3.0 or 4.3 and Volvo vs. Merc

[bobjones59]

Hi guys, brand new boater here looking for some help in aswering a couple of question about Glastron Boats. If I decide to go with a MX175 or GT185 which engine should I get? I know the performance specs on the 3.0: Tops out at about 44MPH but can't find any info on the 4.3. Does anyone own either of these 17ft. boats with a 4.3 in it and if so what is the top speed and is it advantage to have the 4.3 over the 3.0. Also, is there a big difference between the Volvo Penta and the Mercruiser engines. ie: Is one smoother than the other, quicker even though they have the same horsepower, reliability etc.
Any help would be much appreciated. Thanking you in advance.
Jeff

 

[jarata]

Re: 3.0 or 4.3 and Volvo vs. Merc

I have the 3.0 that being said bigger is always better for towing and for resale i like the mercs more people work on them then the volvos

 

[bobjones59]

Re: 3.0 or 4.3 and Volvo vs. Merc

Thanks for the input, I truly appreciate it. Does anyone have a 4.3? Just curious how much faster the boat would be with the 4.3 and also how much more fuel does the 4.3 consume as opposed to the 3.0. Any help greatly appreciated.
Jeff

 

[AguaSki]

Re: 3.0 or 4.3 and Volvo vs. Merc

What do you plan to do with the boat? You will notice a little more speed with the 4.3, but not much. The advantage to the 4.3 will be towing. If you do any water sports, you will want the 4.3 to tow your tubers and skier's. The 3.0 should be fine for general cruising, but it could struggle with water sports. While bigger engines do offer a little more top end speed, the main advantage is usually the towing power. Determine how you want to use the boat first, and then make your motor selection for there.

Fuel consumption also increases with a larger motor. If you are worried about fuel economy, then don't own a boat. Compared to a modern automobile, all boats have terrible fuel economy.

 

[bobjones59]

Re: 3.0 or 4.3 and Volvo vs. Merc

Great feedback, thank you. I would like to tow skiers and tubers so I should probably go for the bigger engine. Gas consumption is not an issue with me so bigger motor is fine. Still havn't had anyone respond as to the advantages of a Merc or Volvo. I've heard that the Volvo is smoother, but there is a certified Merc dealer on my lake but also there is a Glastron dealer on the way to the lake so I could always get the Volvo serviced there. Is one faster than the other?
Jeff

 

[Grunt_Sculpin]

Re: 3.0 or 4.3 and Volvo vs. Merc

I have a GT185 with 4.3 Volvo. I have never done a personal comparisson but I did do my research before I bought....here is my 2 cents...

The volvo is suppose to handle saltwater corrosion better. It has a better built outdrive that will give you less problems overall. I also know that the sales of Volvos are almost directly the same as mercs so I look at more service shops being a bad thing for the mercs because it generally means there is more problems with them....supply and demand you know! I love mine and when a boat can do 52 miles per hou fully loaded....that says something!

 

[bobjones59]

Re: 3.0 or 4.3 and Volvo vs. Merc

Fantastic, thank you for the feedback and advice, I truly appreciate hearing from someone who has one! 52MPH fully loaded seems plenty fast to me. I think I will definitely go with the 4.3 instead of the 3.0
Thanks again for all your help everyone.
Jeff

 

[Pierutrus]

Re: 3.0 or 4.3 and Volvo vs. Merc

Bigger is always better. Go with the 4.3.
As far as Volvo vs. Merc?
I'm partial to Merc cause I have one.

Another thing you might think about when you have the 4.3.
Different props for different activity's. ie......
For general cruising around with outside air temp 90 or higher, I go with my 21 pitch, it gets me up to 50mph.
For general cruising around with outside air temp below 90, I go with my 23 pitch, it gets me to 55mph.

Both pitch's in their respective air temp range will keep you in the 44-4800 rpm range at WOT.
Now on the other hand, if I know I'm gonna be pulling up skier's in excess of 200 lbs. Then I go with my 17 pitch SS. It has so much more hole shot I could rip their arms off. Just remember to watch your RPM's with the 17 pitch prop. It's meant for pulling not for speed. If you go WOT with a 17", your RPM's go way up into the 5000"s. right around 5600, which is NOT good for the 4.3.
Just a tidbit for you to think about.

1996 Glastron SSV 195 with a 4.3LX mercruiser-Alpha 1 outdrive.
Have never had a problem with it, just have to keep her serviced!