VolvoPenta Single Prop Vs. Duo Prop

[codytyler]

Haven't been very happy with the manuverability/steering of my boat. Several people have told me that if I change out the lower drive on my outdrive to a duo prop that I would notice much better steering and manuvering ability. Can anyone attest to this for me?J

 

[Spidybot]

Re: VolvoPenta Single Prop Vs. Duo Prop

Hull design has a lot to do with this. Planing designs normally behave weird at low speed whilst semiplaning or displacement hulls are better. Once up and running the planing hull handles very well.<br /><br />What design is your boat?

 

[codytyler]

Re: VolvoPenta Single Prop Vs. Duo Prop

UU; It's a planing hull and it does very well at moderate and high speeds. My real tough time comes when at low speed and trying to manuver into a dock.

 

[Spidybot]

Re: VolvoPenta Single Prop Vs. Duo Prop

It sure is a well known problem. If your boat has even a little cabin, side wind makes it wander.<br /><br />Docking practise is good, and remember that you're steering by turning the lower unit and prop thrust. Unlike boats with a rudder, the lower unit doesn't work very well if the prop is not engaged. DuoProp isn't much different.<br /><br />By turning the drive in different directions and engaging forward/reverse most situations can be managed (although it takes a lot of work at the helm).<br /><br />There are different kinds of lists to fit to the hull to improve 'grip' in water, but they need some speed to work. A very good help would be a bow propeller which can move the bow sideways by the touch of a small handle (electric), but such equipment costs... <br /><br />Suppose it's cheaper than replacing the drive, though.

 

[jomac]

Re: VolvoPenta Single Prop Vs. Duo Prop

cody a duo prop not going to help at low speeds,they do help torque push at high speeds as UU said practice,practice,practice learn to use the wind and or current to help you Good luck and be safe

 

[old835pelican]

Re: VolvoPenta Single Prop Vs. Duo Prop

I switched a VP 290 drive on a 23 ft. Steiger Craft from SX to Duo Prop several years ago, cost @ 1500 including props. Made all the difference in the world. Low speed handling was markedly improved. Tracked like it was on rails. Backing and docking were much better.

 

[22WRF]

Re: VolvoPenta Single Prop Vs. Duo Prop

My opinion of the duo prop is they are for people that want to by 2 props instead on after they hit something.

 

[Boatist]

Re: VolvoPenta Single Prop Vs. Duo Prop

Codytyler<br /> A dual prop will take all the sideways movement from prop torque away and cause boat to go where it is steered. A single right hand prop will kick the stern to starboard when you kick motor in forward with the stearing straight ahead. It will kick to port when engage reverse. Now you can learn to use this to turn your boat in not much more than it own length, but if you do not expect it can make docking in tight places tricky. I actually like this affect as can turn my boat between dock and go out in foward instead of backing between boats.<br /><br />All V hulls wonder at low speed the key is to not over correct. <br />Only reason I would like the dual prop is gets about 20 percent beter fuel mileage.