MerCruiser vs. Volvo Penta

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david.d.nguyen@honeywell

Cadet
Joined
Mar 25, 2004
Messages
14
Hello Fellow Boaters:<br />I am looking to purchase my first boat this spring. I have been drooling over the Chapparal 190 for some time now and finally got the funds to purchase it. My question is this... Do I go with a MerCruiser or a Volvo Penta stern drive? Which one is in the shop more often, which one is user friendly and service friendly, etc... I figure if anyone can help me, it's my soon to be fellow boaters.
 
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mulliganmagic

Petty Officer 3rd Class
Joined
Jan 9, 2004
Messages
82
Re: MerCruiser vs. Volvo Penta

I have heard that the MerCruser outdrive is a little more powerful or stronger than the volvo. However, I heard this at a boat show and I'm not completly sure if this is correct, but anyone please correct me if I'm wrong.
 
snapperbait

snapperbait

Vice Admiral
Joined
Aug 20, 2002
Messages
5,754
Re: MerCruiser vs. Volvo Penta

Volvo or Mercruiser? It's almost an "apples to apples" compairison... Both Merc and Volvo use General motors based marine engines... Like compairing chevy too chevy.. ;) <br /><br />The volvo is probably the "better" of the two outdrives... The Merc outdrive has better parts availabilty...<br /><br />Which one will be in the shop more often? Service intervals for regular maintinence are going to be about the same...<br /><br />My advice, find the service department you feel will be honest with you, and the one you're most comfortable with... That's the brand to choose..
 
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montanaman

Seaman Apprentice
Joined
Feb 27, 2004
Messages
49
Re: MerCruiser vs. Volvo Penta

There is currently an article in Trailer Boats Mag. on this very subject.
 
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Stratocaster

Petty Officer 1st Class
Joined
Aug 13, 2003
Messages
334
Re: MerCruiser vs. Volvo Penta

Powerboat Reports did an indepth comparison in 2001. Volvo Penta came out on top by a slim margin. As stated above, the VP drive is bulletproof but Merc dealers are as plentiful as Starbucks.<br /><br />Mike P<br />2003 Bayliner 305
 
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hammlfam

Seaman Apprentice
Joined
Jul 20, 2003
Messages
45
Re: MerCruiser vs. Volvo Penta

Hey Disco Dave,<br /><br />I chose the Volvo over the Merc last year for 2 reasons. 1. The Clutch system on the volvo Penta is much smoother, than the alpha's. 2. THE REAL REASON. The Volvo had a 2 year warranty and the Merc only had a 1. :rolleyes:
 
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DAG

Cadet
Joined
Jul 19, 2003
Messages
22
Re: MerCruiser vs. Volvo Penta

I think either one is fine. I have a Chaparral 183 (which is now the 190) with a Merc. and love it.<br />Good luck and have fun.<br />-Doug
 
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david.d.nguyen@honeywell

Cadet
Joined
Mar 25, 2004
Messages
14
Re: MerCruiser vs. Volvo Penta

KState66: How do you like your Chapparal? I mean, have you had to do much work on it e.g. take it to the shop for warranty/non-warranty repairs? Is it a well-put-togehter boat as the dealer's claim?<br /><br />I'm really excited for the upcoming boating season... If only the ice on the lakes would melt :cool:
 
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DAG

Cadet
Joined
Jul 19, 2003
Messages
22
Re: MerCruiser vs. Volvo Penta

Dave,<br />I bought the boat last August used. The first owner bought it in Nov. 2002 and used it 5 times (only 14 hours). We now have almost 70 hours. It has been great. The 183 is different than the 190s in that the extended swim platform (a must) did not have the support arms. The dealer said the boat didn't need it, but at 290lbs with a lot of big friends I had some put on. <br />I have the standard seating (back-to-back seats on both sides). <br />So far we have had nothing but great times on the boat and I would buy another in a heartbeat.<br />Good Luck,<br />Doug
 
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