Volvo 170

[Hoppyman]

Have a Cutwater 26 slotted for the end of May. Since I began looking at them, the engine used has been changed to Volvo from Yanmar due to an attempt to keep the pricing stable. I'm interested in some information regarding the new engine package. Is the performance similar? What are the performance numbers? What are the fuel burn numbers? Is it heavier or lighter? Louder or quieter?

Also, this boat will be moored in saltwater. Since this is a vinylester boat, before putting bottom paint on, is a barrier coat needed or is it just nice to have?

Have enjoyed this site so far, and I'm looking forward to getting out on the water.

Thanks,
Erik

 

[Levitation]

The more pertinent question would be why the Volvo engine is more expensive...
Is it built with more expensive materials and better technology - or just more expensive labor?

Cost is the reason that Ranger dropped Cummins and went with Yanmar... I am told that when Yanmar made their pitch to Fluid Motion for a 150hp motor and transmission package that it was $5K less than the Cummins package... Fluid Motion showed the bid to Cummins and asked them to match it... Cummins told them to go pound sand - so they did...

The bottom line Erik is that these motor/transmission packages are equivalent... No one company has a lock on materials or technology that others do not... There are other good motors out there... I am partial to John Deere diesels... Parts can be had at any JD tractor dealer in the country and just about any tractor mechanic or diesel truck mechanic will find the motors to be familiar if you have a problem in out of the way places...
And there is Iveco, Perkins-Sabre, Sole, BMW, Steyr, Cummin/Mercruiser (of course), Northern Lights, Hino, Yuchai (sp?), and others that escape my aging brain at the moment..

Not to worry - be happy...

 

[Levitation]

Missed your second question... There are no known reports of a Ranger Tug (and Cutwater by association) having blisters...
Having said that - why not put a coat of epoxy primer on and then the bottom paint?
The extra cost is small and you have the added barrier coat... The advantage is that when the bottom has to be sanded someday, they will stop at the epoxy and not grind into your gelcoat...

 

[Hoppyman]

Makes sense, because the bottom has to be painted anyway. Me thinks not grinding into the gelcoat is a good idea.
Thx,
Erik