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Volvo vs Merc
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Author:  millerliteracing2 [ Thu Jan 24, 2008 11:21 pm ]
Post subject:  Volvo vs Merc
I've seen this discussed in the "trailer" thread so I thought we should open up its own topic.

I have a 4.3 Volvo (believe me want a much bigger motor, but most of my lakes around here have h.p. restrictions). Honestly, never had a bit of trouble and am very happy with the Volvo. Some of you guys that have had both please chime in. Which is the best option for Four Winns? I have seen other manufacturers that you could tell a difference in the two options but not really had any experience with a volvo vs. merc in a four winns.

I have a 2001 190 with the sun pad. Generally with 3 passengers (just the average number I usually have on board) and myself, I plane out very quickly and usually top out around 43-45 mph depending of course on water conditions. If we are wakeboarding/skiing I have no problems at all with performance. If someone is wanting do do some serious slalom, I usually just have the skier a spotter and myself though.

Just wanting to get some comparisons here and get some new info. You never know when I may be in the market for a new Horizon, so would like to be armed with any good info I can get from you all.
Author:  Flying Sushi [ Fri Jan 25, 2008 8:37 am ]
Post subject:  Re: Volvo vs Merc
I have had experience on both on my previous boats and honestly I never seen any difference or had to wary about neither of my drive trains. I think more important issue is who services them. If your local dealer is authorized service dealer of VP, then it is a good choice. If your local dealer specialize on Merc you should get a Merc. You can not go wrong with either one. They are both good and reliable.
Author:  230 Mike [ Fri Jan 25, 2008 9:04 am ]
Post subject:  Re: Volvo vs Merc
+1. You should bias toward whichever one is easiest to get worked on by your dealer or in your area. Both are excellent.

Having said that, I still made a conscious decision to go Volvo even though everyone around here owns and works on Merc :D . Part of that decision (though not all of it) was the fact that I knew I wanted a duoprop setup, and the latest generation Bravo 3 had only been out a year or so; previous generations had some problems. Since then, I believe this latest B3 generation has been problem-free.
Author:  Rob [ Fri Jan 25, 2008 9:48 am ]
Post subject:  Re: Volvo vs Merc
Chose a Merc for a couple reasons:

The 3.0 is pretty much the same block as the Volvo version. The outdrive is a bit lighter saving about 50 lbs. Not saying Volvo is a poor design, just saying that Merc is lighter. The Volvo SX drive weighs in at about the same as a Merc Bravo 1 (I think).

In my area, Merc is very prominent. But the real big reason is that the Merc is easier for ME to work on. IE: winterizing and other small stuff. Felt this was the right choice for me.
Author:  pet575 [ Fri Jan 25, 2008 10:53 am ]
Post subject:  Re: Volvo vs Merc
+1 to Mike (has anyone ever said, "-1 to Mike"? I think I might start that just to be different). If there were a bit problem with one or the other, it would be something boating circles would be aware of and often discussed (like Bayliner v. Cobalt). However, I've never heard anything negative w/r/t performance or reliability. Mike is correct in that the Duoprop was exclusively Volvo until Merc's Bravo III came out. The first generation BIII's weren't all that great, but the second generation are much-improved and it appears from many sources I've read that there really isn't much difference anymore.

As Mike also said, dealerships and expertise in your area are probably the most important thing. My dealer does both, so not a big deal. But, my dealer is an hour from my lake and so if I needed an emergency repair I'd feel better in central/southern MO having a Merc because they are more common around those rural areas than a Volvo. I'd just make sure you understand your surroundings and make an educated choice from there.
Author:  230 Mike [ Fri Jan 25, 2008 11:45 am ]
Post subject:  Re: Volvo vs Merc
pet575 wrote:
has anyone ever said, "-1 to Mike"?


No one has ever said it, they just think it constantly :? .

To those outside the area, you must understand that boating in Missouri may be different than anywhere else. If you need parts, it may well be that the nearest town is the size of a bait shop - because that's all there is. However, you can count on that bait shop having 3 things: bait, beer, and Merc parts. If you utter the word "Volvo," I believe you'd get your ass kicked.
Author:  houston1228 [ Fri Jan 25, 2008 2:20 pm ]
Post subject:  Re: Volvo vs Merc
230 Mike wrote:
If you utter the word "Volvo," I believe you'd get your ass kicked.

Mike's comment made me think of "Office Space" and I laughed out loud! :D
Author:  thompsbren [ Fri Jan 25, 2008 4:16 pm ]
Post subject:  Re: Volvo vs Merc
I agree ... go with what can easily be serviced by a reputable dealer. That being said, when it comes to the 3.0L, the Merc version has some nice features such as the turn key start and the quick raw water drain. All else being equal, its the little things that make the difference.
Author:  Walt [ Fri Jan 25, 2008 5:23 pm ]
Post subject:  Re: Volvo vs Merc
I agree with all points in general.

and a -1 to Mike just to say I did..... don't worry, I'll give it back later.

Yes, as he wrote, "Volvo" is fightin' words in some parts of this state. We're not exactly West Virginia, but purdy darn close in places. You can read my post in Trailers to end that.

I've worked only on Merc. and specifically just a few Alpha 1 gen 2's. They seem very easy to work on, and have never had any issues with them. I hope the B1 doesn't give me any trouble. Plus, the drive is Black, matching my boat. If I were after a DP set-up, I would have had a more difficult choice to make. Since VP has been at it longer, I'd lean toward them.

However, my decision came down to what Mike and I have both implied..... You can't have the Corsa exhaust thundering across the cove and tell everyone "....it's a Volvo". They just imagine some preppy wearing an Izod shirt and argyle socks. So Mike, here's your point back... and here's another to use later!
Author:  robbo3 [ Fri Jan 25, 2008 9:27 pm ]
Post subject:  Re: Volvo vs Merc
Quote:
However, you can count on that bait shop having 3 things: bait, beer, and Merc parts. If you utter the word "Volvo," I believe you'd get your ass kicked.


Come to find out the same thing goes for Northern Wisconsin. When I bought a second prop I was told I should have the Merc compatible hub if I go north and need a prop in an emergency. When I was up there, I kind of paid attention and sure enough, no Volvo signs.
Author:  230 Mike [ Sat Jan 26, 2008 12:30 am ]
Post subject:  Re: Volvo vs Merc
houston1228 wrote:
230 Mike wrote:
If you utter the word "Volvo," I believe you'd get your ass kicked.

Mike's comment made me think of "Office Space" and I laughed out loud! :D


Yes, and today, I had to move my cubicle down a floor, and had to move everything myself. I'm totally serious. And I think I need thicker glasses :? .
Author:  houston1228 [ Sat Jan 26, 2008 10:05 am ]
Post subject:  Re: Volvo vs Merc
230 Mike wrote:
Yes, and today, I had to move my cubicle down a floor, and had to move everything myself. I'm totally serious. And I think I need thicker glasses :? .


When they take your red Swingline stapler, that's the last straw!"
Author:  230 Mike [ Sat Jan 26, 2008 1:57 pm ]
Post subject:  Re: Volvo vs Merc
...I was told I could listen to the radio at a reasonable volume...

I swear, that's the greatest movie ever made.
Author:  LouC [ Sun Jan 27, 2008 12:57 pm ]
Post subject:  Re: Volvo vs Merc
One thing good about living in Long Island is you can get just about anything serviced, yes even orphans like my old Cobra.
Author:  mkperceptions [ Wed Jan 30, 2008 1:53 am ]
Post subject:  Re: Volvo vs Merc
i will say I do enjoy my volvo. Two things I think are a big advantage on the volvo are the ease of impeller changes. Easy pop out the front and can do it right there in the water. (And yes I have had to change two) If it was a mercruiser I would be out hundreds of dollars each time and boat would be in the shop for probably a few weeks. The second is changing the serpentine belt is easily accesable in the volvo and the mercruiser your have to remove the front motor mount which means you can't do it on the water. (Yes I carry a extra belt). Oh yea and hey who doesn't like shiney red paint hehehe.
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