SX / DPS Question

[MarkChambers]

First post at iBoats.

I just purchased (2 days ago) a 2010 Larson 226 Senza. The boat is brand new and at an end of year price I didn't think I should pass up. Power is the Volvo 5.7 300 hp with the single prop SX drive. I am thinking of swapping the SX for the DPS while it is new and still at the dealer if it can be done without effecting the warranty. Don't know what it will cost. It's a 2K option on a new boat but obviously it can't be done for that. Any ideas on what a fair price would be and whether the swap is worth it? I understand that dual props plane at lower rpm's reducing fuel consumption. Is the mileage improvement significant enough to justify the switch? I do intend to keep the boat for a good while.

FYI, most of my time will be spent on the larger northern Michigan lakes like Lake Leelanau, Torch Lake, Lake Charlevoix et. al., with occasional runs out on Grand Traverse Bay on calmer days. A single trip around the shore of Lake Leelanau is around 40 miles. Any advice would be appreciated.

Thanks in advance

Mark

 

[bruceb58]

Re: SX / DPS Question

If its $4k or less, I would do it. The props alone are $1200 of the price.

 

[muc]

Re: SX / DPS Question

A 22 foot boat is kind of on the small side of how much difference a duo prop will make.
The last dealer I worked for set the cut off at 25 feet.
This is a decision a good dealer will make by test driving all the different boat/motor combinations at the dealer meeting.
This question is one of the reasons why after 25 years in the boat business I feel that when buying a new boat it is more important WHO you buy the boat from than WHAT boat you buy.
Talk to your dealer or use the internet to talk to other Larson dealers until you find somebody who has driven that hull with both options.
It?s a pricey option that is NOT always worth it.
Good Luck Muc

 

[nauticool]

Re: SX / DPS Question

EDIT: Please use the PM function for personal transactions.

 

[MarkChambers]

Re: SX / DPS Question

Muc,

Thanks for the info. That was helpful.

 

[bruceb58]

Re: SX / DPS Question

I have a 24' boat with DP. Would not have another boat without it. The size boat you have would also benefit.

 

[MarkChambers]

Re: SX / DPS Question

Muc,

FYI, I took your advice and called several large dealers in different states than the one I?m in. I was up front telling them that I would be purchasing the boat somewhere else and then asking if they would be willing to answer a question or two. All were quite friendly and had no problem spending a few minutes talking. What did they say? To a man they all said that a Dual Prop on the Senza 226 was absolutely not necessary, especially with the 300hp 5.7. All of them ordered their ?for stock? boats in SX form. For those that aren't concerned about the money and want the DPS they were happy to order it that way but recommend that customers spend their money on 2K worth of goodies instead. And that 2K is if the boat is ordered that way. The conversion would be closer to 4K and then they weren?t sure what Larson would say about their factory warranty on a dealer modified boat.

I asked a number of what if?s like what if the boat is usually loaded with people and the suggestion then was to get a bigger boat. I doubt that the number on the boat will exceed four or five including me. All said the dual prop became most effective on boats when they top 25/26 ft. They did admit that dual props planed a bit quicker and backed up better but noted that folks have been backing up single screws without problems for years. Gas mileage is also somewhat better but then four grand buys a whole lot of gas.

So based on the advice and what I intend to do with the boat I'm going to stick with the single prop.

 

[HT32BSX115]

Re: SX / DPS Question

If you can do it you should.

It made a HUGE difference in my 21 ft Four Winns with essentially the same (or slightly less)crankshaft HP

I went from a similarly powered King Cobra to a Bravo III and the hole shot went from sluggish at best to a ROCKET out of the hole!

All said the dual prop became most effective on boats when they top 25/26 ft.

Total BS......


I probably lost a few MPH at WOT, but it's insignificant! The slow speed & reverse handling is nothing less than outstanding. It IS worth it!!


Regards,


Rick

 

[MarkChambers]

Re: SX / DPS Question

Heh. I was afraid someone was going to do that.

 

[tplug]

Re: SX / DPS Question

The duo props are the 4 wheel drive of boating. I have a 24ft and have
driven the model with and without duo props. The difference is night and day IMHO. Go for the duo's you won't be dissapointed.

Tom

 

[tkrfxr]

Re: SX / DPS Question

...So based on the advice and what I intend to do with the boat I'm going to stick with the single prop.

That's the spirit! Just go boating...if you already made the deal, enjoy the boat you got....

I think you will enjoy the SX just fine...and keep the DP in mind for yous NEXT boat!