Volvo D3 220 HP (New) Versus Yanmar 4BY 180 HP (2012)

[GSnyder]

I've been a lurker here for a while and love these forums. You all have sold us on these boats.

My wife and I are looking at a new C26 with the Volvo D3 and a 2012 C26 with a Yanmar 4BY. The R27 is also an option. Our experience to date has been with Grady-White outboards and my wife and I are looking for a little more comfort.

We looked at a new C26 and R27 earlier this week and really like them both. The boat will live in the Tampa area where we have a slip with a lift. We do plan on taking some extended trips 2-3 weeks at a time. Any feedback/preferences/comments etc on the two motors? Reliability, vibration and fumes are probably our top three criteria.

Thank you.

 

[Cruzerboy]

Volvo gets my vote hands down.

T.

 

[knotflying]

I have the 4BY 180. I think both engines are equal. The 4BY had some issues earlier on, but were resolved. If you buy one having that engine make sure the work was done. They include: heater hose connections on port side that lead to water heater, oil line replacement on starboard side and oil sensor grounding wire.

 

[elan]

Good morning Gsnyder,
We purchased s used 26 Cutwater,2012 with 164hrs it has the 180 Yanmar.
The engine has preformed outstanding with NO problems we have put about 125 hrs on her since we bought the boat, only changes to the engine have been an oil change system for the engine & transmission & changing the canister Raycor primary filter to a series 500 Raycor with a vacuum gague at the helm.
As to Volvo being better, it's a Ford & Chevy duscussion?
Good luck!
Mike & Barbara
M/V Elan
26 Cutwater

 

[GSnyder]

Thank you everyone for the excellent replies.

 

[andejack]

It is most difficult for me to be truly objective re this issue. With all engines, some have problems. My Yanmar experience has been, for the most part, really good. More importantly, the problems experienced have been resolved very professionally. My Volvo experience, albeit on another brand of boat, was a disaster from the get-go. Apart from the ongoing problems that finally culminated in a major failure and necessitated an engine replacement at about 100 hours, primarily at my cost, the warranty claims/customer service responses were atrocious. There was next to no willingness to entertain the idea of company responsibility. End result verified a major Volvo problem. One can experience aggravating issues with any product. The lasting impression, however, is how they were dealt with. I have considerable bitterness as a result of my Volvo experience.

 

[Scuffy]

Volvo did a major redesign on the D-3 and they became available as far as I can see in 2013. Looking at the previous posters current boat his troubles would seem to be related to the earlier D-3's which had their share of problems. After having a discussion with both Andrew and Jeff they assured me that Volvo would stand behind the engine and they were much improved. I bought a Volvo extended warranty to be safe. We don't have a lot of hours on the engine yet but the engine is quiet no smoke, no vibration to speak of and the transmission works very smooth no clunking. Lot's of engine data available on the Volvo information screen. The raw water impellor is a little easier to change they say. Our boat will run 20 mph with bottom paint which I guess is about normal. I doubt Ranger Tugs would risk their reputation on installing bad engines. Two things I was told by Volvo Penta dealer about the newer D-3's were that they don't like being run flat out all the time and don't over fill them with oil. Better to be a little low than a little high on the dipstick. So far so good.
D.D.