Volvo Dual Prop Question

[cyberamish]

This might be a stupid question so please bear with me. I am looking at buying a 20' Crestliner with a 5.7 L GI DP Volvo-Penta I/O in it. I looked at Volvo's HSOforum and read their description of the counter rotating props but still have some questions. What is the real benefit of the system? Do both props rotate at all rpm's, or does one shut down at lower speeds? Thanks in advance.

[Smokey]

I don't have any personal experience with the dual prop Volvo, but from what I have read, and from talking with someone who has had experience with one, the main advantage is better "traction". The two props are counter-rotating (all the time), one is spinning clockwise, and the other counter-clockwise. You get more propeller blade contacting the water without having to swing a very large diameter propeller. Supposedly you get better holeshot, and better acceleration at all speeds. Another advantage is that the prop won't try to "climb out" of the water if you are cornering at high speed opposite the direction of rotation.

A disadvantage would be if you smacked up against some rocks, it will cost you twice as much to get the props fixed.

Volvo-Penta makes good solid outdrives, I'm on my 11th summer on my single prop SX drive. In that time I've had to replace one gimbal boot and one gimbal bearing (because the boot gave out and washed out the bearing).

[Ufatz]

The main benefit of counter-rotating props is that you get more "straight line" thrust. See what I mean: each prop counters the sideways thrust of the other, thus theoretically all the energy is directed straight ahead. Less steering effort' less sideways slip more efficient use of fuel.

[Walleye Guy]

This is unrelated but something to think about when buying a Volvo drive. I was up on Lake Vermilion with a buddy and we were in his Crestliner and experienced a drive related problem. We could not find a Volvo Penta repair place anywhere close to that area. We made dozens of calls. I believe the closest one we found was in Duluth.

I think Volvo drives are supposed to be fairly reliable. However I know my buddy was wishing he had bought the boat with an outboard made by Mercury, Evinrude, Johnson or Yamaha as there are dealers everywhere. Particluarly while we were bobbing around Lake Vermilion in a small 16ft aluminum rental boat with a 25 hp.

Good Luck,

WG

[Macgyver55]

I've only had experience with the Merc Bravo 3 outdrive. Good holeshot and good speed but the most impressive thing I think is they will back up better than ANY boat I have ever driven. Very, very good response for steering.