My brother is about to buy a 270 cruiser with a Volvo Penta 8.1 setup. I told him that I wouldn't buy a boat with a VP because of resale value. I'm sure they're dependable motors but would you buy one?

The upside to the VP is that the majority of the 270's on the market (all but 2 of 100+) have the 350 mag. Having the extra HP in this case may actually increase the value even though it's a VP. Thoughts??

I don't think it will hurt the resale to bad on a cruiser. Performance boaters are usually the ones that want merc. The volvo's are tough drives and I would probably rather have one on a cruiser myself.

I wouldn't buy VP on a performance boat but alot of cruiser guys are more comfortable with VP. (they aren't looking at aftermarket parts before they even take delivery like we do).

I've had a 21 runabout with a VP and it sold to the first person I even told I was selling it......never even had to list the boat for sale!!!

BTW: a 8.1 VP (DP maybe?) sounds like a good package in that boat.

Does it have the dual prop drive? That would be desirable on that boat with that power.

In mainstream boating circles, like cruisers, VP's are far more popular among those who have a choice, especially when it comes to twin-prop drives. Brunswick-owned companies install Mercs for obvious reasons....

The base 8.1 engine is pretty much the same for both Merc and VP; the difference is in the drive and accessories, where VP has a better reputation in both cases.

Here's some good feedback

I've had them. They're exceptionally well-engineered, the quality is outstanding and they're much easier to work on- and fewer special tools. As far as resale- in the cruiser world, it's better.

I'd love to see a Volvo product to compete with the XR and the 6.

I would not hesitate to buy it. The VP drives are great. Resale will not be hurt as long as there is a dealer that services VP somewhere nearby where you would be selling the boat.

I've had both on non-performance boats, and I'd take the Volvo any day over the Merc.

Funny thing is now some big production builders are now only offering one power choice for the customer.
Stingray Powerboats is only offering Volvo as power starting the 08 model year. Crownline Boats is only going to offer Merc starting this moel year as well..
Seems to be a trend starting possibly among the mainstream production builders.

Yes, dual props. Same as Bravo 3 in Mercruiser.