Got a question about the old style Volvos....

[Lou C]

I was looking at another boat the other day, it's a nice 1989 Steiger Craft (commercial style work/fishing boat) with a new crate 350 and a Volvo drive, it's the older style 280/290 style. I'm not sure which model # it is, but on the helm it does have a control for tilting the drive (obviously an OE volvo gauge) but the seller said the tilt system does not work. The boat overall is in great shape for an 89 and of course the engine is new. I don't know a thing about these old school Volvos, how available are parts, what about cost, and what to look for?? Boat is priced well and a good deal. I know Cobras, and would not worry about buying a Merc, but need some input here.....

 

[Don S]

Re: Got a question about the old style Volvos....

All the parts are available. Price, well, all Volvo parts are more expensive than Merc, but they also aren't the same. So hard to answer that question with any kind of accuracy. The tilt/trim system on a 89 (not a 280 without trim) has some electrical parts and it could be something minor. Without knowing what the actual problem is other than "It don't work" makes it a bit hard to troublshoot over the internet.
Personally, I wouldn't have any problem owning one again. Even if the fancy electronic gauge system doesn't work, it can work perfectly without a gauge and using the ole "seat of the pants" method of trim and tilt.
I have manuals for the engine and drives, the parts are available, and they are fairly easy to work on compared to OMC and Mercruiser.

 

[Lou C]

Re: Got a question about the old style Volvos....

Thanks Don, after owning an OMC I didn't want to get into something that had parts availability problems, now the next thing I'm going to check out is if my favorite shop works on these things....

 

[zbnutcase]

Re: Got a question about the old style Volvos....

OMC they are not! I wouldn't hesitate to buy it...one of the best drives EVER made...