www.iFourWinns.com

I have Volvo 5.7ltr 300HP dual prop in a 224 FS it seems to be doing the job plenty of power.
I don't know anything about motors so in choosing between mercury and volvo I looked at comparible engines and chose the cheaper one. I also quizzed the marina asking which engine is easier to work on and the most cost efective to work on they told me Volvo so thats what i went with So far so good. I am wondering if I am missing out on anything if I would of went with a Mercruiser? I know mercury as that smart tow system that would be sweet. I have thought about putting perfect pass on my boat. Does anyone have one of these?

Thanks Tony

2008 Funship 5.7ltr 300HP DP
2007 Yukon Denali
2006 Chevrolet Quad Cab
1995 Polaris 650

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Tony

2008 FS 5.7ltr 300HP DP
2007 Yukon Denali
2008 Chevrolet Avalanche LTZ
1995 Polaris 650

You'll get lots of replies on this, but the bottom line is that they both use the same (GM) engines. The drives have gone through periods when one had advantages over the other (i.e., Bravo 3 corrosion which was corrected in '05 and very recent Volvo corrosion which may be an anode issue - still to be determined in my mind), but the current production units are pretty much equal IMO.

The much larger issue is, which one is easier for you to get serviced? In some areas there are Volvo mechanics everywhere you look, in other areas you can't find any.

One of our members installed his own PerfectPass system on a Merc-powered boat, hopefully he'll chime in...

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Mike
2005 Four Winns 230/240
VP 5.7GXi/DP
1998 F-150 XLT
Boat Pic

Yeah it's sort of a "Ford vs Chevy" argument. (although everybody <sterndrive> stopped using Ford Marine engines some years ago...)

Don't fret though......The first Volvo drive was originally designed by Keikhaefer Mercury anyway!! Volvo bought it and got it to market first!
http://www.rbbi.com/folders/pat/isd.htm

Then they partnered with OMC Cobra and you have the result of that.....

You'll get a LOT of arguments on which is better.......I think they're equally good.... For every VP sold Mercury probably sells 50 but Mercury has a MUCH bigger dealer network and marketing presence.

Mercury just about completely owns the racing scene.....but that's probably because VP just doesn't want to be very involved.....any good manufacturer could design and build a hot rod drive....


Cheers,

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1987 Four Winns Liberator 211, formerly OMC 460 King Kobra powered, replaced in 2006 by a 1997 Mercruiser 454/Bravo III

I've had both and they are about the same, I haven't had a problem with either. Do you prefer all black, or red and silver?

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2007 358 T-5.7GXi IB
Previous Boats
'08 H240, '08 V318, '04 268, '04 225

Please read, and act accordingly......

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Walt B
"Debt-Charged"
Black '07 H210SS
6.2L Bravo One turning a 21P HIFive
Wakeboard Tower with Perfect Pass Stargazer version
Missouri River; Kansas City, Mo.

not sure how the new volvos are, but. i has just recently found that mine has been using gear lube. on a merc, i think you have a reservoir you can check in the engine compartment. on the volvo you have to check the stick. on boats with trailers this is not tough, but if you slip it for the summer im not sure how you could check it in the water. - ryan

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republicans, working hard so you dont have to.

Well put... Love the Merc...

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Rob
2007 Four Winns 180 Horizon

I don't know, I'm a Volvo guy. They are less aboudant than the Mercs, service guys are ont on every corner, but I have never had a problem finding several good ones it town when needed (which was twice in 8 years). My exp. Volvos are tough and reliable. I ordered my last boat specifically with one.

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2005, 268 Vista, Table Rock Lake "Choices II"

+1.

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Mike
2005 Four Winns 230/240
VP 5.7GXi/DP
1998 F-150 XLT
Boat Pic