Opinions / Experiences with VP 3.0 and SX outdrive

[BeaufortTJustice]

I recently purchased a 2007 Stingray 180RX (yes, its my first boat) and several co-workers have expressed varying opinions about the engine/outdrive combo, which is a Volvo-Penta 3.0L 4-cyl. (GLP-E) with what I think is the SX outdrive unit. I would appreciate any and all opinions regarding this combo, especially opinions pertaining to reliability, cost of ownership, efficiency, and any other important issues. Any firsthand experiences would also be fantastic.

Thank you for your input. Happy boating.

 

[seventeen2]

Re: Opinions / Experiences with VP 3.0 and SX outdrive

Hello there,

I brought a princess 32 about 3 years ago which had jusr been fitted with a pair of 3.0 glp-d and sx drives.
In all honesty, i find them generally reliable, the only downside is the carb side of things (not sure if your carb or injection)?
They have plenty of low grunt and push my 32 foot boat along at a fair lick!
Just need to watch the paint on the sx drive if the boats going to be in the water for a long while, try and keep the tilt rams tucked in and they are very prone to galvanic corrosion.
Apart from this, its a very basic engine with no nasty surprises!
Happy boating!

 

[BeaufortTJustice]

Re: Opinions / Experiences with VP 3.0 and SX outdrive

Mine is indeed carbed...thank you for your response.

Anybody else? Good, bad, or indifferent...you won't hurt my feelings.

 

[mikeneal]

Re: Opinions / Experiences with VP 3.0 and SX outdrive

Great setup, the trusty 3.0 is same GM whether it is VP or Mercruiser. Been around forever, totally bulletproof and sips fuel. Th SX drive is heads and shoulders above a Mercruiser Alpha IMO. What you have there is the most common small , "starter boat" setup around. Welcome to boating.