><br />Good luck!

 

[SuperG]

Re: Purchase advice: 4.3 Merc vs. 5.0 duo-prop

Thanks for the advice; it confirms my first instinct, which is that the Bluewater's history is suspect and the Sunrunner has had time spent on it in the garage. The previous owner clearly expended effort (& dollars) by installing the fishing gear and the closed circuit cooling. I'll continue to pursue the outdrive's maint. history and already have water trials scheduled for next week. Thanks again.