Got an opinion?

[sethjon]

Considering a boat with a VP. I am not familiar with VP so am looking for input.

 

[Robbabob]

Re: Got an opinion?

For the most part, they're great. Everything is when taken care of.

Give some specifics of what you're looking at (size, year, IO connected with, etc.).

 

[QC]

Re: Got an opinion?

Volvo Penta make an outstanding product. With that said there are some engine exceptions back aways, so it depends on what the heck you're considering

If you are talking later model stuff the only concern is local service where you boat etc. Generally SoCal and East to the Phoenix area is a non-issue for finding decent service.

Oh, Welcome Aboard!!

 

[Howard Sterndrive]

Re: Got an opinion?

Lack of power trim on some older units (1970's/ 1980's) notwithstanding, I don't think there's a company that gets criticized LESS here at iboats.
They have some goofy parts, but all in all, the stuff made in the last 30 years has been as good as anything else on the market year for year.

Parts are often more expensive than Merc... no repopped drives like Merc

 

[Speakrdude]

Re: Got an opinion?

Love em.

 

[Bondo]

Re: Got an opinion?

They have some goofy parts, but all in all, the stuff made in the last 30 years has been as good as anything else on the market year for year.

Ayuh,... 20,.. 25 years maybe,....

Not alotta Dealers, 'n Techs up in this country either,...

 

[Don S]

Re: Got an opinion?

Considering a boat with a VP. I am not familiar with VP so am looking for input.

If you are considering a certain boat, find out what engine and drive setup it has. Most are great, but some would be best avoided.
I am a Volvo certified tech, I also wouldn't own an IO that wasn't a Volvo. I also work on both Mercruiser and Volvo, probably more Merc than Volvo.

Drive parts cost more, but with basic maintenance and care, seldom fail.

If you are in an area with no Volvo techs, that could be a problem to if you pay to get everything done. If you do things yourself, in most cases having a dealer near by is not necessary.

 

[thumpar]

Re: Got an opinion?

I don't think too many people will say anything bad about VP. The only advantage to Merc is the availability of parts and techs but that doesn't make them any better mechanically.

 

[sethjon]

Re: Got an opinion?

If you are considering a certain boat, find out what engine and drive setup it has. Most are great, but some would be best avoided.
I am a Volvo certified tech, I also wouldn't own an IO that wasn't a Volvo. I also work on both Mercruiser and Volvo, probably more Merc than Volvo.

Drive parts cost more, but with basic maintenance and care, seldom fail.

If you are in an area with no Volvo techs, that could be a problem to if you pay to get everything done. If you do things yourself, in most cases having a dealer near by is not necessary.

Thanks Don. I'm lookin for somethng less than 10 yrs old in the 21-24' size with a 5.0 or a little more.

 

[Don S]

Re: Got an opinion?

If it says XDP and is black and a composite material on the drive, runaway.
Stick with a 5.7 for that size boat, and get a DuoProp if at all possible.

 

[Rob K 2860]

Re: Got an opinion?

If it says XDP and is black and a composite material on the drive, runaway.
Stick with a 5.7 for that size boat, and get a DuoProp if at all possible.

Hi Don, I am considering a 2005 boat with VP 4.3's OSI's and the XDP. I cannot find much about the XDP drives on the
4.3's having issues or at least as many. It seems these set up's are much better than the issues with the larger engines with the XDP's. What is your insight on XDP issues on the 4.3's?

So far has had 0 issues in history with the drives on this boat and bellows have not been updated but serials fall into range of the bulletins to replace. Boat dry stored since new also and I will continue. Thanks Rob

 

[Don S]

Re: Got an opinion?

Welcome to iboats rob, you really need to start a new thread of your own, like that red warning bar indicated, and it would be best to post it in the Volvo forum, this is an old 3 year old thread started before the Volvo forum existed.