New Boat

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jeffk

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Thinking of trading for a new boat.
Yes I know the used vs new logic, but this is the direction I most likely will go.
I am looking for a 31ft cruiser.
I have VP power now and have had many problems over the years.
Prior this I owned Mercs never had many problems.
I am looking at 5.0 engines , closed cooling.
Duo-Prop drives.
The boat is kepy high and dry
Service on either brand is not an issue.
Looking to get some opinions as bith companies have had their issues.
 
Everybody has an opinion. While I currently operate boats with both Volvo and Merc power plants my experience has been the exact opposite of yours. I can't speak to the newer models both of my power plants were born in the 90's and still running fairly strong. I have twin 4.3 Mercs and a Volvo single 4 banger that just keeps on ticking without losing a beat.

I guess my point is I think it just depends on what day your engine is made on. Some days are good days at the factory for both brands and some days are bad days at the factory for both brands. Since you are going new let the warranties do the talking.
 
I have VP on my 2005 express and would probably go with Merc if I had to do it again. No engine problems, really, but the outdrive has been nothing but heartache. To each his/her own, I guess, but the admiral and I look at that boat we bought brand new as one of the biggest mistakes we ever made. I have since moved up and can't give this thing away. Talk about upside-down!

Good luck whatever you decide.
 
I bought one brand new boat and that'll probably be the only one, but like said above, to each his own. As for gas engines, I have to say Crusaders are pretty awesome, but I don't think they're available in the kinds of boats you're looking at.
 
quote:
Originally posted by Veg

I bought one brand new boat and that'll probably be the only one, but like said above, to each his own. As for gas engines, I have to say Crusaders are pretty awesome, but I don't think they're available in the kinds of boats you're looking at.

Click to expand...

Agree that Crusader is about as good as you can get...for an inboard gas engine but the OP is looking for a boat with I-O's.
 
Modern 2005 to date computer controlled big block Mercs and Crusaiders have one main difference the color of the block.
Bill
 
The poll is interesting but
It was done at the time Merc was having corrosion problems.
VP is having problems of their own now, a new survey may have different results.
There does not seem to be a lot of innformatrion regarding each manufacturers corrosion protection.
 
I have to disagree Bill. The cooling systems are different as are the manifolds and risers. Does Merc include remote oil filters as standard now?
 
quote:
Originally posted by jeffk

The poll is interesting but
It was done at the time Merc was having corrosion problems.
VP is having problems of their own now, a new survey may have different results.
There does not seem to be a lot of innformatrion regarding each manufacturers corrosion protection.

Click to expand...


If you're talking about the issues with the Bravo III, I'm pretty sure that issue was resolved long before this poll was taken, maybe 5 years earlier.
 
I really dont want to debate a poll, just looking for opinions.
There was quite a heated thread regarding VP service and accountablity recently.
Things change.
 
I have owned boats with outboards, I/O, and inboards. In my opinion, I think I/O and Inboard engines are more or less the same, except for the drive. That being said, I would not mess with an I/O, if an inboard option were available. To me shafts, struts, propellors, rudders, are much simpler; and as a result more reliable than an outdrive unit.
eric
 
quote:
Originally posted by starfishkiller

I would not mess with an I/O, if an inboard option were available. To me shafts, struts, propellors, rudders, are much simpler; and as a result more reliable than an outdrive unit.
eric

Click to expand...


I agree 100%, that is one of the main reasons I sold my previous boat and got my current boat. But I think the OP is looking exclusively at I/Os.

If it were me, I'd still have a preference for Volvos in an I/O setup, I'd just make sure to avoid the composite drives.
 
I've owned inboards and now IOs. IMO in either case, don't skimp on the maintenance, use OEM parts and your reliability will be good with either.
 
I've owned three new boats, two with Bravo three's and one with VP duoprop. I had corrosion issues with the B3 in a fresh water lake. The second boat was much less than the first, Merc knows the issue and has improved it. I would not hesitate to buy either a new Merc B3, but I would make sure it was correctly set-up with all the right anodes. I would buy a VP except the plastic outdrive (OSI/XDP).

I had a 05 Searay Sundancer 300 with two 5.0L with B3, it had plenty of power, jumped on plane and did close to 40MPH. My dock neighbor now has a similar boat with two 5.0L with Alpha drives. It's a dog. He's had serious engine issues and drive issues that the mechanic attributes to being underpowered. So be careful with that size engine, I would recomend dual prop drives, it really makes a difference. My current boat is 35' with 5.7L VP duoprops, it will easily top 40 mph, we love it.
 
quote:
Originally posted by manticore999

I have VP on my 2005 express and would probably go with Merc if I had to do it again. No engine problems, really, but the outdrive has been nothing but heartache. To each his/her own, I guess, but the admiral and I look at that boat we bought brand new as one of the biggest mistakes we ever made. I have since moved up and can't give this thing away. Talk about upside-down!
Click to expand...


I doubt that a Merc would have been a better experience. In my opinion, the only solution is to keep the boat out of the water when it isn't being used.
 
quote:
Originally posted by jeffk

I really dont want to debate a poll, just looking for opinions.
There was quite a heated thread regarding VP service and accountablity recently.
Things change.

Click to expand...


You don't want to debate a poll...you just want opinions. That's the definition of an Opinion poll. To voice your opinion.

I have neither unit so I have no need to argue one over the other. I've been reading the Merc vs Volvo threads for years. 5-10 years ago, there were many, nasty posts against Merc. Not just the unit, but Merc customer service. Volvo owners were singing the praises of Volvo to high heaven.
I have noticed in the past few years more grumbling against Volvo. Apparently they are having some issues and Volvo customer service is not stepping up to the plate quite as well as they have in previous years.
 
Thank you for telling me what the definition of a poll is, I don't need to look it up now.
The point was, the poll was 6 six years old and thoughts have changed.
As you mention VP is not as clear a choice as previous.
I will try to speak with a service center that is authorized for both.
 
Yes, the poll was started 6 years ago, but the last post was 2 years ago and the last vote was just yesterday, so it is an ongoing, active poll.

I agree to speak with independent service people that service both. Their opinions are the ones that really matter.
We really would like to hear their comments so pass them on.
 
Would be happy to,
So far finding authorized service for both in my area is not easy.
As per my mechanic VP authorized, works on Mercs but not warranty work
VP less moving parts, parts are more expensive and not as accessible.
Does more outdrive work on Mercs than VP.
Merc has more after market parts.
In his opinion, the corrosion protection on VP is superior.
This is just his opinion, no surprises
 
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