which one to get

[jbaseball33]

Ok this might be chevy vs ford question, but which I/O is better Mercury or Volvo? which one will last the longest based on same size, usage,maintenance? If you were to buy a used one which one would you lean towards if everything is equal(hours, maintenance,size)

Are the blocks the same and just different outdrives?

 

[Fishermark]

Re: which one to get

Are you planning on doing all the work yourself? If not, you might want to see which one your local marine mechanics are skilled at repairing. With proper maintenance, both are good drives.

 

[HT32BSX115]

Re: which one to get

Ok this might be chevy vs ford question

Yeah. It essentially IS!

Both drive systems use GM engines for the most part (No Fords anymore!)

For some, it's a chicken-egg thing ..... Who designed what/when ........ etc.



If you want to read a little history, read the following link.....

You'll find that all (stern drive Merc/OMC/VP) roads lead back to Kiekhaefer Mercury. http://www.rbbi.com/folders/pat/isd.htm


What does all this mean? Not a lot.......

I will say that if you're going to get a used boat and scrounge parts to fix it yourself, you'll probably find FAR more new and used parts online for a Mercuiser than a VP.

And, if you go to EBAY Motors and do a search in "Boat Parts" on any given day, you'll find LOTS more parts for "Mercruiser" than for Volvo.
sometimes 3 times more........(just now, Mercruiser---25,000+ parts vs Volvo---8,000 parts)

Some will say that VP doesn't "break" as much..... yeah whatever......


If you're gonna have the "Dealer" work it, it really won't matter who's name is on it..................bring your credit card & make sure you have a high credit limit!