Crusaders vs. Mercruisers

[mggilmorern@gmail.com]

A couple of questions.  I saw a mid 90s 3100 online with MerCruiser engines.  Did Tiara do some boats of this vintage with MerCruisers or do you think these are replacement engines?  Second question is, how do you rate the Crusader engines versus the MerCruisers of that era (1990-2000)?  Thanks.

[Misdirection]

Tiara made boats with both Mercruisers and Crusaders. Personally, I prefer Crusaders, but both are good motors built on GM blocks.

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[ReelMagic]

I had a 1997 31 Open for more than 10 years with over 2000hr when I sold it. Now own a 38 Open. My preference was the Crusaders as I believe they were marinized better.. As an example the manifolds on the Crusaders were fresh water cooled and the Merc's were salt water cooled. As a result only the elbows needed change when salt corrosion required a change. Also, Crusaders used Balmar alternators (maybe Tiara spec'd this) which were bigger than the Merc GM alternations. Raw water pumps were solid bronze and the Merc's were a combination of plastic & Aluminum (I believe)... Crusaders have always had a better reputation but that may be just what I've heard.. M2C

[mggilmorern@gmail.com]

I had a 1997 31 Open for more than 10 years with over 2000hr when I sold it. Now own a 38 Open. My preference was the Crusaders as I believe they were marinized better.. As an example the manifolds on the Crusaders were fresh water cooled and the Merc's were salt water cooled. As a result only the elbows needed change when salt corrosion required a change. Also, Crusaders used Balmar alternators (maybe Tiara spec'd this) which were bigger than the Merc GM alternations. Raw water pumps were solid bronze and the Merc's were a combination of plastic & Aluminum (I believe)... Crusaders have always had a better reputation but that may be just what I've heard.. M2C

Thanks, that is a helpful description.

[roboh20]

Greetings,

          I own a 1996 Tiara 29 Open with Crusader 454 XLI's for 17 years. Before purchase I did extensive research. Please read David Pascoe's review of Crusader engines on Yachtsurvey.com. It's a great review if you're considering these engines. As another member said, both are GM blocks but Crusader marinizes them in a superior way. Good luck.

[ReelEnjoyment]

I prefer the Crusaders over the Mercs .
I have to ad the Mercs wiring is a sloppy instalation compared to the Crusaders.

[RMS]

Crusaders over Mercs. Take a look at starter location - Merc puts the starter down low where it is close to bilge water and difficult to access. Crusader mounts starters high and dry.