Which engine Brand is Best?

foofer b · Post by **foofer b** » Mon Feb 22, 2010 1:33 pm

Mercruiser? Volvo? Chrysler? Crusader? and why do you think so.

http://www.yachtsurvey.com/GasEngines.htm

randyp · Post by **randyp** » Mon Feb 22, 2010 2:44 pm

Chysler and Crusader. I like the 318 in my boat. It's been reliable and parts are still easy to come by. Only problem is they don't make em anymore. I would look at a Crusader to replace the current engine if I couldn't rebuild the original. Good reputation and strong block. Most likely I'd replace with fuel injection model vs carbureted, but I like what I have and it's been a good engine with no problems for over 30 years of service.

Stripermann2 · Post by **Stripermann2** » Mon Feb 22, 2010 3:53 pm

True Blue Crusader all the way!
The GM blocks are of course, supplied by GM and adapted with the different manufacturer's plumbing.
The cooling system by Crusader is superior to Mercruiser systems and is preferred by many in the industry. They last longer with less service intervals as well.

Chrysler as mentioned, were great, but trying to find certain parts is tough...

Hogan · Post by **Hogan** » Mon Feb 22, 2010 4:40 pm

If it's black, send it back.

If it's blue, it's for you!

k9th · Post by **k9th** » Mon Feb 22, 2010 5:22 pm

I have twin Mercruiser 255s and love them. I like the fact that they are still in production, have thousands in service, and getting parts and upgrades if you want them are readily available at any marina when travelling.

prowlersfish · Post by **prowlersfish** » Mon Feb 22, 2010 6:23 pm

Cummins of course . But we are talking about Gas so here is my opinion ,
In its day Chrysler with merc a close second . Now a days my choices would be , if the dealers where at the same level ( support is everything)
#1 marine power #2 crusader then Merc and then Volvo. But in the real world if I could not work on them I would by a Merc as they have a better dealer network IMO . There all good , so the dealer would be the deciding factory ( less volvo due to part pricing)

As far as yacht Survey goes He is wrong about the the base engines They all get the same base engines with the same cooling passage ways and the same head gaskets , were in world he comes up with some of the stuff he says I don't have a clue

And I know marine power was not on the list

MattSC · Post by **MattSC** » Mon Feb 22, 2010 6:46 pm

I chose a Crusader and am very satisfied with it. 7years and 350hrs, other than normal maintenance I've had no issues. I took this photo right after I changed the oil this past fall and since you also have an F-26 I thought I'd point this out to you. It is a 5.7 Captains Choice, I had to remove the black square metal plate cover over the flame arrestor otherwise it would touch the bottom of the deck. Other than that it fit just fine.

foofer b · Post by **foofer b** » Mon Feb 22, 2010 7:59 pm

Damn clean engine there Matt. Prowlerfish, you seem to have developed a stutter in your last post!! Oh, I mean you seem to have developed a "Speech impediment"!

wowzer52 · Post by **wowzer52** » Mon Feb 22, 2010 9:43 pm

I have just about had them all through the years, including Grey Marine, and I like them all but as stated before, parts and service are key. now days I prefer Merc, Crusader and Volvo, in that order, and have had real good luck with all three. It really depends on how well you maintain your engines.

prowlersfish · Post by **prowlersfish** » Mon Feb 22, 2010 9:48 pm

foofer b wrote:Damn clean engine there Matt. Prowlerfish, you seem to have developed a stutter in your last post!! Oh, I mean you seem to have developed a "Speech impediment"!

I developed something thats for sure . all fixed remember don't triple click