Replacing a Volvo Duo-Prop Set- Aluminum?

[JoLin]

Hi-

I was planning to buy a new set next winter as mine are suffering some corrosion. I figured I'd investigate this then. However, I managed to bend the rear prop pretty good this past weekend so I need to act now.

The issue is that I'm running a stainless 'F5' set which was OE on my boat. I'm considering replacing them with Aluminum due to the cost difference. Unfortunately, Volvo's prop selection guide seems pretty definite about which prop I should use for my boat and WOT speed (mid-high 40's). That'd be the F5's I have now.

First, is there really an issue in using Aluminum instead of Stainless? Second, if Aluminum is an acceptable substitute, should I consider going from F5 to D6? D6 has more pitch and might make up for the aluminum having more flex than stainless

Or, had I better just bite the bullet and follow Volvo's recommendation instead of trying to create my own solution?

 

[JoLin]

Re: Replacing a Volvo Duo-Prop Set- Aluminum?

FYI to anyone who's interested. I spent a lot of time googling Volvo's prop sets, and it's nearly impossible to find pitch measurements for them. Volvo doesn't publish them and there are few sources for any of them.

I bit the bullet and ordered the original set in stainless (F5's). New props, prop removal tool, nuts and shipping- over $1400. Ouch!

Just wasn't in the budget this year.

 

[rodbolt]

Re: Replacing a Volvo Duo-Prop Set- Aluminum?

did you try to send your originals to prop shop for repair?

 

[JoLin]

Re: Replacing a Volvo Duo-Prop Set- Aluminum?

no- read the first line of my post. I don't want to spend money on refurbing props that I planned to replace anyway. I just wasn't prepared for the sudden expense.

 

[Billdc]

Re: Replacing a Volvo Duo-Prop Set- Aluminum?

send the old ones in during the off season so you have a spare set. I keep my second set on the boat. I ran into the same thing last year, I couldn't even find an aftermarket prop to compare prices, Volvo still has things pretty tied up on that market.

 

[JoLin]

Re: Replacing a Volvo Duo-Prop Set- Aluminum?

send the old ones in during the off season so you have a spare set. I keep my second set on the boat. I ran into the same thing last year, I couldn't even find an aftermarket prop to compare prices, Volvo still has things pretty tied up on that market.

You're right- no aftermarket at all, with the exception of Piranha composites... but they're limited to the 4.3 and 5.0 motor and drive units. What kills me is that you can't even get enough info from Volvo (pitch for all the prop combinations they sell) to make an informed decision. They want a set of F5 stainless props on my drive, and that's that.

I'll hang on to the old set until I've refilled the coffers enough to give them to a pro for a refurb.