Volvo vs Merc outdrives.

[Chrisbriggs1998]

I am in the market for a 18 foot open bow ski/fish boat. I went to the reniell dealer yesterday and he went on and on about how the volvo OD are better because they have a cone clutch and the mercs dont. What was he babbelign about and should i get a volvo as opposed to a merc? Anyone own a Fourwinns 180QX with the 4.3 or a 180 Sea Ray with the 4.3 or a Reinell 185 with the 4.3? Those are the three i am looking at, and input would be great.<br /><br />Thanks<br /><br />Chris

 

[DJ]

Re: Volvo vs Merc outdrives.

Chris,<br /><br />The 4.3 is a good engine regardless of what it is attached to.<br /><br />Volvo vs. Mercruiser.<br /><br />I BELIEVE that the Volvo is a bit more stout with some nice features like the cone clutch shifting system. With that said, you have to buy the drive that you feel comfortable that your dealer can service it. Service outlets for Volvo are a bit sparse compared to Merc.<br /><br />The Mercruiser is a good drive. There are many out there and many service facilities will work on them-not always true for Volvo.<br /><br />When it comes to resale, the Merc. MAY be a bit more widely accepted. A lot depends upon your market. If you are in saltwater, the Volvo tends to be very widely accepted. Not so true for freshwater in the southeast and midwest.

 

[Chrisbriggs1998]

Re: Volvo vs Merc outdrives.

is there a noticable difference between the cone clutch on the volvo and the mercs? The volvos seam to sell for quite a bit more around here and the salesman who had both mercs and volvos was really adamint about not buying a merc. Also as far as the 4.3 Is that going to be enough to pull a skiier out ofthe wat if its behind a 17ft boat? Anything to watch for on the 4.3's? Is it worth paying the extra money for a fule injected motor as oppsed to a carb motor? I have been around Sail Boat all my life but this is the first powerboat.

 

[jocko_nc]

Re: Volvo vs Merc outdrives.

I currently have a hand-me-down 1986 Bayliner Capri 195. As you would expect, the boat is not very high quality, though I have managed to keep it in pretty good shape.<br /><br />That being said, it runs with a 131 hp Volvo Penta I/O. (Volvo drive. Volvo engine) Great design, Simplicity. Great quality. Bulletproof. The Volvo product is, in my opinion, fantastic. A real step up from Mercruiser. I would have to seriously doubt whether this boat would still be on the water had it been powered with anything but the Volvo. Salt water will do that in short time.<br /><br />Compare the designs, materials, and workmanship. If they are anything like they were in the past, I think the difference will be clear.<br /><br />Good luck.<br /><br />jocko

 

[495v]

Re: Volvo vs Merc outdrives.

I just got the new brochure for the new mercruiser's; they are sweet. They have the easy oil drain system, single point water drain system, easy greasable coupler's, engine guardian, 555 control module, and the list goes on. My mercruiser is a 96' and I would love some of these feature's, especially the water and oil drain system's. Forget the 2 foot fever, I got the new technology itch!!!

 

[aeronutt29]

Re: Volvo vs Merc outdrives.

Chris,<br />You will not have any trouble pulling a skier with the 4.3. In fact, the last time I skied behind one I couldn't hold on to the rope if the driver used more than 1/3 throttle for the first 5-10 seconds. 1/2 throttle was the limit after that.

 

[DJ]

Re: Volvo vs Merc outdrives.

Chris,<br /><br />The 4.3 is PLENTY in a 17' boat. The upgrade to EFI is your call. The EFI is nice in that it offers turn key starting, just like a fuel injected car and a few more ponies to boot..