Mercruiser vs. Volvo Penta

[IMP Nut]

Hello Folks,

I am currently in the process of rebuilding/re-powering a 23' IMP Inca V. I would like to install twin dual prop outdrives,(complete re-power). Does anyone have an opinion on the pro's and cons of Mercruiser vs. Volvo Penta. Thanks for your input.

IMP Nut

 

[CheapboatKev]

Re: Mercruiser vs. Volvo Penta

Welcome aboard..

I had a IMP Pawnee for a little while..

Do a SEARCH forum and you will have hours and hours of reading in front of you regarding this often heated debate..Kinda a Ford vs Chevy thing in the auto world

 

[jcole59946]

Re: Mercruiser vs. Volvo Penta

I never owned a Volvo but have heard they run fine. The one advantage of Mercruiser is there's more of them. This means new and used parts and accessories are more readily available.

Just my 2 cents.

 

[Don S]

Re: Mercruiser vs. Volvo Penta

Why twins ????? Especially in a 23' boat. A single 5.7 Volvo with a DP will make that boat go as fast as it needs to.
Twins would mean you would have cramped space for a couple of 3.0L engines, and they don't come with DuoProp drives.

 

[superpop]

Re: Mercruiser vs. Volvo Penta

Volvo.

 

[Paul Ryan]

Re: Mercruiser vs. Volvo Penta

No!!! He didn't ask THAT quesion did he?

Welcome aboard Nut.

Volvo

 

[mcleaves]

Re: Mercruiser vs. Volvo Penta

Volvo

 

[Maclin]

Re: Mercruiser vs. Volvo Penta

What is in it now brand/model-wise? Is it twins now? Might make a difference when your resto efforts get to the hole(s) in the transom and the engine boxes and mounts.

 

[45Auto]

Re: Mercruiser vs. Volvo Penta

Mercruiser

 

[bruceb58]

Re: Mercruiser vs. Volvo Penta

Volvo....especially if the choice is between Alpha Mercruisers and Volvo

What is in there now?

 

[Gary H NC]

Re: Mercruiser vs. Volvo Penta

Agree with Don,A 5.7 Volvo DP would be plenty on that boat..
Would cost less than 2 engines and 2 drives...

 

[shogun95]

Re: Mercruiser vs. Volvo Penta

Sorry, can't resist.....How about one of each so you can settle the question for all of us regarding which is better!

 

[QC]

Re: Mercruiser vs. Volvo Penta

Not sure why this hasn't come up, but these threads comparing Volvo DPs to Bravo 3s usually boil down to service availability in your location . . .

What beam? If 8'6", I agree, single.

 

[mcleaves]

Re: Mercruiser vs. Volvo Penta

Not sure why this hasn't come up, but these threads comparing Volvo DPs to Bravo 3s usually boil down to service availability in your location . . .

Yeah I agree if you buy a Bravo you certainly need to know where to get it serviced Couldn't resist!

Really depends on your definition of better.

IMO:
Reliability = Volvo
Performance (esp at lower/normal speeds) = Volvo
Initial cost = Merc

 

[Snobike Mike]

Re: Mercruiser vs. Volvo Penta

I've always had a preference for Merc but I actually have a Volvo.

My friend and I have exactly the same boat, his a Merc and mine a volvo. It appears that I'm about 2mph on GPS faster on top end. Our dealer sells both although around here many dealers appear to be moving towards Volvo as apparently they have better dealer support. I guess Volvo is really trying to gain market share.

Cheers.

 

[TRONMAN2000]

Re: Mercruiser vs. Volvo Penta

Volvo !

 

[WD0331]

Re: Mercruiser vs. Volvo Penta

I have a 76 Inca, and they are great old boats! IMP used to build these for the coast guard and they put twin 351W's in them, so your idea is a realistic project. All that being said, I would drop in Volvos.