1987 Crusader 350 ci. 270hp w/ V-drive : opinions?

[tmh]

Hi. looking at a 30' cruiser with twin Crusader 350's 270hp w/V-drive. Assuming properly maintained, how do these hold up over the years compared to a Mercruiser I/O power? Fresh water use only.

Searching around, sounds like both would be small block chevy based engines, so maybe pretty similar? What about the drives?

Thanks

 

[arks]

Re: 1987 Crusader 350 ci. 270hp w/ V-drive : opinions?

Very solid and reliable setup if maintained. My Silverton has the same Crusader small blocks but with straight shaft Velvet Drives. V-drives are reliable but have more moving parts, thus more to go wrong. In some boats they can also be difficult to service without pulling an engine.

Yes all the engine manufacturers use the basic chevy small block and marinize them. I think Crusader does it best but my opinion is a bit jaded....
Given 2 identical cruisers, 1 with Merc power and the other with Crusader, I'd go Crusader. While Mercruiser has a good name among the high-performance crowd, Crusader has an excellent reputation in the "big boat" world.
BTW- If it has it, fresh water cooling is a BIG plus.

 

[Don S]

Re: 1987 Crusader 350 ci. 270hp w/ V-drive : opinions?

The most common Vdrive was the BorgWarner velvet drive tranny on the Vdrive. One ell of a lot stronger than any IO, and a whole lot less maintenance. But they do come with their own issues. You have to align the prop shafts and check them occasionally. Not always easy since the coupler is under the engine, and on twins in only a 30' boat, that can be darn near impossible unless you are not a double jointed skinny contortionsest.

 

[tmh]

Re: 1987 Crusader 350 ci. 270hp w/ V-drive : opinions?

Thanks guys. I'll have to get a look at how tough it is to access this one. It's one heck of a deal as long as all checks out.