IPS vs IO Feedback

[gilliac]

I posted a similar question on the Doral topic area but I think I also need some general feedback. I am looking at a 40 ft Doral. To date, my boats have been small (~23 ft) Scarabs and a Chaparral 2335 with big blocks. I have driven a friends 31 ft Formula a lot. So I am used to smaller boats that handle fairly well (at least in calm water!)

I was looking at the Doral this weekend and the wife loves the boat, but the way it handled was very dissappointing. It has the 370HP Volvo IPS drives, but the Doral was very slow to plane, and rode very bow high. The engines have very few hours and didn't seem to be the problem.

The dealer said it was due to the bottom and props being very dirty and needing a good cleaning. I know Doral is history, but engine/drive/systems parts are available elsewhere and since I can't afford a new 40 ft boat, warrantee isn't an issue. But if I am buying a boat I don't like driving just to please the wife, I need to just get a houseboat!

I spent almost two grand in tickets and hotel bills in taking the wife to see the boat and, while the dealer has offered to haul and clean the bottom for a second sea trial, I am uncertain if I need to spend another chunk of money just to find out that I will never be happy with the way the boat runs. Also have some reservations about a dealer who knew I was coming that far and didn't prep the boat.

I would love to have some feedback from anyone who has a similar boat and also your thoughts in general on the relative performance of IPS drives vs IOs. I have never driven any other IPS boat and do not want to waste the time and money of a dealer to sea trial a boat I know I won't buy. So, am I am expecting too much from a 25,000 lb boat with 740 total HP for it to get on plane quickly and ride level without full down trim tabs??

Thanks for any advice you can offer.

Gil

 

[Bob_VT]

Re: IPS vs IO Feedback

Never had the opportunity to play with the IPS. My only comment is ....why would anyone show a boat that has a hull in need of cleaning.

 

[Slip Away]

Re: IPS vs IO Feedback

Cleaning the hull will do very little. That Doral should be okay with the 370HP diesel's. But should ride not so bow high. Props should not be the cause if you can get to max recommended RPM. Should do close to 40 mph at WOT. That is good for that size boat.
Look at some boats that were designed to have IPS drives . Like a Four Winns 378 Vista, Cruisers Yachts, and Regal. I have a friend with a 378 Vista and IPS, and it is a great performing boat. I suggest you walk from the Doral, you will not be happy with the performance, something just does not sound right.

EDIT: None of these 40ft express cruisers will perform like a 30ft. go-fast type boat. They are not designed to, so maybe your expectations for similar performance are too high ?

 

[Natesms]

Re: IPS vs IO Feedback

EDIT: None of these 40ft express cruisers will perform like a 30ft. go-fast type boat. They are not designed to, so maybe your expectations for similar performance are too high ?

I agree, keep in mind you won't be getting anywhere close to the performance of anything you listed. These big expresses always seem to ride bow high.

I've got a 33 express with twin 330 HP motors and duoprop drives. I jump onto plane faster than anything else I've seen similar. My buddy has a Searay 400 express and I smoke him out of the hole. However from ~2300 RPM until it planes out I'm completely blind to what is in front of me.

 

[Slip Away]

Re: IPS vs IO Feedback

Some info from Power & Motoryacht test of the boat:

the Mediterra, Doral were working closely with Volvo Penta engineers to match the 40's hull design to accommodate the IPS drives. I'd say they got it right. Most notable was the simply superb combination of Volvo Penta's electronic power-assisted steering with the Doral's hull. The relatively flat aft sections that accommodate the drives also provide generous lift, helping her get on plane in just over ten seconds. With little wind on test day, the Ottawa River was flat, and the 40 put on a clinic: She was agile at all speeds, and as I pushed her to WOT, she responded by carving tight figure eights and smooth, 180-degree turns in just a few boat lengths. Once she was at speed, her forward chine flats kept the windshield dry without me having to touch the Lenco trim tabs. The combination of the Mediterra's hull and Volvo's IPS system made the 40 a virtual fuel sipper. She managed 1 mpg or better throughout her rpm range, and at her cruise speed of 34.5 mph and 3000 rpm, she burned 30.2 gph, good for a range of 371 miles. She also displayed some giddy-up, reaching a top speed of 43.4 mph.

Your sea trial should have been more like the article above, if the boat is in top shape mechanically. it should be noted, the Mediterra was Doral's first venture into IPS drives on one of their boats.

 

[gilliac]

Re: IPS vs IO Feedback

Thanks to all for the feedback. I remain conflicted as this was the first boat I could afford that the Mrs really likes. I guess I will let the guy haul the boat and clean the hull and props and then spend the money to go back and sea trial it again. I did not expect to run with the wind but she struggled to make 33 knots at WOT and need full tabs to stay level even after planning. My old Navy LSD went that fast!

But I am afraid Slip Away is right, I really don't think the problems are from a dirty hull. But I would hate not to find out the truth.

Thanks again

Gil

 

[Lou C]

Re: IPS vs IO Feedback

Neither, in a 40 or so foot boat you should have the simplest to maintain power system there is, straight shaft inboards.