Opinions of Volvo Penta i/o 's ?

[bluemarshboater]

Looking into buying a new (used) boat. I've been running into a few models with the volvo penta i/o systems. Just wondering what your thoughts are compared to Mercruiser systems? I'm referring to a year range of 89 - 97.

Thanks
Dave

 

[mickjetblue]

Re: Opinions of Volvo Penta i/o 's ?

I have an '85 VP, and have the highest respect for its performance and conservative
fuel usage. I'd think the newer models would be even better.

Only comment I can make is that from my reading the different forums, I think I have
seen fewer criticisms of the VP systems than the others.

If the boat and the deal was right, I would not turn away from a Merc system, either.



Good luck!

 

[GMBjr]

Re: Opinions of Volvo Penta i/o 's ?

V/P is the best, been in the CG in the early 90's, it all we had. The shift mechanisms were troublesome but... cables usually, mechanically we never suffered a failure. If it was well taken care of: frequent oil changes, a new boot's every other year and lots of silicone grease on the O-Rings= Good to Go, Have Fun!

 

[willieboy]

Re: Opinions of Volvo Penta i/o 's ?

In the year range you are looking for, make sure you get a VP that is a #.#Gx. For instance 5.0Gl. There will be similar 5.0Fl, etc... The G or F refers to GM or Ford. Since Ford has been out of the small boat marine business for a while, parts are a little harder to find, but more importantly, they are more expensive (20-50% in my brief experience). I personally have a 5.0Fl, and it is great power wise, etc..., but when I had to replace the starter, I had fewer options, and they were all more expensive.

 

[SS MAYFLOAT]

Re: Opinions of Volvo Penta i/o 's ?

Great outdrive in my opinion. A bit pricey and parts availability a problem sometimes, but it is well worth the extra money. My next boat WILL have one or I'll repower to a newer model.

 

[Thad]

Re: Opinions of Volvo Penta i/o 's ?

I have a newer V/P ('01) and I love it. Great power, reliabilty, and performance. It sounds good too.
Like Mayfloat said, my next boat will also have the V/P or I won't be buying it.

My last boat had a Mercruiser, good, but no comparison to the Volvo.
Just my opinion Not trying to start a brand war.

 

[kamby]

Re: Opinions of Volvo Penta i/o 's ?

It took me a while for my vp to grow on me. My engine is the one actually made by volvo its not a gm or ford block. B21 volvo block.

Once you get over the expense of the parts its no so bad and you can save money by using aftermarket and regular vehicle parts were applicable. After i did all the work on the engine this spring i was into maybe 200bucks. (new impeller, carb rebuild, new plugs, wires, cap, replaced seal on raw waterpump, out drive oil, engine oil, new oil filter)

I've had the boat out 3 times since June. Went out on the sound with it the first time and caught a bunch of these yummy animals.

SO if i had to chose another engine for my next boat i would probably chose VP, being a 25 y/o motor its given me very little problems compared to others. And its quick for a 4 cyl goes about 30mph at 4600rpm

 

[corelock]

Re: Opinions of Volvo Penta i/o 's ?

Just some thing to think about, in my area it has been hard to find someone to work on a 1990 VP. Mercruiser has by far and away more dealers and shops in my area. I was FINALLY able to find someone to work on my boat. This is not to say VP is not good just be sure you can get worked on.

 

[kamby]

Re: Opinions of Volvo Penta i/o 's ?

Just some thing to think about, in my area it has been hard to find someone to work on a 1990 VP. Mercruiser has by far and away more dealers and shops in my area. I was FINALLY able to find someone to work on my boat. This is not to say VP is not good just be sure you can get worked on.

I worried about the same thing for when it would come time to take it into the shop. I was suprised how many worked on volvo. Pretty much any of our merc places work on vp. But it comes with a price 100/hour

 

[sbbamafan]

Re: Opinions of Volvo Penta i/o 's ?

best made.