chris...from what i have heard, some of the volvo parts are expensive,
and one
can get "locked into" buying genuine volvo parts, driving up the repair
and
maint costs...some of the other, popular motors can use generic or off
brand
parts...keeping some of the costs down...havinh said that, i personally
hve
owned volvos for 20 years and wouldn't buy anything else.....i don't
mind spending
a bit more $ for a brand i know and trust....if (when) i buy my used
ericson
32-222, 36, or 38..(not sure what one yet)...it will be powered by
volvo penta...(sp?)..

btw...what 27 foot boat are you deciding on? did you see/sail and used
ericson 27's or 28's?
i see them on eBay every once and a while for pretty chepa prices...a
few in san diego,
marina del rey, etc...one think i liked about the ericsons were they
wera always a bit
"over built", a bit heavy, a bit more sturdy than other boats in their
class...the newports,
catalinas, cals, etc...

good luck ! a 27' is a nice size for so cali off shore cruisin'.....you
can do one or two
ensanada races...