R21 Switch from Yanmar to Volvo

[cruz-in]

Hi Team,

Was curious, did some searches and did not find much.

Anyone have any thoughts on why Ranger switched from Yanmar to Volvo a few years back?

Specific to the R21EC, any reason to prefer one engine over the other?

Is one quieter? More reliable? etc.

Thanks

 

[SGIDAVE]

Hi Team,

Was curious, did some searches and did not find much.

Anyone have any thoughts on why Ranger switched from Yanmar to Volvo a few years back?

Specific to the R21EC, any reason to prefer one engine over the other?

Is one quieter? More reliable? etc.

Thanks

Hello Dan,

The Volvo engine came into use during the 2014 model year.

I like my 2013 Yanmar 3YM engine. Those with Volvos seem to like theirs too. The Volvo seems to have more 'electronics' than the Yanmar. For example, searching for a wire to tap off of to power the aftermarket cooling water flow sensor is simple with the Yanmar since it uses a conventional start key arrangement whilst the Volvo lacks this in lieu of something more complicated. The gist is that to get a 'switched' power source (ON only when the engine is running) you need to buy a several hundred dollar trinket from Volvo - which is, of course, "plug and play."

Personally, I wouldn't let engine brand drive my decision on which boat to buy. If you buy a used boat, you can't go wrong with either engine.

Perhaps others will chime in with their experiences.

The factory hasn't said much as to WHY the switch was made.

I'm not aware of any discernible differences in noise, power/speed, vibration, fuel consumption, etc between the two engines.

/dave

 

[Scuffy]

I think Yanmar and Ranger had some disputes over some possible warranty issues. For the amount of engines purchased I think Ranger felt it was time to move on as the relationship might have soured. Volvo has stepped up and provided a better overall relationship and generally seemed to appreciate more than Yanmar the amount of engines purchased by Ranger. Both are excellent engines but Volvo seems to go the extra mile for Ranger and their customers. Just my opinion here.
We have a Volvo in a R-27 and rather than deal with any hocus pocus from Volvo's electronics to power my Aqua Alarm I just picked out a 12 VDC source and added an on off switch for the Aqua Alarm pretty simple and cost effective. I did not want anything I added to add to any suspicion the of something I had added if a problem ever occurred with the Volvo's electronics. I just turn on the switch the alarm sounds and I start the engine the alarm shuts off in a normal situation. I have a light on the switch that indicates the switch has power. Shut the engine off the alarm sounds and I flip the power switch to off for the Aqua Alarm. For me I like simple. I did not feel the need to have an integrated power for the Aqua Alarm connected to the start switch engine. But that's just me. Pic's in Scuffy's photo album if it's of any interest.