Get what you pay for?

[Mason78]

My wife and I have begun researching our next boat. Our current Crownline runs like a champ but it is getting crowded when we have the family + guests aboard.

We really like the Glastron 215 deckboat. They are available with either Volvo or Mercruiser engines.

The 5.7 Volvo is $1235 dollars cheaper than the same sized Mercruiser engine. They are both rated for 300HP.

Is there a reason why the Volvo is cheaper? I this a "get what you pay for situation"?

 

[Silly Seville]

Re: Get what you pay for?

I'm a Mercruiser guy, (although I think VP makes a very fine product) and I'm not sure why the VP is less expensive either. Should be the other way around. Maybe it's the way that particular vessel is marketed or how the dealer gets his franchise/distribution rights to use manufacturer incentives to his advantage. Weird. Anyway, it is widely known that VP's are more expensive to repair, and parts may be not so plentiful, which increases price. If I had the money to burn, I would get the Merc powertrain. Hopefully, others will chime in and correct me if I'm wrong.

P.S. The engines are the same...it's the drive system that is proprietary!

 

[saxrulez]

Re: Get what you pay for?

I would just decide which had the best service locally and go with that. Nothing wrong with either one.

 

[Mason78]

Re: Get what you pay for?

I would just decide which had the best service locally and go with that. Nothing wrong with either one.

My local marine mechanic says he can work on both. He didn't seem to prefer one over the other.

 

[5150abf]

Re: Get what you pay for?

I think that is one of those deals that neither is better or worse they are just different, I wouldn't hesitate to get a Volvo, good engine , good drive.

 

[JoLin]

Re: Get what you pay for?

I think that is one of those deals that neither is better or worse they are just different, I wouldn't hesitate to get a Volvo, good engine , good drive.

Ditto that. I'm partial to Volvo, but I wouldn't kick either one out of bed. I also find it odd that the Volvo is cheaper- definitely not the norm. I think you'll be perfectly happy with either. Only downside I see to the Merc is, that if it's an Alpha drive, the raw water pump is in the 'leg' rather than on the engine (which makes it easier to service if you do it yourself). If the Merc is a 'Bravo' the pump is on the engine, same as the Volvo.

Good luck!

 

[bgc]

Re: Get what you pay for?

I have a VP and the parts can be a bit more than the comparable Mercruiser parts.

 

[ashtonaustin]

Re: Get what you pay for?

i think you have to go with the volvo penta engine, its a generation ahead will really produced a high power, i think it ll be a robust than your carry heavy load too. Nothing wrong with it.

 

[tpenfield]

Re: Get what you pay for?

The engines are the same (GM), so the difference is in the outdrives. Volvo-Penta pretty much copied what Mercruiser was doing. So, they both get you where you want to go.

I am more partial to Mercruiser.

 

[04fxdwgi]

Re: Get what you pay for?

i think you have to go with the volvo penta engine, its a generation ahead will really produced a high power, i think it ll be a robust than your carry heavy load too. Nothing wrong with it.

A generation ahead?. They both use the currently available GM engines, one for one. A Big Block Chevy is the same engine for both companies. And as tpenfield says, the difference is in the drives and stuff that bolts to the engine, not the engine itself (except paint color). I am partial to the "Black" engines too.

 

[jmarty10]

Re: Get what you pay for?

The key is service. Where I am at most marinas dont service volvos. If I had one and had a mechanical problem I would have to go pretty far away for service.

 

[Mason78]

Re: Get what you pay for?

I appreciate all the replies/info. Since the local marina is impartial, I may go VP and save some cash.

Since it was brought up......... Is a Bravo/Duo prop a worthy investment on this particular boat?

 

[bgc]

Re: Get what you pay for?

YES! The dual prop setups are a dream in low power situations.
I work at a marine repair faculty next to Nationwide Children's Hospital, PM me If you have any needs.

 

[WIMUSKY]

Re: Get what you pay for?

Not sure if it's the same with the newer stuff, but, it used to be Volvo went into gear extremely smooth where Merc had a little bang during engagement. I had a Volvo and was very happy.

 

[ewenm]

Re: Get what you pay for?

actually there are difference in the motor, just NOT the base motor but the ancillaries hanging off it, like the manifolds elbows electronics etc, the way the oil filter is mounted etc,

i think thats why VP get 225hp from there version of the 4.3 V6 whereas M gets 220hp.

also with the carby 4 cylinder motors VP use a 2bbl Holley while M use there own, in my humble opinion the holley is a better deal

not to mention as has been said the sx drive is a smoother shifting unit than the Alpha, and also less susceptible to wander at no wake speeds

only down side with the VP in moored boats is that i like the M drive oils monitor

no big deal but something to consider

 

[jkust]

Re: Get what you pay for?

Take a look at the brands that do currently offer both vp and Mercruiser, the Volvo is cheaper than the Mercruiser. Not a mystery. Not saying it's right or wrong but retail is higher. I like the beefier look of the Volvo but the more common service and visible gear lube of the Mercruiser. I like the clunk of the Mercruiser into gear. It lets the kids know it's time to hold on. With any given boat, if they were identically eqipped, I'd be indifferent of the engine/drive and likely go with the cheaper option.

 

[04fxdwgi]

Re: Get what you pay for?

The Bravo's use a cone clutch, unlike the Alpha's, and are just about silent and smooth as silk when shifting. My '92 Bravo 1 (with 1293 hours on it) is dead silent when shifting. Just saying for a comparrison.

The "Merc Carbs" are actually usually a Webber / Carter (about identicle) or a Rochester. I don't believe they have thier own "brand".

Again, it all depends on the way the machine is used and maintained. Seen all brands suffer an early death if abused or not maintained well. As stated, I have 1293 hours on my 7.4L Bravo 1 and it purrs like a kitten.

 

[Scott Danforth]

Re: Get what you pay for?

Since both Mercruiser and Volvo start by buying the same engines from GM's powertrain division, then they marinize them in their own conversion factories while hanging the outdrives

could be as simple as Volvo probably gave the boat manufacturer a rebate, mercruiser did not.

 

[tpenfield]

Re: Get what you pay for?

As stated, Volvo and Mercruiser do not make the engines or related parts, those are made by GM. They only make the transom assembly and outdrives . . . That is really the difference between the two brands. Sure, you can buy the engine parts from VP and Merc, but much of it is just a re-branding.

As far as the choice of I/O . . . It is really a matter of personal preference and maybe what you can get the best deal on.

 

[snowman48047]

Re: Get what you pay for?

I have a VP and the parts can be a bit more than the comparable Mercruiser parts.

Pay now or pay later. It is easier to finance the extra cost now than it will be to pay for more expensive repairs later.