Any thoughts on Mercruiser 3.6L vs Volvo AD41 Diesels on a Sealine 330 Statesman?

[Granthsmith]

We're looking very closely at getting a Sealine 330 Statesman as our first boat as it sounds like either 180 or 200hp engines should be fine for coastal cruising with 150hp being potentially a bit weak. Before I go any further however, I wanted to seek the forums input as to whether, other than the obvious 20hp difference, there is anything that should drive me to look for a Mercruiser vs. Volvo powered boat?

 

[novanta]

Mercruisers diesels are fine if you service them well. Reliable, no smoke but a bit noisy. Even the Bravo three drives are ok.

But.... if you have a choise: take the Volvo. The 41's are bullitproof, a very smooth engine, the DP drives can (and will) have a lot of play but are very good.

And, Volvo's are more "mainstream" then Mercruisers... More dealers, more parts, more service...

I'd never thought that I would say such a thing, as a "Mercruiserman"...

 

[volvopaul]

The mercruiser V volvo thread has been on here before recently, so Id search for it, my input was on there too.

Obviously im biased towards volvo but I work on both and have re engined boats with both makes in .

I would stress you not only have a hull and structure survey but more importantly a engine a nd drive survey followed by a sea trial, after all thats where the majority of cost is in a boat and believe me if they look alright to you, wait till I feast my eyes over both makes on a survey and you will be surprised what I can find wrong.

 

[Elessar]

We're looking very closely at getting a Sealine 330 Statesman as our first boat as it sounds like either 180 or 200hp engines should be fine for coastal cruising with 150hp being potentially a bit weak. Before I go any further however, I wanted to seek the forums input as to whether, other than the obvious 20hp difference, there is anything that should drive me to look for a Mercruiser vs. Volvo powered boat?

I like mercruisers - as I do my own servicing and the parts are easy to obtain, at reasonable cost, from the states. When I need something more complicated like diesel timing experts like Col of this forum can get their head round mercs with no problem.

Volvo dealers are easier to find though if you want someone to do it for you.

I think the 3.6 mercs are 180hp. I also think 360hp total will be a bit weedy in a 330. The indirect injection 4.2 mercs are 220 (although there was a 200hp mechanical direct injection version too to complicate things) and would be a lot better.
The smaller volvos I think are the 150hp and I wouldn't go near them unless you spend most of your time at displacement speed.

It's easy to want more power, especially with a bit of end of season slime or weed covered outdrives, lots of clobber or a load of friends. You won't worry about having too much power and throttling back, so go for the biggest engines you can. When you go for a sea trial the boat will probably be clutter and weed free.

 

[Converging]

Have you found one for 50K??? (I hope not or I have lost some serious money!!)

Mine has got mercruisers fitted but one engine has developed an oil leak and lack of power but I am pretty certain on how to fix both - but its to bloody cold!!!

They are very easy to work on and if you ebay for the works manual you will be very conversant with most jobs if you are practical.

Elessar is a great help on this stuff!!!

 

[Granthsmith]

Thanks all for the comments so far, I was most interested in the relitive merrits of these engines in this particular boat rather than generally but it is good to know the Mercruisers are relatively easy to work on yourself as I am reasonably practical at that sort of thing.

Converging - You'll be pleased to know I haven't found one for £50k but like most people starting out in this 'hobby' I have now decided to up my budget a bit to get what I want. I am however thinking that I may have to settle for a 180hp Mercruiser powered boat to meet my budget but I'm thinking that's better than going for my original plan of a 200hp 310 statesman as the 330 seems like a better layout inside.

Anyway, please keep the comments and advice flowing, it's very useful and appreciated by a newbie like myself!

 

[ari]

If all else is equal the Volvo engined boat will always be worth noticeably more.

Which probably answers your question as to which is the preferred option.

 

[studgies]

We're looking very closely at getting a Sealine 330 Statesman as our first boat as it sounds like either 180 or 200hp engines should be fine for coastal cruising with 150hp being potentially a bit weak. Before I go any further however, I wanted to seek the forums input as to whether, other than the obvious 20hp difference, there is anything that should drive me to look for a Mercruiser vs. Volvo powered boat?

We have a 330 with the D3.6L 180hp's and we have been realy pleased with it, had it almost 5 years and compaired to previous volvo engined boats we have notices little or no difference in reliability, oh and a lot less smoke! Mercruisers seem to leak a bit more oil but I prefer the set up with the Bravo II drives with the remote oil reservoir haveing had a volvo leg loose all it's oil on us in the past. The 180's are a good match for the 330, I am not saying it is a sprinter but ours will cruise at low 20's and when spotless with flat seas she will almost...but not quite crack 30Kts.

As others have said the merc engines are easy to work on and once you know the sources parts are no issue and the same as for volvo. Keep them well serviced and they will service you well.

Depending on circumstances, come April we may well be looking to trade up so may well have one for sale!

 

[halcyon]

I'm thinking that's better than going for my original plan of a 200hp 310 statesman as the 330 seems like a better layout inside.

Also the 330 has a modified hull allowing the engines to be reloacated, increasing the engine centres, and handling over the 310/320.

Brian

 

[ian38_39]

interested to know how the mods over the 310 have improved handling. i thought the hull was flared by 3" a side above the waterline with the under water sections staying the same. Would think moving the engines away from the centre line would make things worse too.

if the handling is improved it would be another tick for the 330 over the 360 as at the moment just have fuel ecconomy in the 330 side and on the 360 have shafts and sea keeping

 

[halcyon]

if the handling is improved it would be another tick for the 330 over the 360 as at the moment just have fuel ecconomy in the 330 side and on the 360 have shafts and sea keeping

Okay slow speed, the 30 - 320 hull had the engines close together, on the 330 they were moved appart.

Brian