VolvoPenta XDP Ocean Series Outdrives

[Cabernet]

I was set to buy a 38' 2005 with twin 8.1L VPs, composite outdrives with SS duoprops. Surveyor noted that both bellows had tears, pointed me to links with some serious complaints about VP, their bellows design, and assertions that the XDP can't successfully handle the big 8.1Ls.

I've found at least 2 service bulletins indicating that apparently Volvo has changed the bellows design twice (now on model #3).

Anyone care to offer their experiences and/or suggestions? I'm concerned about any possible internal damage due to the tears in the bellows allowing water infliltration (boat was operated near Wash, DC in fresh water, but I would be operating on Potomace tribs to the bay (brackish to salt). Guess I'll have the dealer show me when he takes it apart to replace the bellows. BTW, seems that most folks are replacing their bellows every year. Does that sound right? Seems like a lot of work and expense, would have thought a better design possible.

I also surmise from some of the postings that these outdrives may have composite driveshafts (the shell is definitely composite material) which were not properly engineered to handle the torque from the engines. Not clear if Volvo produced a fix for that or not.

Would appreciate any suggestions or shared experiences to help me decide whether to go forward. Can't imagine that VP would have stuff like this on the market without a fix?

 

[QC]

Re: VolvoPenta XDP Ocean Series Outdrives

Can't imagine that VP would have stuff like this on the market without a fix?

I am sure you'll get some better info soon, but I would take some comfort in that ^^^^^^

 

[tkrfxr]

Re: VolvoPenta XDP Ocean Series Outdrives

VP definitely fixed the problem. They no longer sell XDPs. They do not even offer a replacement alternative for customers who bought new boats with that power package. It's a dud. Bleak prospect for those trying to sell their boats with XDPs.

I own XDP drives and have come across lots of complaints....though I have 5.7 L engines.

See this composite gimbal ring fracture

http://www.rinkerboatowners.com/forum/index.php?topic=6749.0

and go thru these...

http://www.rinkerboatowners.com/forum/index.php/topic,6883.0.html

http://www.boattest.com/photo-story/Picture-ById.aspx?P_ID=122


My advice, pass it up. Get an inboard with diesel and straight props.

-The internals of the drive are standard metal parts. The shell and gimbal ring and transom assembly are vinyl ester composite. The design was pretty good, and efficient, but the execution and customer support were deficient.

 

[ENSIGN]

Re: VolvoPenta XDP Ocean Series Outdrives

The XPD's are a volvo penta OOP's !!!

 

[Cabernet]

Re: VolvoPenta XDP Ocean Series Outdrives

Thanks Tkrfxr and Ensign:
Went out to examine the boat again (2005/3560/8.1l twins/XDP composites:

Both bellows are torn, tear is about 1" in length, parallel to the bellows ribs. Looking forward from the stern, both tears are in almost identical positions: 7 o'clock. Does this happen to match what others are experiencing? Does that indicate an installation error,consistent design flaw, coincidence?

Also, and here's where I need some advice: The boat was in "fresh" water (if you can call the Potomac near DC "fresh" for at least 2 weeks at dock. These tears were clearly underwater (judging from "mudline" on boat's hull) so I'm assuming that the water infiltrated. Where does this water go? Understand that there are u-joints, gimbals, driveshaft in there. Are all these exposed and therefore were soaking this whole time? Can the water get down into the lower unit and contaminate the oil/grease in the final drive train? How much should I demand these things be disassembled to know the extent of infiltration/damage?

Of course, given the threads and other discussion, I guess the "pass it up" advice is the most sensible of all. :-(

 

[QC]

Re: VolvoPenta XDP Ocean Series Outdrives

The XPD's are a volvo penta OOP's !!!

Well there you go . . . Good hunting sir

 

[Lou C]

Re: VolvoPenta XDP Ocean Series Outdrives

I'd take the advice given above...38' boat no way would I want outdrives...yes you can trim up in shallow water and yes they will be faster and use less fuel than a straight inboard but the maintence costs will quickly out weight those advantages...I know people do get bigger boats with outdrives here in LI but only because on the south shore there are many very shallow areas where the ability to trim is critical...but othewise...go inboard...