2-speed box for V-P 290's

Found this while searching the web.

http://www.stepdrive.co.uk/

too bad is is only for the diesel V-P 290 duoprops.

Will be sending them an email to see if they have upfit any gas (Petrol) engines.

Re: 2-speed box for V-P 290's

Interesting. Looks like its geared toward bigger boats like yours. Let us know what you find out.

Re: 2-speed box for V-P 290's

used their on-line contact form this morning. still havent heard anything back.

Re: 2-speed box for V-P 290's

the Step Drive is distributed thru IVSS Marine. http://ivssmarine.vpweb.co.uk/THE-STEP-DRIVE.html

After many emails back and forth, the answer of handling the higher RPM's of a SBC have been answered with a yes.

Other items like changing the shift points, etc. still need to be determined.

Re: 2-speed box for V-P 290's

changing shift points is easy - via a potentiometer in the control box

the price is currently 900 pounds sterling (about $1420 US) plus shipping from the UK

However it is based on the 290C thru 290E. so it requires updating my 290A drive with the H-bracket and a few other parts.

http://stepdrive.co.uk/Manual.pdf

This is based on units not fitted with the ‘Hook -up’ mechanism. It is not possible to directly fit
StepDrive to these types of stern drives (without modifications) for the following reasons:
? The output bearing of the early Volvo cone clutch gearbox is not compatible with the
StepDrive. *
? The Vertical drive shaft to the lower section is a different length and not compatible with
StepDrive. *
? The StepDrive exhaust ducting is located where the Hook -up mechanism fits, i.e. a new
‘H’ bracket and ram set is required.
* Depending upon demand, the necessary modifications will be made to the StepDrive to allow
installation on DP drives preceding model C.

Re: 2-speed box for V-P 290's

Scott,

Do you see this as allowing a taller propset for good low end and top speed from the same engine?

Re: 2-speed box for V-P 290's

that is what they claim. it has a 1.31:1 low and a 1:1 high ratio.