[stumpie2]

i currently run a vp 280 outdrive and as mentioned before they are just about bulletproof as long as the wrong mechanic hasnt had his hands on/in it. the trim rams are Very expensive to replace. they tend to be difficult to get right but when you get it running right there is no breaking it. volvo also designed the coupler between the upper and intermidiate housing to shear if you hit something solid instead of tearing up the gear sets. on common problem with the drive is that they tend to come up when in reverse, just replace the springs for the reverse lock hooks on the underside just under the exhaust bellows. the main upside of this drive is that if you happen to get a hole in the u-joint bellows the boat will not sink, but it will damage the u-joints. i have never had major problems with mine and trust it 80 miles offshore