Larson Deck boat owners??

[bdanson]

I am looking at purchasing a 2003 Larson 234 Escape. It has the 5.7L Volvo Duo Prop on it. The boat is extremely clean and the price is right! Curious to ask about any issues owners have had? I am not real familiar with the duo prop system, as I have had an OMC most of my life. How is upkeep / Maint on this outdrive? Any feedback would be appreciated.

 

[JoLin]

Re: Larson Deck boat owners??

Volvo's are fine, and I loved the duo-prop on my 1999 Chris Craft with the same motor. Parts can be more expensive than Mercruiser, particularly for propellers, but the drives themselves are extremely well made.

I'd recommend an inspection by a surveyor or mechanic before purchase. Good luck!

My .02

 

[204 Escape]

Re: Larson Deck boat owners??

We bought a left over 2006 204 Escape, in 2007. It is only a 20' of course with a 5.0 carburated unit. The only 2 issues that we have had with it is as follows;

1) The Sirius radio had a problem with a cable. Was replaced and works fine.

2) THIS is a biggy for me !!!!!! ALL of the seat bottoms had "tears" in them. It turned out to be the material (plastic) that was used had "router gouges" in them. LARSON, paid my upholstery shop to repair them, and I ended up with a couple extra seat bottoms out of the deal.

Other than that, we love the boat !!!! It has a E Z Loader trailer with the swing away tongue, etc.

 

[CascoBay]

Re: Larson Deck boat owners??

I have a 2000 Larson 254 Cabrio with the Volvo 5.7L and a duo prop.

My boat has 601 hours on it, I bought it with 400 hours on it a few years back and I love it.

It has lots of power and it handles great.

I have only had one problem and it was self induced. I used Sierra bellows at the last service instead of OEM volvo. The sierra bellows leaked and took out my gimbal bearing and u joints. Not the drive's fault by any means.

I find that parts are not that expensive.

Also I boat in salt water- volvo's seem to hold up much better corrosion wise.