New Volvo deal
 

Re: New Volvo deal
 

That rubber boot around the thru hull fittng looks very similar to the OMC's engineering marvel, the stringer!!! Makes me want to run away as fast as i can from this product!!!
Just kidding, It looks very interesting

Re: New Volvo deal
 

Doesn't look like anything I could use where I boat. Too much crap in the water :(

Re: New Volvo deal
 

Definitely the result of some big-time different thinking from Volvo. It's strictly an alternative for inboard boats. The big advantages are packaging, weight, there's nothing in front of the props to screw up the flow of water to them, and (biggest of all) the props are directly in line with the water flow. The drive leg is bronze (!!), not aluminum, so it's super-stout. In the case of a really bad impact, it's also designed to shear off at a pre-engineered point that won't let water into the boat. Just like a sterndrive, the boat must be engineered to take the thrust loads where the drive goes through the hull. Unlike the OMC stringer drives, the sealing rings are not bellows - they're just giant o-rings. It's also completely fly-by-wire, including the steering. The other neat thing is that your entire propulsion package comes from a single manufacturer: no finger-pointing in the case of warranty/service issues. Combined with their new diesel stern drive, VP's got some neat stuff onthe market right now.

In the pictures below, the engines are towards the FRONT of the boat. Yes - the props face forward.

Re: New Volvo deal
 

I'm assuming the engines need to be mounted toward the stern, as opposed to straight inboard where the engines are mounted forward.

Re: New Volvo deal
 

That's the idea - the engines go in the lazarette, and all the space under the salon becomes available for storage and staterooms.

Re: New Volvo deal
 

I will admit it.
I kinda like Volvo.

But then again, I have OMCs.

Re: New Volvo deal
 

Give it a few years until they work out the bugs, then it will be great in certain apps.

Re: New Volvo deal
 

OK, I'm going to turn around the lower on my bravo and run the propeller facing forward!

Re: New Volvo deal
 

Marty - make sure you don't try to use the thru-hub exhaust in that case....

Re: New Volvo deal
 

and put the prop on backwards, too. :D

Re: New Volvo deal
 

Thats bizzare.. Be interesting to follow it's progress...

Re: New Volvo deal
 

I'd put them on my Palmer Johnson, but then I would have to stop beaching it. :D

Re: New Volvo deal
 

I like the concept. I like this sorta outta the box think and idea benifit the industry reguardless if they pan out. I dunno about the shearing off and falling to the bottom of the ocean part. I run into way too many sandbars for that option. Cool idea though to have props in clean water.

Re: New Volvo deal
 

i did that once.... but i have bravo's.... :rolleyes:

Re: New Volvo deal
 

It takes A LOT to shear it off. The 35' Tiara demo boat that Volvo has been running for the last several months hit a sandbar at 28 knots and put all three of the crew into the hospital (one for a week). The only damage to the drive system was one bent prop blade (out of 12).

Mercury will have a more expensive version out in three years - and claim they invented it....