Choose Volvo Penta D3-160SX or D3-190SX

now the choice has become very easy, Due to the forum I will definately go for the D3-190.
Yes via the internet we get to know all issues about a certain model, but at the same time we can also get all the solutions for these issues.
I have been adviced towards engines like Yanmar (the BMW blok)
we know that only a small number are sold of them yet, but nevertheless I have found some issues about them here on the internet, and NO solutions neither from the brand (Yanmar) neither from users, not yet mentioning the very limited info you can get from the dealer.
From a friend I know that Volvo will launch in future a D3-225,
this gives me the assurance that the D3 is not at all at the end of its live, and that it is still under developement, volvo might find improvemets which are retrofittable to existing models. I also believe that Volvo can't afford any remaining issues with one of their popular models,
so therefor my decision is final now. Hopefully the dealer is not reading this !
I am absolutely no Volvo addict, its the opposite, I used to be against them, but now I try to be objective and realistic.
Thank you all guys for the very helpfull advice, I will post a message when I have my new boat.
 
Fair enough - that's the great thing about this forum, you get opinions from all quarters. Especially useful when people obviously in 'the trade' share their experience. You can cut through the sales spiel and get the real gen.

Excellent - thanks.

Paul.
 
Bart your logic makes sense and on balence the Volvos are probably the only choice, due to their market dominance and dealer network. At least you can get them fixed but its disappointing when they fail none the less. My own boat had new Volvo AD31P's fitted in 2003, which was the last of the AD31's and they had been in production for 10years+, you'd think they would be bullit proof after that time in production. However at only 100hours I had 2 injector pipes split, turns out the piping was inferior quality and had a fault line in them from new. Volvo had obviously changed supplier for whatever reason (probably cost) and fitted inferior pipes to earlier engines. With that and other examples I've lost faith in Volvo, but i have to concede my boat will fetch a better price with Volvos in, than any other make.
By the way when I reccomended a Yanmar I was refering to the Toyota based blocks not the new BMW engines, obviously they are still unproven.
 
Hi Chris, I completely agree with your comments.
I almost forgot about this:
On paper,The Yamaha "Hydra drive" (Toyota based) also seems a very nice and reliable sterndrive, unfortunotly the weight, availability and local service is a big issue.
I regret this very much as I am a big Yamaha fan (My company is the biggest professional digital audio mixing console dealer in benelux)
thanks for the message
 
Given your power to weight requirement, the Volvos are pretty much the only sensible choice. I'd go for the 190's on your boat.

The basic blocks are found in Volvo cars such as S60, V70, XC90, and should be reliable. Just keep on top of servicing and winterisation, collapsing air filters etc. I would describe them as being high performance, but also a little highly strung, rather like some females.

Think of them as "sporty engines" and you won't be disappointed.

dv.
 
[ QUOTE ]
The FNM is a Fiat engine. Friend of mine is the importer. Not a popular engine very noisy.

[/ QUOTE ]

Is actually an Alfa Romeo engine and in fact no noisier than Volvo D3. Is smoother on tickover/low revs than D3, which in my experience has quite a lot of vibration.
 
Is alfa not owned by fiat??.

Beg to differ on the noise issue. Thats my opinion. Bart if you can find a boat with an FMN have a listen yourself.

I guess you could contact Powerboats as he has them in his Zar ribs.

But i think the issue is power to weight, service and parts ditribution
 
Gingie, I have found very interesting info on FMN, power to weight seems VERY good, but honestly speaking I don't care so much about the noise.
I know We should honor newcomers sterndrive manufacturers such as Yanmar, Steyr, FMN, and encourage their new modern designs, and encourage competition thats good for improvement of prices and quality, but I am boaring and not honorable as I choose rather conservative for the establisched big brands, just because of service and support availability.
anyway, thanks for the tip and for the advice !
 
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