VP 5.7 duo or Merc 5.0 Alpha I

[escarter1979]

I'm trying to decide between two boats. A 2007 chaparral with Volvo 5.7 and duo prop or a 2006 Monterey with MerCruiser 5.0 Alpha I. Boats are very similar, 23.5', but Chap has a few more bells and whistles. We do mostly cruising and wake boarding. My concern is the 4400lb Monterey is under powered. Is it really worth $7k more for the Chap?

Thanks!

 

[Bondo]

Ayuh,.... Welcome Aboard,..... The Duo-prop is worth it,....

 

[bruceb58]

Super easy choice..the Volvo if you are just selecting by drive with no thoughts on the boats themselves.. Even if the Volvo was an SX, I would take it over the Alpha just because of the cone clutch.

 

[escarter1979]

Thanks, now just have to convince my better half!

 

[HT32BSX115]

I'm trying to decide between two boats. A 2007 chaparral with Volvo 5.7 and duo prop or a 2006 Monterey with MerCruiser 5.0 Alpha I. Boats are very similar, 23.5', but Chap has a few more bells and whistles. We do mostly cruising and wake boarding. My concern is the 4400lb Monterey is under powered. Is it really worth $7k more for the Chap?

Thanks!

Howdy,


That Volvo Duoprop is going to perform FAR better than the 5.0L Alpha........HANDS DOWN. I do not think it's $7000 better though. But to be fair, you need to compare it to a similar boat with a 5.7L engine + (Mercruiser) Bravo III

There just is no comparison to a 5.0L Alpha...........

Now if it was a 5.7L Mercruiser and a Bravo III, (and it was less money) I would probably select the Mercruiser only because it would probably be easier to work on (FOR ME as a DIY'er)

If you get a Volvo Duoprop powered boat you will NOT be unhappy with the performance! (the engines are essentially the "same")


Cheers,


Rick

 

[bruceb58]

Rick, why do you think Mercs are easier to work on than Volvo's.

 

[HT32BSX115]

Rick, why do you think Mercs are easier to work on than Volvo's.

Easier in terms of new and used parts availability at NON-retail prices.......

If I had gone for a new complete package, I would have probably gone with the Volvo 496-Duoprop. The new price was almost exactly the same as a new Mercruiser 496/Bravo III.(About $25K then.....)


But when looking for a complete (used) engine/drive combo to replace the OMG 460, I found far more Mercruiser engines, drives, transoms, props, trim-pumps etc .....vs Volvo.
I looked all over the PNW for a complete used Volvo engine and drive. I wanted a 454/496 engine + Duoprop package for my Four Winns. I never found one.

I did find several Mercruiser engine/drive combinations. 5.7L(300hp) to 454 & 496 Bravo I, II, III etc.

So for me it was just availability.

 

[bruceb58]

I have found that getting parts for my Volvo is easy. I have not found the need to ever buy used parts yet. The only used parts I would likely need is if I broke a housing but that is why I have insurance.

As far as actually easier to work on, I doubt there is even a difference of course you may have to work on the Merc more often! (This is the opinion of the owner of a certified Merc/Volvo who happens to be the best mechanic in my area).

 

[HT32BSX115]

I have found that getting parts for my Volvo is easy. I have not found the need to ever buy used parts yet. The only used parts I would likely need is if I broke a housing but that is why I have insurance.

As far as actually easier to work on, I doubt there is even a difference of course you may have to work on the Merc more often! (This is the opinion of the owner of a certified Merc/Volvo who happens to be the best mechanic in my area).

Yeah.....he's just biased! Fords have ALWAYS been better than Chevys!!:faint2:

 

[Tail_Gunner]

Yeah.....he's just biased! Fords have ALWAYS been better than Chevys!!:faint2:

Well your finally getting back on track there....

There both boat's at 23 feet but that's where the similarity's end's, the 5.7 with the duo prop is playing in a whole different league you need a hour with each boat on the water with at least 4 people, if that does not convince you well do what you must. I can tell you the 5.0 alpha will be a better wake boat due the heavy nature of the boat and the small engine it will struggle to get on plane with 4 or more people

 

[HT32BSX115]

I can tell you the 5.0 alpha will be a better wake boat due the heavy nature of the boat and the small engine it will struggle to get on plane with 4 or more people

The 5.0L/Alpha will be a complete DOG compared to the 5.7L/Duo.....in just about any performance comparison........... The Duoprop will also likely use less fuel too. (at cruising speeds)

 

[Tail_Gunner]

The 5.0L/Alpha will be a complete DOG compared to the 5.7L/Duo.....in just about any performance comparison........... The Duoprop will also likely use less fuel too. (at cruising speeds)

Dog yes but one hell of a wake at 23' and a 8' and 4000lbs id be willing she would dig a hole and build a 3 ' wake all day long just like a rock star.

 

[HT32BSX115]

Boats are very similar, 23.5',

I thought he said they were the "same" ["very similar" ]

 

[escarter1979]

Alright, here's an update. We tested both boats for an hour or so each. I really, really liked the Montery, (cheaper), but I really struggled to keep it even close to wakeboarding speed, it was always trying come off plane or speed up. Probably an easy fix with a prop change. The wake, however was not even close what I consider big, or even mediocre. It took about 5 sec to get up on plane.

The Chaparral, wow, let's just say not even in the same league. Up on plane in 2 sec, really nice wake and several more bells and whistles. Chap is now in the driveway!

Thanks!