snhrph@gmail.com Posted October 26, 2020 Share Posted October 26, 2020 Hi all , I’m new to Chaparral boats and boating in general. Looking for a 24’ to 26’ bow rider. Would like to get your opinion on Mercury vs Volvo? Thank you.. Quote Link to post Share on other sites
paulswagelock Posted October 26, 2020 Share Posted October 26, 2020 Parts are easier to source for Merc and typically easier to find a repair shop. Volvo has some better designed water pumps and maybe even some of their motors are superior lately. 50/50 really. Look at the local support and pick the one with the most options. Quote Link to post Share on other sites
cyclops2 Posted October 26, 2020 Share Posted October 26, 2020 If you believe a lot of P M expense will provide a more dependable boat ? Buy a Volvo. Do realize this fact............. The engines in a boat are GARBAGE compared to a car engine. ..............My old 2002 Mercruiser 5.0 V 8 carbed engine has ran perfectly with with no P M schedule. Except for oil changes as required on end of season. I am assuming if I treated a Volvo like that ? It would have failed many times. I almost forgot. I do go WOT / top speed for about 1 to 5 minutes . Every time out. I like clean sparkplugs. Boats & cars. Quote Link to post Share on other sites
JohnZ Posted October 26, 2020 Share Posted October 26, 2020 Volvo vs Merc can easily become the boat version of Ford vs Chevy Everyone has their opinions based on their personal experiences and tastes. I agree with paul above - you really need to look into who can support you - and you want to ask about their travel costs (its not like you can take your boat to a mechanic when it breaks down, they gotta come to you). In my area of the upper Chesapeake, much easier to find a mobile merc mechanic than a mobile VP one. So be sure to understand their travel rates and how long they normally take to respond. Both power plants have their strengths and both have their weaknesses. And in both cases, you gotta be really diligent to take good care of them. I agree with Cyclops - if you treat your boat engine like your car engine your mechanic will spend more time with your boat than you will Quote Link to post Share on other sites
2004lebanshee Posted October 26, 2020 Share Posted October 26, 2020 Merc. Colors and stickers are cooler Quote Link to post Share on other sites
Chap243 Posted October 26, 2020 Share Posted October 26, 2020 Are you looking at new or used. Both are good, both have had some turds. If buying used, a lot will depend on how well the previous owner(s) have maintained them. Agree with others, find out what/which service is available in your area. If you do it yourself, purchase the proper shop manuals for what you have and learn it. Quote Link to post Share on other sites
Phillbo Posted October 26, 2020 Share Posted October 26, 2020 Ask your mechanic. Quote Link to post Share on other sites
chasingmemories Posted October 26, 2020 Share Posted October 26, 2020 I have Volvo, and like it. If I had Mercury, I am sure I would like it. OTHER than the Volvo plastic drives (XPD) I don't think there is a huge difference in either one. If you are buying new there are some differences in the motors as Volvo has gone to the latest GM offerings and Mercury is/has stayed with the older tried and proven versions of the GM family...at least that is my understanding so if I am incorrect I would like to know.. Quote Link to post Share on other sites
ramoszx12r@comcast.net Posted October 27, 2020 Share Posted October 27, 2020 The new volvo can not be that bad when thy offer a 5 years warranty. As of merc i only have EXPERINCE WITH OUTBOAR. Quote Link to post Share on other sites
Drywall Jacksonville Posted October 28, 2020 Share Posted October 28, 2020 Whether you are running a small business or a large business, it is important that your building lives up to your expectations. Hiring commercial drywall contractors can not only ensure that your project is done correctly but done promptly. Here at Drywall Jacksonville we specialize in commercial drywall installation and repair that your business can count on for long-lasting results and quality customer service. As a locally based, Jacksonville, FL commercial drywall contractor, we aim to help the local community accomplish more with their businesses. Check out more reasons below why you should hire us as a local drywall contractor for your next project. Drywall Jacksonville FL, Commercial Drywall Jacksonville, Commercial Drywall Florida, Drywall Jacksonville Florida, Quote Link to post Share on other sites
snhrph@gmail.com Posted November 3, 2020 Author Share Posted November 3, 2020 Thank you ALL for your responses. Picked up a 2013 257 SSX with 8.2 Merc yesterday... And we are off to the races Quote Link to post Share on other sites
Phillbo Posted November 3, 2020 Share Posted November 3, 2020 Nice... Have fun !!! Nice engine too.. Where are you located? All season or about to have to winterize? Quote Link to post Share on other sites
snhrph@gmail.com Posted November 3, 2020 Author Share Posted November 3, 2020 14 hours ago, Phillbo said: Nice... Have fun !!! Nice engine too.. Where are you located? All season or about to have to winterize? We are in Central NJ, so winterizing is the top priority now... Quote Link to post Share on other sites
Phillbo Posted November 3, 2020 Share Posted November 3, 2020 Man that would suck to get a new boat and have to put it away.... Quote Link to post Share on other sites
2004lebanshee Posted November 3, 2020 Share Posted November 3, 2020 Did it last year with my 265. Bought it mid October. Got one nice sunday ride and had to winterize. Longest winter ever. Quote Link to post Share on other sites
darel aranovski Posted November 4, 2020 Share Posted November 4, 2020 Thanks! Quote Link to post Share on other sites
snhrph@gmail.com Posted November 4, 2020 Author Share Posted November 4, 2020 20 hours ago, Phillbo said: Man that would suck to get a new boat and have to put it away.... Yep, this is going to be a VERY long winter indeed. Will keep busy doing some maintenance work and upgrades. Quote Link to post Share on other sites
markt111 Posted November 4, 2020 Share Posted November 4, 2020 same situation here, just bought a 285 and started cleaning/winterizing right away, But it's all good, I found the boat I wanted!!! Quote Link to post Share on other sites
drewm3i Posted November 9, 2020 Share Posted November 9, 2020 Neither are perfect, neither are terrible. Quote Link to post Share on other sites
Steve&Steph Posted November 11, 2020 Share Posted November 11, 2020 On 11/2/2020 at 6:32 PM, snhrph@gmail.com said: Thank you ALL for your responses. Picked up a 2013 257 SSX with 8.2 Merc yesterday... And we are off to the races That’s a lot of motor for that boat. 375 or 425hp? Quote Link to post Share on other sites
Iggy Posted November 11, 2020 Share Posted November 11, 2020 I HAVE NOT read every single response. But my 2cents.......... If I had a choice, I would go with Volvo after owning both. BUT, both are good engines and drives. I will give Merc 4.5 stars and Volvo 5 stars. Thats me? Quote Link to post Share on other sites
snhrph@gmail.com Posted November 11, 2020 Author Share Posted November 11, 2020 16 hours ago, Steve&Steph said: That’s a lot of motor for that boat. 375 or 425hp? Its a 380. It sounds really nice with a through hull exhaust. Quote Link to post Share on other sites
Steve&Steph Posted November 12, 2020 Share Posted November 12, 2020 Awesome! That’s has to be close to a 60mph boat. Quote Link to post Share on other sites
Wingnut Posted November 12, 2020 Share Posted November 12, 2020 5 hours ago, snhrph@gmail.com said: Its a 380. It sounds really nice with a through hull exhaust. You have a cast iron block with aluminum heads so keep up with the closed system anti-freeze change out every 5 years. The Dex-cool silicate free extended performance formulation is a great product, but can become corrosive if left in service for too long. The first thing it begins to work on is the head gaskets. W Quote Link to post Share on other sites
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