Most reliable motor/drive, Merc or Volvo???

[G. Arruda]

Ok, got it narrowed down!
Can't afford a new OB set up so I'm down to:

17'or18' 07 Bayliner w/ merc
17' 07 Glastron w/ Volvo

Both entry boats, what I'm looking for is whats most reliable and cost effective down the road from a repair cost and trouble free use.
(i'm going to have this boat for a longggg time)

Opinions, from you guys who have had late model for a while, and from you guy's who fix these everyday, it'd be great to get some ideas.
Thanks lots, Gary

 

[wcsparky05]

Re: Most reliable motor/drive, Merc or Volvo???

you have to tell us the engines.

 

[G. Arruda]

Re: Most reliable motor/drive, Merc or Volvo???

Sorry , the basic 3.0
thanks!

 

[RubberFrog]

Re: Most reliable motor/drive, Merc or Volvo???

The volvo is a little better- but only if you have access to volvo tech's (harder to find).

 

[andy1canada]

Re: Most reliable motor/drive, Merc or Volvo???

Howdy!

Ditto, Rubberfrog...

Merc parts/service network more widespread than Volvo's. But that should not be your deciding factor. Volvo builds good stuff which is why they seem to be used in more commercial applications.

That said, I just repowered my old boat with a new 4.3/MPI Merc setup. I got a deal I couldn't refuse.

By the way, you should seek professional help to deal with your "I'm going to keep this boat for a l-o-o-o-n-n-g time"syndrome...

Forget it buddy 'two-footititise' syndrome will set in after 2 to 3 yrs. and you'll be huntin' for the bigger-faster...

Cheers,
Terry

 

[Lesserevil]

Re: Most reliable motor/drive, Merc or Volvo???

I would lean towards the Volvo also, but I think more importantly I would lean towards the Glastron vs the Bayliner.

 

[tommays]

Re: Most reliable motor/drive, Merc or Volvo???

There is a massive amount of Merc drives compared to Volvo


A lot of those Merc drives are on boats that get no PM or any kind of matiance until they break

If we give those same people Volvo drives who can say how well they will hold up to lack of matiance


Tommays

 

[fourwinnsdook]

Re: Most reliable motor/drive, Merc or Volvo???

i haven't had much experience with volvo, but i know my father has had alot of bad luck with merc. Parts are more readily for merc. but it's brand new so you shouldn't be needing any of them soon. Like said above. i'de go with the better hull. You have to think about that also, floors rotting,cracks, just overall build. I think the Glastron would be your better bet. Not that bayliner is as bad as they used to be, but the name still ahunts them and their resale value.

 

[Cptkid570]

Re: Most reliable motor/drive, Merc or Volvo???

As everyone said -- volvo would be more reliable, but if it does break down, it will be more expensive to fix and mechanics would be harder to come by.

Mercruiser would be less reliable, but parts and mechanics are abundant.

And, truthfully speaking, the reliability really doesn't depend as much on the brand, but more on the owner. If you take care of them, both would be very reliable -- especially the 3.0 liter motor. If you don't properly care for them, neither of them will be reliable.

That being said -- the Glastron will hold value better than a Bayliner.

 

[Logan]

Re: Most reliable motor/drive, Merc or Volvo???

I dont know which is more reliable. I have the 3.OL volvo and it has been very good so far. I would definitely second the glastron as the better hull though.

I dont know if it means anything but there seems to be considerably more posts on this forum relating to merc problems vs. volvo problems? Maybe there are just more mercs out there or maybe they just have more problems?

 

[QC]

Re: Most reliable motor/drive, Merc or Volvo???

Most reliable . . . drive?

I think they call it an oar . . .

 

[G. Arruda]

Re: Most reliable motor/drive, Merc or Volvo???

Thanks Guy's !
I like the idea of the Glastron, but I've been calling around the nearest auth. V/P service is about an hr away. i don't know!!
gary

 

[Scaaty]

Re: Most reliable motor/drive, Merc or Volvo???

Most reliable . . . drive?

I think they call it an oar . . .

But even that can break! I'd go with tide or current...

 

[G. Arruda]

Re: Most reliable motor/drive, Merc or Volvo? I Did it!!

Re: Most reliable motor/drive, Merc or Volvo? I Did it!!

Hello and thanks for all the excellent thought and comment!

I Did it!!!
Bought the Glastron today!! MX175 w/ Volvo 3.0

Took them both out for a quick test run... no contest!!!
A moderate chop on the lake, the Glastron took it MUCH better.
Along with the all around better fit-up, as tight as money is I feel it's an extra 1K well spent!

Thanks again!
Gary

 

[G. Arruda]

Re: Most reliable motor/drive, Merc or Volvo???

oh yeah...
I'm carrying an Oar..." just in case" ;-)

Gary

 

[tic]

Re: Most reliable motor/drive, Merc or Volvo???

tip: carry a spare impeller too!

 

[QC]

Re: Most reliable motor/drive, Merc or Volvo???

Congratulations G-man!! 17 footers with 3.0s are a lot of fun. Glastron was the right choice too. Awesome.

 

[Dakota47]

Re: Most reliable motor/drive, Merc or Volvo???

GLASTRON is a way better boat. and ya get the Volvo motor. best of both worlds.

 

[Moulin6801]

Re: Most reliable motor/drive, Merc or Volvo???

Hey there, are you happy with your engine choice??
I am considering the same boat, but I can make my mind about the engine size? Would I be happier later on with a bigger engine even though will make me sadder now with a bigger note to pay???
Me,wife and 3 small boys will be on the boat.
Thanks
David

 

[RubberFrog]

Re: Most reliable motor/drive, Merc or Volvo???

Would I be happier later on with a bigger engine even though will make me sadder now with a bigger note to pay???
Me,wife and 3 small boys will be on the boat.

If you're even considering the bigger motor, than get it. You will be very sad later if you are already wanting it now. And remember that little boys grow up to be big boys. And their friends.