Whats are thoughts on a Volvo Penta Outdrive?

[demian5]

As stated before, I've been thinking about other boats, are Pentas ok and easy to work on like MC??

[Plugcheck]

I don't know about the ease of working on one is, but parts are pricier, harder to find, and shops that work on them are fewer.  Just a consequence of the Merc being more popular.   I've heard the drives are tougher though, and folks that have them seem to like them.

[Jason]

I think it depends on year. My dad has had one since new in 2003. Zero problems with it.

[185GXSF-Guy]

I have one on my 2001 Glastron GX 185 SF and it has been perfect.  Zero problems.  Owned the boat for about 17 years now.  And, I've beaten the crap out of my boat (which is why I had to restore it or sell it - I restored it).  The restoration didn't touch the outdrive except for replacing the bellows.

Once I hit rocky ridge on Bald Eagle Lake in MN going about 50 with that boat/outdrive.  I went airborne and bent the prop in all kinds of directions and bent the skeg.  Replaced the prop and took a hammer to the skeg to straighten and all has been well for the last 16 years. 

From my experience, the transmission on a Volvo Penta is smoother than Mercruiser.  However, previous comments about parts availability, etc are likely true.  That being said, I have never had a problem getting parts when needed (which is very infrequently).

Hope this helps!

[74 Carlson the II]

Volvo penta's are good. Volvo bought omc back in 1998 and from there on I think they are better than a mercruiser. Volvo penta use one shift cable vs mercruiser use's two, shift adjustment much easier and less slop. Volvo has a cone clutch similar to a bravo and shifting is much smoother, has no ratcheting when put into gear. If the shift cable needs replacing you don't have to remove the outdrive like you do on a mercruiser. Gimbal bearings are the same. Almost all newer volvo penta's from 98 and up don't have the water pump in the outdrive, its on the motor instead which is nice cause you don't have to drop the lower unit like you do on a mercruiser and then have to refill gear lube. Volvo penta parts are a little more $ but easier to work on than a mercruiser. They are heavy though similar to a bravo, and hold more gear lube than a alpha. If I were to do a restore on a glastron that had an mercruiser with decent power I would consider a volvo penta swap for sure. Both manufacturers make a good outdrive but I think the volvo penta is a better package.

[74 Carlson the II]

I don't mind working on either or but if you put both a mercruiser and volve penta in front of me and it needs service I prefer the volvo penta, they are nice even the transom assembly is easier to service.

[Jason]

Good info Steve!

[demian5]

Wow I guess I should consider them when shopping and will. Thanks!