Volvo engine vs. Mercruiser

[DougsMDX]

Looking for input(s) on a Volvo 320hp motor vs. the Mercruiser 6.2 engine ...................

I'm comparing a Cobalt to a Searay and wanted to ask CSR's their opinion on if the Mercruiser is a more reliable engine than Volvo.

Also, is the fuel efficiency about the same?

 

[skolbe]

There really is not alot of debate between the two motors - it is between which has the better drives. In this case - Merc has improved their drives recently. But the VP-DP has a better outdrive history. I personally wouldn't make the engine brand a primary decision criteria. I would choose which boat I preferred.

 

[jhild]

Unfortunately, I'm not qualified to answer your question about the differences, but here's something to think about: Even if Volvo's motors are slightly better than Merc's, will it be a problem to get service for a Volvo if something does happen? I know in my neck of the woods, there are quite a few good Merc certified shops & mechanics. Not so many Volvo guys. You might want to do a quick search in your area to see if this is a potential problem.

 

[DougsMDX]

Unfortunately, I'm not qualified to answer your question about the differences, but here's something to think about: Even if Volvo's motors are slightly better than Merc's, will it be a problem to get service for a Volvo if something does happen? I know in my neck of the woods, there are quite a few good Merc certified shops & mechanics. Not so many Volvo guys. You might want to do a quick search in your area to see if this is a potential problem.

There are seven service options in Charleston, SC.

I know this borders on the buy from a dealer vs. private that we've already had, but for now, I'm hearing that VP's have been better and Mercruiser is getting there, but are they close enough now that it marginal, or is it a significant advantage to have V/VP setup that Cobalt has these days.

 

[Sea Ray 300]

I've had Merc pre-Alpha (1980), Alpha (1993), Volvo-Penta duo-prop (1996), and presently have Bravo III's (2005).

Most of all that you'll find share the same GM based engines.
The outdrives and bolt-ons vary from there.

A brief history:

Around 1959, Volvo invented the first I/O configuration.
Around 1994 or 95, Volvo bought out OMC, a company with a less than stellar reliability history, and re-named their company to Volvo-Penta.

Not sure of the dates, but Volvo introduced their Duo-Prop system, which increased forward thrust and all but eliminated sideways squirm, or prop-steer at lower speeds.
Mercruiser followed with their Bravo III outdrive, which is in direct competition.

( Sometime later, Volvo introduced their IPS system, which is in direct competition with larger inboard configurations. Merc followed suit.)

Both systems have evolved into very dependable sterndrive systems.
Given the same gear ratio, the "mileage" should be identical if the drives are the same, ie: Bravo III and DuoProp.



Two other points to ponder.
While Volvo has been the pioneer, Merc has a dealer network and parts network about 4 times larger than Volvo.
Merc has also developed the Smartcraft system.

Having had good luck with both, once again, I would not hesitate to buy either one if I liked the particular boat.

 

[SeaRide]

Doug,

I really do not believe you could make a bad choice going with a Cobalt or Sea Ray. If you go w/Cobalt, simply go with the choice that the dealer recommends. As far as which drive is more dependable, I can only tell you that my Alpha drive, which is not comparable to a Bravo or DuoProp, has been trouble free for the last 8 years. In addition it is also hooked up to a 5.7 liter EFI. The engine and drive are serviced by my local SR dealer. Various posters from different sites have often said this is a recipe for disaster. However, these same posters have never owned this combo. either. So be very careful taking advice from those who have no hands on experience with a particular model, but feel compelled to give an opinion based on hear say or just pulling it out of the air.

 

[RT 240SD]

In my neck of the woods Sea Rays really dominate the water ways. As a result it's easier to find parts quick and decent techs. That being said, until I moved into Sea Rays I had a preference for the volvo/penta but as mentioned above, it was based more on gut and conversations than real world experience.

I hope to eventually negate the choice w/ oil burners. ~5yrs down the road.