Volvo Duo prop Vibes

[billbayliner]

Re: Volvo Duo prop Vibes

Good to hear Don confirm the performance of the 290 also.

Mac, the O-rings you are finding at True Value are just standard O-rings and are not resistant to petroliums, etc. This is in my field of expertize. These will swell, distort, and turn to mush over a matter of time if in contact with any type of solvent, petro, oil, etc. I have used o-rings on the Alpha drive oil fill and vent also but they were Kalrez o-ring that are resistant to all chemicals. I Do not want to see you have any problems so please replace them soon. Some O-rings you will see with colored dots on them. Each color of dot represents what product (oil, brake fluid, etc) they are resistant to.

Bill

 

[Maclin]

Re: Volvo Duo prop Vibes

Thanks for that info Bill! I got them in the "special" section but I will return there promptly and see what the chemical rating is for them. Hate to think of such a simple item causing major problems.

That may explain what happened to the dipstick and plug orings that were on there when I got it...they were barely remnants of themselves when I removed those items!

 

[Maclin]

Re: Volvo Duo prop Vibes

I had found some posts on the "AquaMatic" drives Volvo introduced way back in the late 50's. I believe the 290's showed up in the late 70's. The 290's were the ocean going drives of choice right after they were introduced. Tough, simple, and could take abuse. They are heavy, but because of this they can take whatever a low-revving high torque diesel can put thru them.

One thing about them is they do not have as much range of movement "up"for trailering and beaching, not near like the newer drives. But I think they are easier on ujoints for this reason.

I knew nothing of these before I got mine, the deal I got was the main reason I ended up with this boat (it was a repo for slip fees---the marina made sure it was seaworthy then needed it out of the way). I got more and more intrigued with it as I began to research them. They are a very good product from a very top notch marine engineering company and have stood the test of time. They are not as well known here in the land-locked states, that is for sure, and they are not known as a high top-speed unit. But their ocean going reputation is one of great respect from what I read.

My boat hits 46+ with the new B5's at 4,600 rpm, right in line with the Volvo prop guide. The hole shot is great even with a good load, can hardly tell a skier or tuber is back there. It can stay on plane at 20-22 mph, cruisng at 35 is effortless, and the handling in turns is great, never a blowout. We are really enjoying it this year.