Whats more reliable??

[boatingfool]

I know I am probably opening up a can of worms here but what is more reliable: Mercruiser or Volvo??<br /><br />I have surfed through this forum and have seen many, many more Mercruiser problems than Volvo.<br /><br />Is that just because there is more of them out there or is it because Volvo builds a better engine??<br /><br />I only have one Volvo dealer within 150 miles of me. When I asked other dealers why they dont deal in repairing Volvos they tell me its because there isnt enough money in it.

 

[Walt T]

Re: Whats more reliable??

The more reliable unit is the one that is properly cared for. If both are properly cared for then they'll both give years of service. Yes there are more Mercs out there than Volvos. No money in repairing Volvos?? Almost sounds like the Maytag repair man. <br />Volvo builds a better engine??????? Lets see, Merc uses the Chevy 350. Volvo uses the Chevy 350. They both buy them from GM Marine. If you buy an engine from either one and it turns into a lemon on you, who's fault is it? Volvo? Mercruiser?<br /><br />But I digress. I assume you were referring to the drive unit. My personal favorite is Volvo. Nothing wrong with Mercruiser though. Volvo built the duo prop. Volvo now has the composite drive, so look for Merc to follow.<br /><br />How about Konrad? They build a drive that makes both Volvo and Merc look like they're made of paper mache'. Check em out at Konrad Marine <br /><br />Why don't you also ask which is more reliable- Ford, Chevy, or Dodge? Everyone here has their own opinion. You can quickly find the folks that dont know what they're talking about because they're the ones that claim the only good machine is the one they own and all others are junk.

 

[boatingfool]

Re: Whats more reliable??

I dont need to ask that question.<br /><br />I already know dodge is the most reliable.

 

[Walt T]

Re: Whats more reliable??

I rest my case.

 

[boatingfool]

Re: Whats more reliable??

It was a serious question.<br /><br />It seems, at least in this forum, that mercruiser has a lot more problems than Volvo. It cant be that Volvo owners take better care of their engines than mercruiser owners.<br /><br />Unlike autos the same brand of boat can come with a variety of different engine manufactures.<br /><br />If you have the option of the two engine manufactures that I mentioned a choice will have to be made.<br /><br />Most of that choice will be on the reliability and reputation of the engine.

 

[jeremyp111]

Re: Whats more reliable??

It's definitely a loaded question. As far as the engines go, DieselWalt said it best. "They both use GM blocks". The difference is in the drives. Volvo's DP drive is an awesome drive and equal in performace to Merc's Bravo III. The BIII has a history of corrosion problems but with proper maintenance and care shouldn't be a problem either. When I made my decision it was based on the availability of quality service and parts. For me, this turned out to be good for either Volvo or Merc. The boat I have now has Merc 7.4l with Bravo III drives. I love it. I also wouldn't hesitate to buy a boat powered with Volvo either.

 

[boatingfool]

Re: Whats more reliable??

O.K.,<br />The blocks are the same but what about the electronics??<br /><br />That is where most of the problems are.

 

[Walt T]

Re: Whats more reliable??

BFool, If there were one manufacturer obviously having problems we would all know about it and that manufacturer would either have to clean up its act or go out of business. The electronics are manufactured in China, the software written in India or the states, the design done by engineers in the US. Most of the electronics are based on automotive platforms which has a proven track record. It's all standard proven technology. <br />Here again the manufacturers dont actually make this stuff. They only build drives which is what they're good at. Merc ventured into the engine building business once and decided that was better left to the guys that have been doing it for decades.<br />So if you want to debate Volvo vs Merc you pretty much have to stick to the drives. <br /><br />It really all boils down to what boat you want. If you choose a new Bayliner, it'll have a Mercruiser in it. If you want a 4 Winns they'll have Volvos. Does it really matter?

 

[Doug Durako]

Re: Whats more reliable??

If purchasing a NEW boat (which I do not do because I do not want to pay the bank the first year's depreciation for the priviledge of having a new boat); I would verify the following:<br /><br />Who offers the best warranty, how many warranty problems did the local dealers address in the past 18 months, where is the closest district representative, and what were the outcomes of all the warranty claims.<br /><br />Volvo is aggresively going after market share and I have a feeling they are standing behind their product with a bit more gusto----just a feeling.

 

[imported_Mike_M2]

Re: Whats more reliable??

It's all in the drive. Engine's an engine, mostly all made in the same factory with another name on it. Drive components aren't the same way. Pretty much all Volvo drives have great reps, and well deserved. They generally are the developers in new drive technology, Merc copies. Merc drives, some are good some suck. The Bravo2 may be the toughest drive ever made while the Bravo3 may be the most problem filled.

 

[f_inscreenname]

Re: Whats more reliable??

As for drives. I have had both (older models). I must say that my Volvo 270 has taken two major hits (logs) and is still ticking. It is 32 years old and I don't think it has ever been rebuilt (just new gaskets).For the last three years I am pushing 330hp through it with no problems (knock on wood). The big draw back with the older Volvo drives was no trim. I never really had any problems with the Merc either and trim was real nice (you will have a hard time finding a Merc without trim) and finding and cost of parts were like buying for a Chevy 350. <br />They both have there pros and cons.

 

[Darian F.]

Re: Whats more reliable??

Each company has their on projects they clame is better.<br />Merc has a drive lube monitor (oil storage bottle) that manually maintains the out drive oil.<br />Volvo only offers it on Ocean series motors- the Composite drives are mated with this engine.<br />which just happen to be somewhat cumbersome to install<br /><br />volvo also tends to use less parts and other equipment to do the same job.<br /><br />volvo uses a mefi 4 processor ( I belive a delco product)<br />Merc stopped using mefi 4 and now has pcm/ecm 555 which is the latest gratest and smartcraft compatable when purchased with efi

 

[hammlfam]

Re: Whats more reliable??

BFool,<br /><br />I just bought a new boat last year and had the same decision pop up. I went with the Volvo for 2 reasons.<br /><br />1. 2 year warranty vs. 1 year warranty.<br />2. The clutch systmen on the Volvo is MUCH smoother than the alpha drive merc.

 

[charleswmoore]

Re: Whats more reliable??

I made the same decision in 2001. Since my VP rattles I may have made the wrong one????? With that said I am a believer in VP. Yes parts are harder but since very few service shops carry parts in great bulk the same issue is for both. mail order. VP does have a parts guarantee during the W period or they are free. Also the new composite drive is awsome looking and may eliminate many of the problems we have with stern drives in salt water. unless something drastically changes that will be my next drive unit.

 

[crazy charlie]

Re: Whats more reliable??

My vote is for mercruiser.If something does go wrong there is a chance of repairing it yourself.I am in no way a mechanic but I am able to do a few things on a merc drive.I have watched a mechanic perform some repairs and it seemed that if i wanted to i could learn some of it fairly quick.It seems tough enough to find a volvo mechanic let alone learn the drive.Charlie

 

[BrianTindall]

Re: Whats more reliable??

Both have been around for years and have excellent products. Bayliner (I own one, boat not Volvo) used them for a number of years and being value priced boats and very underpowered, the Volvos stood up pretty well. Merc has been the marketshare leader forever and has a LARGE following. Volvo parts are priced up around aircraft cruising altitude (as are most imports). As a former parts manager for 2 large marina's and seeing what each goes through, it's a tough call. Service availability in your area I think would be the biggest factor in the decision. My choice: for gas powered, Merc. For deisel power, Volvo. I just love the Volvo deisels! Wish I could put one in my jeep Cherokee!