Volvo vs Merc and Drive Questions?

[cruisetheh2o]

Needing some help determining which would be the best way to go here. Looking at some cruisers in the 26-28 ft ranges. Looking at one with a 5.7 Volvo Duoprop, another with a 7.4 and Bravo 3, and another with a 7.4 Bravo 1. Which of these is the best way to go? More familiar with Merc than Volvo but are they the same in repair or reliability?

Thanks

 

[Scott Danforth]

This subject has been beaten to death. Search the archives.

The best one is the one for you is the one that has service accessible to you. Both great drives.

For a cruiser I would suggest the dual prop drive over a single. However if you plan on going faster than 60, your back into a single prop drive

 

[Blind Date]

"For a cruiser I would suggest the dual prop drive over a single."

+1 Don't sell yourself short with a single prop drive. I'm not sure you can even buy a brand new cruiser these days without a B3 or VP DP. What does that tell you?

Merc vs Volvo is like Ford vs Chevy. I've owned 5 boats with sterndrives, all MerCruiser. But I wouldn't hesitate buying a boat w/Volvo nor would I advise anyone I know personally against buying one.

 

[cruisetheh2o]

Someone had told me that a dual prop or bravo 3 is easier to maneuver and back up at the dock etc? Is that true? Is a Bravo 2 a dual prop also or single? What is the difference in it over a bravo 1 or 3?

 

[Scott Danforth]

bravo 3 is a dual prop. Bravo 2 is a heavy duty trawler type outdrive with a single prop.

 

[cruisetheh2o]

What are the greater advantages to the Bravo 3? Since that seems to be the way to go.

 

[Blind Date]

They handle better around the dock. They get the boat on plane quicker with less engine effort and bow rise. They also track better at displacement speeds, less deep-v wander. Also I'd stay away from anything with a Bravo 2.

 

[thumpar]

Get either the B3 or the Duo-prop. Check around for service options first though. Some places don't have Volvo shops.

 

[four winns 214]

I have a Volvo duoprop on my deckboat. It's been a reliable drive, but Volvo parts and service can be problematic, especially if you trailer the boat to out-of-the-way places.

 

[magster65]

Although they're equally as durable... Merc is more common, less expensive and every mechanic is familiar with them. Some people are hardcore Volvo fans...and I get it... but it's Merc for me.