Hi John,
I was just talking with Joe the other day about your boat. Id like to meet you some time soon. I'm in the same position as you, with the exact same boat. I haven't spent a great deal of time looking for engine packages online, but I know Doug Russell Marine in Worcester, MA. has some of the best prices.
website:
Doug Russell
I've been leaning toward the Volvo ocean series. I'm trying not to think about the money, so for now, I'm just going to work on the boat with the finish work and save the engine stuff for last.
I know you are going to be putting in engine beds (I as well). I checked the volvo website regarding the installation, and it gives all the dimensions except for the "X". Which is needed for setting the height of the engine beds. This could explain the small step up on the original engine beds. They would only have had to change the size of the step up if the "X" dimension was different from drive to drive.
Does anyone on this site know what the X dimension is for Mercrusier or Volvo? This is the dimension from the keel to the C/L of the drive shaft.
The Volvo D3-190 with DP looks great at only 727 lbs. A whopping 250 lbs less than the merc or volvo v8 gas setup.
Just how long can Mercruiser stay out in front of the pack when they don't come up with anything "new".
Jim