Re: Choosing between a few manufacturers
realmasa -
There will never be concensus on this... but I made sure that I spoke with a good number of marine mechanics and surveyors before I bought my boat, and ask them particularly about the different power plants, drives etc... (you should probably do the same) The vast majority of them expressed that they believe the Volvo package, as a whole is superior. Merc has put out a few lemons over the years (some late 90's Sea Rays are notorious for serious engine failures), plus Merc has not built a good reputation for corrosion resistance based on the performance of the Bravo III's. Here in the saltwater market most boaters I know would rather have a Volvo outdrive - I haven't heard of corrosion issues on a single one that has been maintained properly.
If you want duoprop (as you should), the Volvo is the best bet, not the Bravo III.
Mine have been solid. Not a single problem yet.
The very few people that did make an argument for the Mercs were mostly basing it on parts/service availability - being easier and cheaper, not on Merc being better... Don't think I've yet heard a single person that doesn't sell boats make an argument for Merc being a superior product... although many will tell you they're pretty much the same (which they kind of are, looking at the big picture)...
By the way, I've been inside the Regal 2565, and because of the large windows and the more open aft berth (not coffin like), it feels much larger than it's size. It was the only boat under 28' that my wife went in and said that she could do that if we couldn't go any larger...
All that said, you need to go to a boat show and get inside these boats, it's the only way to know which one you really love - and check things like engine access etc...
Good luck...
And I would still check out the FW also:
http://www.fourwinns.com/lineprod.cfm?model=258
