push forward & boat goes backwards

[medic181075]

I'm sure you can figure out that I am fairly new to the boating world. After hours of reading, I recently purchase a 1989 SunRunner with a Volvo AQ131D (pretty impresive for a 2.3L engine) and a 275 outdrive. Anyway, much to my surprize, the first time I put it in the water I tried to slowly back away from the dock, only to realize I was going forward. The prop needs replaced and I was wondering if someone put the wrong prop on this boat at one time or another. It currently has a prop which rotates clockwise (right rotation?) and I was wondering if it should have a left rotation prop instead. I have searched for hours to find out what is normal rotation for this outdrive, but come up empty handed. As I have already said that I need a new prop and I just need to figure out if I need a left or right rotation prop. Thanks, Mike

I plan on using this boat for tubing & skiing. Would a 14x21 or 15x19 be too much for this engine?

 

[Don S]

Re: push forward & boat goes backwards

The 275's can go either direction, just remove the back cover on the drive and change the linkage like the instructions say.
As far as what is the best prop for tubing and skiing, best to post that question in the Prop Topics and Questions forum.

 

[medic181075]

Re: push forward & boat goes backwards

So if the new prop I buy is a left handed one, it will solve my problem without moving the linkage, correct?

 

[bamadave]

Re: push forward & boat goes backwards

I'm assuming you did not take this boat out before you bought it?

 

[jerryjerry05]

Re: push forward & boat goes backwards

Most boats are set up with right hand rotation.Buy a r/h prop and change the linkage.Then when the new prop gets damaged you only have to change the prop and not the linkage.Changing the linkage in the water is no fun.Most new boat owners damage the prop within a the first 2-3 times out.Some the first time!!!! Jerry

 

[medic181075]

Re: push forward & boat goes backwards

I'm assuming you did not take this boat out before you bought it?

No I didn't. I know that is the first rule of buying a used boat, but the price was right and the nearest water was quite a distance. I looked it over real good, with my limited knowledge, and knew I was gonna have to dump some money into it. So far, it has just been a couple of small things I have found that need fixed. Most of the problems are cosmetic, such as upholstery.

 

[medic181075]

Re: push forward & boat goes backwards

I finally managed to download an english version of the operator's manual for a Volvo Penta AQ131/275. It seems that Volvo wants a left-handed prop on this setup. I really wondered about this because I found an abundance of used left-hand props on ebay.

"A left-hand rotating propeller should be selected for single installation. With a left-hand rotating propeller the tendency of the boat to list or veer is reduced"

Thanks for the help, know we know for the next time this question is asked.