Volvo Prop?

[Lark40]

My new repower package is in shipment, and is supposed to included everything but the prop.<br /><br />So, I need to find a prop for a new Volvo 4.3GXi/Sx. Probably a 19" pitch.<br /><br />I've been told that my 1987 OMC 4.3 props won't fit due to 15 vs 19 splines. <br /><br />So, what are my options, other than buying a new Volvo prop from the dealer? When I see props on eBay or other sources, what years/drives props should I look for as be able to fit on my new drive?

 

[Dhadley]

Re: Volvo Prop?

You can have yours rehubbed or buy an aftermarket prop like Stiletto that has the Volvo hub in it already.<br /><br />Good luck!

 

[Lark40]

Re: Volvo Prop?

Well, I only got one response on this, but its a good one. Local prop shop will rehub the OMC props for less than half the price of the cheapest new prop.<br /><br />THANKS!!

 

[Doug Durako]

Re: Volvo Prop?

Might be wasting your $$ rehubbing those OMC props. Is the drive ratio exactly the same in the new Volvo leg?<br /><br />I think if I was going to the expense of brand new drives I would invest in stainless props that fit the SX.<br /><br />I recently purchased a Merc Laser 2 stainless on ebay for $150 in excellent condition.

 

[Walt T]

Re: Volvo Prop?

I think a 19 will be too steep. What did you run before?

 

[Lark40]

Re: Volvo Prop?

I'm hesitant to invest in stainless because I like to explore shallow waters. Afraid of damaging a very expensive prop.<br /><br />I was running a 15x17 prop with the OMC Cobra 4.3 producing 175 hp. The new Volvo 4.3 produces 225 hp.<br /><br />Since the old engine could hit a little above the rpm range. I figure that the 14.5X19" OMC prop I never used would be appropriate for the new engine. Either that or a 21" pitch....

 

[Doug Durako]

Re: Volvo Prop?

Lark---I used to feel that way about running shallow, but after about the sixth rebuild on an aluminum prop (at $50 each=$300) I invested in stainless. I've never rebuilt a prop since, and that was the summer of 1995. I can get into 18 inches of water and putt around with the unit up-----how shallow you gonna go with that 22-footer?

 

[Lark40]

Re: Volvo Prop?

I think that I have a 30" draft with the drive in normal down position.<br /><br />Yeah, you're right, I should use the little boat if I know I'm going shallow. But have sometimes with the Starcraft I have hit the edge of the channels accidently.<br /><br />Like your testimonial about SS durability. Think I will have the aluminum 19" re-hubbed because it's basically new, but then try SS instead of repair next time.

 

[bluewater19]

Re: Volvo Prop?

For what it's worth I just plugged your boat into the mercury prop selector with a mpi v-6 220 hp. 1.62/1 gear ratio and it says 21 pitch with cuddy cab weighing 4000lbs. Your old omc was rated at the fly wheel 175 hp. That is only 155-160 at prop. your new volvo is rated at the prop 225hp. The new starcraft islanders with 4.3's come with a 23 pitch at my local dealer. I was just checking them out to replace the old blue water cuddy I have now.

 

[Walt T]

Re: Volvo Prop?

Try the 17 you have and see what happens.

 

[Lark40]

Re: Volvo Prop?

Great info. The new Islander 22 weighs 3500 lbs with the roller trailer, so we're probably looking at maybe 3000 for the boat. <br /><br />Based on your prop chart a 23" would make sense, especially if the little-changed new Islanders come with that engine/prop combo.<br /><br />Darn, now I have to re-think everything. Maybe it won't make sense to re-hub a prop I'll likely not be happy with. Hmmmm.

 

[Dhadley]

Re: Volvo Prop?

I would rehub it and try it. That establishes your baseline at the least possible expense. Besides you will then have your emergency spare on hand. <br /><br />Good luck!

 

[Bondo]

Re: Volvo Prop?

Lark40,<br />I'm a little Confused.......<br />You posted recently that you're too lazy to Fix the leaking Rivits in your boat,+ believe that adding a bigger Bilge Pump is answer enough.......<br />

The leaks are bad, but not a problem for a trailer boat with a good pump. So, that works for me.

Yet, You're refitting with a $10,000.+ engine/outdrive........<br />I have a 1974 Islander... I replace about 6 rivits a year.... Waterproof Pop-Rivits... Takes about 1/2 hour each year.... No Leaks....<br /><br />AnyWay.... I Think you'll find a 21" is the prop you'll Need....<br />I Hope you Never experince a Battery Failure, Miles from your Trailer.....<br />It'll be the Waste of a Really Nice Driveline.....

 

[Lark40]

Re: Volvo Prop?

Bondo,<br /><br />I really like this boat and think I will keep it for several years. But, given its 17 years old, there's everything to replace, and only so much that I want to do at once. The many engine repairs, bimini top, trailer disk brakes, lights, power winch was last year. The drivetrain is right now. Plus, I have a house, an antique boat and an antique show car, so I don't have time to be lazy.<br /><br />As far as the leaks go, they're bad but tolerable. I will probably get to them later this season. For now, I have two bilge pumps, two batteries, and a good manual pump, so I'm triple-redundant in dealing with it.<br /><br />Appreciate your advice on the prop.

 

[Bondo]

Re: Volvo Prop?

Lark40,<br />Go back to the question about the "survey of an Alu. hull".....<br />I just posted a link to a place that sells WaterProof Pop-Rivits.....<br />It Don't get Any Easier....

 

[Bondo]

Re: Volvo Prop?

Lark40, as per your Other post........<br /><br />I just had to update my link...<br />The Props are on Sale......<br />Good Luck...<br /> http://www.land-and-sea.com/marine/marine.htm

 

[Lark40]

Re: Volvo Prop?

Bondo,<br /><br />Thanks very much for the rivet replacement info on the other forum post. That's just what I needed to know.<br /><br />Back to props and that link. AAhhhrrrgggg - On sale for $759! Originally, I was thinking of spending about $115 for a new aluminum prop from iBoats or other supplier. Is this what you have? Can it possibly be worth more than six standard props? What would it cost to replace a blade or two if I hit a muck shoal?

 

[Bondo]

Re: Volvo Prop?

I bought the 1 on my boat for just over $300. on ebay.... <br />And, I've probably spent another couple hundred on parts + Stuff from L&S....(spare blade, springs, cams, tools, etc.) <br />But, I've got mine Dialed into My boat,+ Needs.....<br />If you go to L&S website,+ Figure out Which ones will fit your App, Then start watching ebay... It might be a month, or maybe the 1st day... but 1 Will come to auction.... Cheap..!!<br /><br />Just What Spline/Shaft size does Volvo use ????<br /><br />Check it Out... 1500 posts...!!!!!!<br />I'm Supprized no one has Thrown me Outta here Yet....!!!

 

[Doug Durako]

Re: Volvo Prop?

Lark---I'll vouch for the torque-shift. It is perfect if you have a load of people and gear and you want to run slower with out lugging the motor. Example I use is pulling little kids on tubes at about 20 mph----I can keep the boat on plane and the motor purring right along. If I get the bigger kids on the tubes (yes, we are in our second generation of tubing) I can goose it, pop them out of the water in a couple seconds, and hit about 35 mph with ease---no excessive load on the drive or motor.<br /><br />I bought mine new at last year's "sale" price.<br /><br />You have to be willing to mess with this prop. My kids broke the first one, but Land & Sea rebuilt it at no charge and tweaked it further for my application.<br /><br />There are a couple out on ebay today, but Land $ Sea is more difficult to work with if you buy one used.<br /><br />Put money in your props---that's where the performance is----if not, it is like running a dragster with snow tires.

 

[Lark40]

Re: Volvo Prop?

The Volvo SX has a 19 spline shaft. Not sure of the size, but I've been told here and at the prop shop that the OMC Cobra props will fit if re-hubbed.<br /><br />Thanks, everybody, for all the advice.