I passed on an opportunity today that I may regret later- I did some work for a guy, and he told me he could either give me cash, or this old engine he had in his shed. It was a single cylinder Volvo diesel with about a 20" flywheel on it, I think it was liquid cooled, and he said they used to use them in small boats. Being pretty broke now I took the money, but would it be worthwhile to get this engine later? I have a few jobs I do for this guy on the side, and I'll be going back there next weekend-
The OLD Volvo's such as the one you talk about were OK, about on a par with a Bukh mechanically, BUT, and it is a big BUT, the cost of spares in absolutely insane.
pic of a bukh
The newer Volvo Penta products are steaming piles of shit (marine engineering is/was my trade) with so-so build quality at best, and lovely little things like fuel lift pumps that were non service items so instead of buying a diaphragm kit for 5 bucks you bought a complete new lift pump for 250, same story with heat exchangers, can't service em so 2k for a new one.
I've read the other replies in this thread praising volvo, but basically cannot relate anything from my experience to them, on the other hand I could talk for several days citing in each case specific engine models with specific "gotchas" and faults, and that isn't even going anywhere near piss poor build with sharp edges everywhere (easy to spot a VP mechanic, his hands are covered in blood) and no thought given to service.
VP absolutely *massively* discount and subsidize new engine supply to so called "prestige" boat marques such as Sunseeker, and get all those subsidies back and then some in spares and service costs.
Even the very best volvo stuff such as the one you have found is still in reality no better than Cat, and in many ways worse quality materials and machining.
Given that you have openly stated that money isn't exactly overflowing your pockets unless the motor in question is A1 pristine you can't afford to get it running, you could literally buy a brand new listeroid for the price of a volvo lift pump and filter.
You literally could not give me a volvo penta, for free, it is still too much expense and too much hassle.
That's my 2p worth anyway.