Volvo vs. Merc on the BR


twarble

twarble

Member
curious as to what you guys think on the 290BR using Volvo vs. the Merc's. Seems like most here have Merc's, but not sure what i'm missing. i have been looking at a few 290's, one of which has Volvo twin v8-300c 5.3L DP and another has Merc twin 6.2L 300 ECT B3. sales guy i've been talking to spoke heavily about the Volvo's make a large amount of noise going into/out of gear. nor sure if this is something to worry about or not? if the Merc's don't have Axius, is there a considerable difference between the two?

also, if there are any options in particular on the 290 you think are a must have, i'm all ears!

Thanks in advance,
twarble
 
I think they both make good stuff and with maintenance they will last. Never heard anyone say anything about noise going in/out gear, not saying they do or don't just never heard anyone say anything much about it.

That said, I stick with Merc for two main reasons, parts can be found and cost while high, are in most cases reasonable, VP cost are thru the roof for special items. The other is there are all kinds of folks that can help and or work on a Merc, you have to go looking for VP guys.
 
Just by chance, I have only ever had mercs. But my buddy is a diehard Volvo guy. They have come a long way and are very worthy. Not sure about parts costs, but I would not hesitate to buy a boat with Volvos.
 
Not sure what model years you're looking at but I know the Volvo's out-drives with the plastic housing were garbage. I had a friend with a 2005 330 SS that had nothing but problems. Volvo discontinued the plastic ones and started replacing them with metal units, cost my friend $10K to get them replaced but they've been trouble free since.
 
Afratki is correct, avoid the Volvo XDP composite drives.
I have experience with both, and my preference is Volvo Penta. Parts are readily available and service has never been an issue. Customer service is where I really appreciate VP. I had a pair of the composite XDP drives and they failed. Volvo really stepped up and replaced them, no questions asked. Merc has the bravo III corrosion issues that never went away, and blames you their inferior product. Impeller maintenance is a 15 minute job on VP, as it is crankshaft mounted in the front of the engine. Merc is sometimes 3 hours each, depending on the boat, and most get their mechanic to perform.
I would order VP parts from Marine parts express and have anything in two days. I personally will never own another Mercruiser product.
 
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