Crusader vs Mercruiser

George3575

New Member
Sep 23, 2020
2
Boat Info
Boatless
Engines
Boatless
Any experience which is better I know they both use the same blocks.
 
Do you like Coke or Pepsi? ;)

IMO, I like the Crusader better because I think the engine layout is easier to work on. Mercruiser likes to compact everything as tightly as possible, which can make maintenance more involved.
 
what year, what size, what application?
 
cruisng pix and p  p and w 012.jpg

Crusader tends to be more of a premium engine. Pleasurecraft Marine Engine has paid attention to ongoing service needs with a focus on ease of maintenance. My experience is with 8.1 big blocks. The impellers are easy to replace and water pumps are bronze inside of stainless steel housings instead of the cheaper plastic housings used by Merc. I never needed to replace the water pumps. The impellers take 15 minutes per engine and you have no skinned up knuckles. Crusader also used oversized alternators on the 8.1 to supply the extra power needed by modern boats.They last longer. Both companies build reliable engines. Pleasure Craft focuses on making service a little easier.
 
I wouldn't not buy a boat because of either one. Maintenance is key either way.
 
Crusader uses freshwater cooled exhaust components except for the elbows, where Merc most of the time is half cooled meaning block only , manifolds and risers are raw water cooled
 
IMG_6334.JPG
Crusader uses freshwater cooled exhaust components except for the elbows, where Merc most of the time is half cooled meaning block only , manifolds and risers are raw water cooled

That is worth something right there. Also the fuel filters and oil filters remote locations are very convenient for servicing, a nice feature if you do your own maintenance. Crusaders are just easier to work on. The elbows are freshwater cooled on 8.1s.
 

Forum statistics

Threads
112,945
Messages
1,422,746
Members
60,928
Latest member
rkaleda
Back
Top