Volvo Penta vs Mercruiser?

Question

After hearing some negative comments on the volvo penta, I was wondering if they're really true. Are volvo pentas reliable or not? What makes Mercruiser or Volvo a better choice. Looking for an I/O 17-20 foot runabout, and was wondering which is better???

Answer 1

I'll start by saying I like the Mercruiser. One thing is it doesn't dig in as deep. The Volvo Penta does have larger gears & is suppose to outlast a Mercruiser, because Mercruiser does not use the bigger outdrives until you go over 300hp. I find the Volvo Penta to be quiter. My father & I have had several boats in that range, we buy them at a good price, use them & sell them. One thing I would suggest is go with the V-6 or V-8. Good luck on your search.

Answer 2

I have always used Mercruiser and for that size of boat try looking at the 4.3L or LX model I'm sure you will be satisfied not to mention you will still have sum money left in your pocket vs. the Volvo....

Service on the Mercruiser is more avail and less costly vs the Volvo also!!!!

I run the 4.3LX in my Starcraft (18.5 feet) and it flies 55+mph, my engine has been tweaked. The difference between the L and the LX is that the L is 2bbl and the LX is a 4bbl carb.

I'm very satisfied with my engine performance!!!

Answer 3

You will not go wrong with either drive.  They both have advantages and disadvantages.  First of all you should check and make sure there is a repair shop in your area with a mechanic certified to repair a Volvo Penta, as there are fewer of them than Mercruiser certified mechanics.

If there is one in your area you are better off with the Penta.  It is a biger drive with bigger gears.  Also the Penta operates much smoother than the mercruiser due to they way they shift into and out of gear.  The Volvo uses a cylindrical mechanism to shift, you barely feel it go into gear.  The Mercruiser uses the normal clutch dog, the gears bang together and you feel this as a clunk when you shift into gear.

Either way you will be getting a reliable drive system.  If you are looking at used boats you might also consider one with an OMC Cobra drive.  These are also very good and reliable.  But stay away from the OMC Stringer drive, they are junk.