Volvo penta SX ratio question

[Kinderguard]

I have just blown the upper drive gear on my outdrive with a 1.79 gear ratio. I have access to another unit with a 1.61 gear ratio. I can swap the lower units without a problem but my question is whether this will destroy the boat's performance? The boat is a 2001 23ft. Seafox walkaround with a 4.3l GL Volvo penta. It only has 190 HP. I have been told several different stories about this scenario. Some say that just lowering the pitch will do it, others say it will never work well with the new gear ratio. I was hoping for someone to break the tie.

 

[Don S]

Re: Volvo penta SX ratio question

If it was possible to just change props and have the same performance, don't you think Volvo, Merc, OMC, or whom ever would have done that????? They didn't, to keep the prop in the optimum performance range of props, they had to change gear ratios.
Get the proper ratio drive.

 

[Kinderguard]

Re: Volvo penta SX ratio question

I was asking the question because it's a savings of $2000. I understand the dynamics of gearing but was wondering if the swap will cause it to fall flat on it's face. Thanks.

 

[Bondo]

Re: Volvo penta SX ratio question

Ayuh,...... You're going to be stepping Up to a taller gear....

It'll most assuredly will be loosing it's normal performance.....
You'll probably loose the lower end Pull,+ probably won't be able to get it Back, even with a smaller, If it's even available.....

But,....... Go ahead,+ Try it..... Then come on back,+ let Us know how it Runs.......