Best engine I/O combo ???

[nakman8]

Well, so much for the 22ft. Sea ray with OMC 800 stringer I was looking at.Thanks for all the input.<br />Now what??!! <br />What engine I/O should I keep an eye out for?<br />Is Mercruiser better than Volvo?,in general.<br />I guess anything is better than the OMC.

 

[Don S]

Re: Best engine I/O combo ???

IMHO Volvo is the only way to go.......

 

[waterone1@aol.com]

Re: Best engine I/O combo ???

Gee Don, did any of us expect you to answer otherwise ? Nakman, in the boat size that you are looking at there really are only two choices, and while I'm a Merc guy, I couldn't bad mouth Volvo's. In either case, you will find a quality product, with service and parts available just about anywhere. At this point (now that you are done with that old OMC) I think that the real issue is the particular boat, meaning what brand/year, how many hours, salt or fresh water, maint.logs available, what shape is it in, etc ? Keep posting here with every boat you are considering.......someone here will have some insight or experience with it....happy boat hunting!

 

[Lou C]

Re: Best engine I/O combo ???

The best one is the one you can get good service and parts for. So look around and see what the local shops like to service, that's what to buy.

 

[tommays]

Re: Best engine I/O combo ???

if you really want to keep cost down any boat with shaftdrive, v-drive ect cost far less to keep in good running order than and outdrive<br /><br />outdrives make it easy to have a nice deck layout but thats about it<br /><br />and yes i have 1995 merc gen II drive and my brother has a 1977 correct craft shaft drive the water pump upkeep alone on the merc excedes all the upkeep costs vs the shaft drive<br /><br />tommays

 

[Bondo]

Re: Best engine I/O combo ???

I guess anything is better than the OMC.

Ayuh,...................

 

[RatFish]

Re: Best engine I/O combo ???

Originally posted by Lou C:<br /> The best one is the one you can get good service and parts for. So look around and see what the local shops like to service, that's what to buy.

Yup, Lou said it.

 

[cobra 3.0]

Re: Best engine I/O combo ???

Both Merc and Volvo are top notch. Find out which dealership has a good reputation closest to you and buy what it carries.

 

[tie_one_on]

Re: Best engine I/O combo ???

nakman:<br />I don't sell or service anything, but if I were you I'd heed Don S's advice. Get a Volvo Penta set up. I did back in 2000 for my 1976 23' IMP Imca. I love it. I did all the work myself. Over 250 hours and no problems. If you need ideas how to block up that BIG hole left by the stringer, let me know. I'll tell you how I did it.<br />Walt

 

[rabidfish]

Re: Best engine I/O combo ???

I sell Volvo and Mercruiser...<br /><br />My first choice would be to find a great technician (The kind that reminds you of the Dudley Dooright of the Royal Canadian Mounties) Discuss these issues with him... <br /><br />Rememeber, the one you choose is only as good as the guy that supports it. Use his advise wisely!<br /><br />If he doesn't care, then, and only then, I would choose Volvo...<br /><br />FYI: A smart move here... Reward his advise and honesty by being a customer! I would even recommend you purchase the package through him. If you don't... You don't deserve his expertise.

 

[cmyers_uk]

Re: Best engine I/O combo ???

I have a Volvo 4.3GL and can honestly say have enjoyed owning it. I have a Mercury Outboard and its been hell. From reading these threads a Volvo Penta SX drive seems much easier to work on than the Alpha drives. Just my opinion.

 

[waterone1@aol.com]

Re: Best engine I/O combo ???

Guy's just to get back to the point, he does not have a boat and is not repowering. He is asking what engine and drive combo he should look for while shopping for a used boat.

 

[jstcrzyengh]

Re: Best engine I/O combo ???

Hey tie_one_on,<br /><br />I have a 77 IMP can you tell me how you sealed it all up and installed the new volvo. I was quoted $1,400 to do it. Feel free to shoot me an email or PM me on AIM - jstcrzyengh