Has anyone tried a Volvo Single DuoProp/5.8L IO package in a Tsunami?

[Wes Ruggles]

I know...very heavy package...but nice outdrive.

Thanks.

[pelican]

Originally Posted by Wes Ruggles

I know...very heavy package...but nice outdrive.

Thanks.

not only heavy,but very old...volvo hasn't used that set up for a long time !! i believe,it was last used,when volvo bought out omc stern drives ?

[Wes Ruggles]

Many Thanks...Agreed.

My attraction to the 'package' is the very nice DuoProp (V8 rated, 1:95/1) that comes with the Ford 5.8 (running) engine.

But, as you've reminded me...old and heavy.

Therefore, how about the same drive with a Chevy based engine?

Regards,

Wes

[castalot]

Mercruser and a bravo 3 ???
Some one had one on here for sale I think

[cdavisdb]

That, I'm very familiar with. I've had two, a carbed 5.7/290 duoprop on 24 Seabird and a fuel injected 5.7 with a newer, sx duoprop in a 25 Seafari. Both very good, although I prefer the 290, IMHO a more reliable drive. It has its problem areas, tilt mechanism and power trim cylinders, but neither will keep you from getting home. A carbed 5.7 is easy to troubleshoot and work on, even for me, who ain't exactly gifted at mechanics.

They balance very nice in a 23, weight's low, helps CG. Roll and pitch are better than outboards. For me the best thing is that old car engine will warn you before it quits, no small advantage if you are going very far offshore.

If you haven't had a duoprop before, steering it in reverse takes a bit of getting used to, but the extra powerful low end torque is fabulous for low speed planing and fuel economy is very good.

Maintenance is like any I/O. There is plenty and you have to stay on it for the package to stay reliable.

[ScottM]

Originally Posted by cdavisdb

although I prefer the 290, IMHO a more reliable drive. It has its problem areas, tilt mechanism and power trim cylinders

Did you ever have a problem with the drive not locking in reverse? My best friend recently bought a boat with twin 290 drives and one of them kicks up in reverse. It sounds like it's the locking pawl that's failing/failed.

[cdavisdb]

Yep, sure did, that's what I meant saying "tilt mechanism". For a while, I thought I could make it ok by tying the linkage down with 150 lb dacron. The kick up linkage is one of the few weak points to that drive. Must be a dozen small stainless steel parts that can get screwed up fairly easy. Expensive little buggers. On my 290, the dacron was a bad idea. the linkage got so screwed up that I could not steer on one Bahama trip. We came home steering with the trim tabs. My good luck, it did not get impossible till the end of the trip.

To get it fixed, make sure he takes it to a volvo guy that knows what he is doing.