Good Morning Ladies and Gents, I’m in the process of considering the purchase of a yacht with 2017 Seven Marine 627 Outboard Engines. I’m aware of the Volvo purchase and Subsequent discontinuation of these Outboards. I have 2 questions. 1. Will parts and service be available for these engines in the future? 2. General opinion of engine reliability? Thank You in Advance.
1. The Seven Marine outboards were based on the GM Cadillac Northstar engine. Parts availability for the block and peripheral engine equipment in the future should be good. The mid-section and lower unit were proprietary to Seven and may prove more difficult to source. 2. Automotive blocks in high RPM marine applications live a notoriously troubled life. 3. If you can find parts, can you find someone to work on them? Seven Marine didn’t have a well established dealer network.
What kind of yacht is powered by outboards? If you can’t find a local shop that can work on them, make sure the price allows for a repower when the need arises.
HCB used Seven Marine. As I recall their 65’ had a half million dollars of them bolted to the transom.
If you're in South Florida there is a tech named Alex Nomer who's company is called Seven Ocean Services and is based out of Palm Beach Yacht Center; he would be a great person to reach out to. He is one of the Seven Marine factory certified mechanics and still services a lot of boats with Seven Marine outboards. He is an incredible mechanic and overall a great person to know in the marine industry.
A dock mate had a HCB 65 powered with 7's two years ago. Located in Delray. They were out of warranty but he was notified that all his would be re-built (top end sea water issue) and 2 year warranty issued. All worked out ok.
Here's a good knowledgeable article from Boating Magazine. Describing the build process. https://www.boatingmag.com/building-seven-marine-outboard/
I believe Canamer in Ft. lauderdale was also a 7 warranty mechanic. I looked at a boat with 7's for my boss, basically decided to offer based on a full repower.
That's the right approach, unfortunately the original owners are now faced with owning a white elephant and they are in the same position as a new buyer would be. Market price - full OB repower = new street price.
Volvo Penta's mission of taking that monster off of the market is complete. I am sure VP has studied the technologies and has emptied itself of all spares. I am awaiting their re-emergence in the outboard market. Probably large diesel power heads. One day we may know The Rest of This Story.. I can only hope some clearing house of some kind is purchasing up these take offs from re-powers and supporting those 7s still operating. This logistics center may be able to repair/rebuild some options also. Albeit, this will not be a long lived venture, just something to do for a few more years. This brings up some questions; How are these 7 assemblies holding up? Reef material already? Owners looking for those boat show specials on that new big Merc project? Insurance claims already pouring in?