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Volvo Penta 8.1 - 2003 396
- RussC243
- Scurvy Dog
- Posts: 7
- Joined: September 14th, 2020, 3:04 am
- Location: NY
- Has thanked: 2 times
Volvo Penta 8.1 - 2003 396
I read some comments the Volvo diesels are not so reliable but that the gas Volvos are a different animal all together. I am only interested in gas as my MO is sit at the dock a lot and make mostly short trips with the wife in the harbor.
Are parts readily available at a reasonable cost? (basic maintenance parts and typical DYI parts like exhaust, risers, pumps, alternators, PCM, etc )
All other things being equal, is there any reason to avoid a boat with the Volva Penta 8.1?
I am planning to have a professional survey done on any boat I purchase.
Thank you
Russ
Stony Brook, NY
- Midnightsun
- CYO Supporter
- Posts: 2838
- Joined: March 27th, 2016, 2:27 pm
- Vessel Info: The Midnight Sun
2007 41CMY
Volvo D6-370's - Location: Montreal, Canada
- Has thanked: 254 times
- Been thanked: 1095 times
Re: Volvo Penta 8.1 - 2003 396
-
- CYO Supporter
- Posts: 5803
- Joined: July 10th, 2015, 9:58 pm
- Vessel Info: 1989 Carver 3807 Aft Cabin
- Location: Ontario, Canada
- Has thanked: 431 times
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Re: Volvo Penta 8.1 - 2003 396
The key here is previous maintenance habits. Would be nice if you had access to maintenance records. If the owners were DIYers, their competence is what'll determine the vessel's health. Take a good look around as there are usually signs if things have been done wrong or neglected. And yes, a survey is a must once you've narrowed down your search.
Nothings wrong with Volvo diesels. All brands have their quirks. If you were to take the best features of all brands and put them together in one design, it still wouldn't be perfect. Same goes for gas engines, sterndrives, etc.
Good luck with your search and keep us posted.
- g36
- Admiral
- Posts: 1940
- Joined: April 7th, 2014, 6:07 pm
- Vessel Info: 1997 Carver 405
- Location: Soddy Daisy TN.
- Has thanked: 7 times
- Been thanked: 587 times
Re: Volvo Penta 8.1 - 2003 396
Crusader xli
The Black Pearl
Soddy Daisy Tn.
- Cooler
- Admiral
- Posts: 1553
- Joined: May 22nd, 2018, 12:09 pm
- Vessel Info: 1995 Carver 330 Mariner
Twin 350XL Crusaders
Home port: Menominee, MI - Location: Green Bay, WI
- Has thanked: 66 times
- Been thanked: 368 times
Re: Volvo Penta 8.1 - 2003 396
( All weather people have to say this on air, near lakes )
- buster53
- Admiral
- Posts: 994
- Joined: May 12th, 2017, 10:41 am
- Vessel Info: 2001, Carver 356
- Location: Lower Potomac, VA
- Has thanked: 8 times
- Been thanked: 253 times
Re: Volvo Penta 8.1 - 2003 396
Midnightsun wrote:Source of the post Anything Volvo is definitely more difficult and more expensive to get a hold of than Mercruiser/Mercury. That being said, most common maintenance parts are common and available in the aftermarket. I would not hesitate on Volvo, Crusader or Mercruiser. All use American big/small blocks and are quite similar in overall performance and longevity. Proper maintenance will far outweigh brand when it comes to engine longevity.
What midnightsun said.
I have Crusader 8.1’s in my 356 and while Crusader is my #1 choice, if my boat had Mercs or Volvos, I still would have bought it.
The 396 is the big brother to my 356 and is a nice boat. Definitely, will not be a speed demon with those engines but will be adequate. I wish I had the engine room space you will have as mine is real tight.
- RussC243
- Scurvy Dog
- Posts: 7
- Joined: September 14th, 2020, 3:04 am
- Location: NY
- Has thanked: 2 times
Re: Volvo Penta 8.1 - 2003 396
"not a speed demon" After countless hours of research related to the purchase, I never considered cruising speed other than to estimate the time and gas cost to get the boat to the home slip. Our typical destination is only a few miles from the dock where we raft with friends.
I will post when I select one... hopefully in the next couple weeks but not getting too attached as they are all winterized this time of year. I have to consider how to contract this time of year, pending a sea trial/survey especially when possibly covered in snow. I assume the contract stays pending the survey/sea trial until early spring.
Russ
- pepmyster
- Admiral
- Posts: 966
- Joined: June 5th, 2018, 7:17 am
- Vessel Info: 2004 Carver 360 Sport Sedan
8.1 Volvo Penta
Fresh water boating - Location: Ottawa
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Re: Volvo Penta 8.1 - 2003 396
- bud37
- Admiral
- Posts: 4677
- Joined: April 23rd, 2015, 10:22 pm
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Re: Volvo Penta 8.1 - 2003 396
RussC243 wrote:Source of the post I assume the contract stays pending the survey/sea trial until early spring.
Welcome to the forum Russ......don't assume anything here, check the wording of your offer to purchase. Pending sales may have a clause if someone comes in firm for example ( no survey/no trial ), you get a chance to match.......just a heads up......good luck with the search...
- Cooler
- Admiral
- Posts: 1553
- Joined: May 22nd, 2018, 12:09 pm
- Vessel Info: 1995 Carver 330 Mariner
Twin 350XL Crusaders
Home port: Menominee, MI - Location: Green Bay, WI
- Has thanked: 66 times
- Been thanked: 368 times
Re: Volvo Penta 8.1 - 2003 396
( All weather people have to say this on air, near lakes )
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