I recently repowered a 26' center console fishing boat from the volvo 320hp big block gas engine to yanmar 6lp 315hp diesel. Boat had a volvo dpa duoprop drive with approx 1500 hrs on it.

After about 60 i blew the lower (after hitting a submerged log and bending props) Lower was fine after i replaced the props, but on next trip out it started making pretty bad noises and had a couple broken gear teeth.

I got another "good" used lower and blew that on the first trip out. It looked like it had been taken apart before so I really have no idea what was done to it.

Got another good NOS lower and installed, next trip out I broke a u joint and took out the gimbal shaft and front of the transmission. U joint had about 150 hours on them, they turned fine when I checked the after the last repair.

So at this point I have no confidence in the volvo drive being able to handle the torque from the diesel. It could just be I am breaking all the used high hour parts that were worn out, but I'm seriously considering replacing the whole drive with a brand new setup.

Looking at maybe doing a brand new seacore bravo x 2 drive? Volvo makes a DPH drive designed for their 300-400hp diesel but the price is 2 or 3 times more than a brand new bravox 2 setup.

Can the bravo2 x handle the torque from the Yanmar? Its 315hp and approx 550 ft lbs of torque, i don't race it or jump it, its a big deep v fishing boat. But we make long runs (approx 60miles) each way and I'm looking for a reliable setup. I've read about replacing the top cap on the bravo upper? Is that still a needed upgrade on the X drive setup?


You think I will regret going from the duoprop to a bravo 2? I believe the internals in the bravo 2 lower are alott bigger and beefier than the 3 thats why I'm leaning that way. Think I will loose any cruise speed?

Anyone other suggestions?