robertjames
New Member
I am looking to re-engine my 25ft sports cruiser. I have looked at the Mercruiser 5.0 MPi with Alpha 1 drive or the Volvo Penta 5.0 equvilent. Does anyone have any views / reccomendations on these power units
Re-engine
- Thread starter robertjames
- Start date
DavidJ
Well-Known Member
Despite all the problems Volvo are having with their D series, it is still the most popular brand (in Europe). Therefore just going on resale value alone for your boat, it would be Volvo for me.
alan006
Well-Known Member
I would go the Mercruiser route. I'm not saying that the Volvo's are bad units but if you look at the costs of parts then Mercruiser are always a lot cheaper than Volvo. The parts are readily available and UK dealers know that if they charge too much the customer will order direct from the USA.
Mr Googler
Well-Known Member
You could also consider going diesel. Have a look at http://www.marinediesel.nu
I have 2 gm v8's and they run really well giving me 42 knots on a 30ft boat at 3400 rpm. Mine are marinised truck engines but the firm above marine spec them.
The great thing is they will marry up to your exsisting legs and fit the engine mounts. Parts are dirty cheap especially with the state of the US economy.
Good luck. Its always a tricky choice!! /forums/images/graemlins/confused.gif
I have 2 gm v8's and they run really well giving me 42 knots on a 30ft boat at 3400 rpm. Mine are marinised truck engines but the firm above marine spec them.
The great thing is they will marry up to your exsisting legs and fit the engine mounts. Parts are dirty cheap especially with the state of the US economy.
Good luck. Its always a tricky choice!! /forums/images/graemlins/confused.gif
Elessar
Well-Known Member
Take a look at coastal rides they have good deals on new and second hand packages.
I prefer mercruiser for their simplicity and parts prices BUT it depends what you've got now.
The volvo hole in the transom is bigger than the mercruiser hole.
All the mercruiser bravos (bravo 1, 2 and 3, bravo 3 confusingly being the twin prop) use the same transom shield (ie the bit that bolts either side of the transom, holds the back of the engine, holds the leg on whilst allowing it to swivel AND keeps the water out of the boat) and the mercruser alpha, whilst using a completely different transom shield uses the same size hole in the transom, (albeit with 2 fewer bolts but it's easy to fill these small holes).
SO if i haven't bored you to sleep already.
If you've got any mercruiser now, you can choose any mercruiser for a simple fit or volvo for a slightly harder fit (make the hole bigger)
If you've got volvo now you're basically stuck with volvo unless you want a new transom. (possible, I've done it, but not to be recommended)
If you've got something else not I haven't got a scooby doo and have just wasted your time. (fill in your BIO!!)
The physical size of the engine needs to be considered too. Diesel would be my choice but the 6cyl diesel probably won't fit in a 25ft boat if replacing a V6 or V8 petrol. Again it can be done but.....
Send more details as I'm bored of typing.
In a 25ft I'd have the small merc diesel on an alpha of of choice will fit and boat with a merc drive.
I prefer mercruiser for their simplicity and parts prices BUT it depends what you've got now.
The volvo hole in the transom is bigger than the mercruiser hole.
All the mercruiser bravos (bravo 1, 2 and 3, bravo 3 confusingly being the twin prop) use the same transom shield (ie the bit that bolts either side of the transom, holds the back of the engine, holds the leg on whilst allowing it to swivel AND keeps the water out of the boat) and the mercruser alpha, whilst using a completely different transom shield uses the same size hole in the transom, (albeit with 2 fewer bolts but it's easy to fill these small holes).
SO if i haven't bored you to sleep already.
If you've got any mercruiser now, you can choose any mercruiser for a simple fit or volvo for a slightly harder fit (make the hole bigger)
If you've got volvo now you're basically stuck with volvo unless you want a new transom. (possible, I've done it, but not to be recommended)
If you've got something else not I haven't got a scooby doo and have just wasted your time. (fill in your BIO!!)
The physical size of the engine needs to be considered too. Diesel would be my choice but the 6cyl diesel probably won't fit in a 25ft boat if replacing a V6 or V8 petrol. Again it can be done but.....
Send more details as I'm bored of typing.
In a 25ft I'd have the small merc diesel on an alpha of of choice will fit and boat with a merc drive.
BartW
Well-Known Member
I've done a similar exercise about a year ago, but re-engining to diesel.
For petrol, I would definotly go for merc 8cyl, with Bravo 2 or3, this is for sure the most economic solution, and also the best regarding availability of service and parts.
Depending on usage (hours a year, or need for extra torque) you could consider diesel, then I would go for Volvo,
There area some nice diesel engines available from Yanmar, Volkswagen and Steyer, but check availability of service and parts in your cruising area, and if the engine fits in your engine bay, this was an issue for mine,
Finally I bought a new boat !
For petrol, I would definotly go for merc 8cyl, with Bravo 2 or3, this is for sure the most economic solution, and also the best regarding availability of service and parts.
Depending on usage (hours a year, or need for extra torque) you could consider diesel, then I would go for Volvo,
There area some nice diesel engines available from Yanmar, Volkswagen and Steyer, but check availability of service and parts in your cruising area, and if the engine fits in your engine bay, this was an issue for mine,
Finally I bought a new boat !
robertjames
New Member
Thanks to everyone for there views. My boat is fitted with a OMC 5.7 V8 with a Cobra leg. both are well past there sell by date! You seem to pay a huge premium for diesel over petrol. I have been quoted a similar price for both the Volvo and Mercruiser petrol units, fitted. I spend most of the time non tidel with three ar four trips to the coast reach a year.
Whilst diesel would be a prefered option a 4/5k extra cost is a bridge to far! I suppose it comes down to reliability and running costs for the two petrol options.
Pay your money and take your choice i suppose. Coastal Rides have quoted a good price, however my local mercruiser/Volvo agent has matched the price.
Whilst diesel would be a prefered option a 4/5k extra cost is a bridge to far! I suppose it comes down to reliability and running costs for the two petrol options.
Pay your money and take your choice i suppose. Coastal Rides have quoted a good price, however my local mercruiser/Volvo agent has matched the price.