Which VP Duoprop "type" do I need?

[Geko45]

I recently (as in last weekend) bought a 1995 Cobalt 220. It came equipped with a Volvo Penta 5.8fl motor and a "duoprop" drive, but the props are dinged up pretty good. I'm not exactly sure which duoprop drive it is and my searching so far has indicated that duoprops aren't sold by pitch and diameter like most single props, but instead by "type"

The question is, what "type" do I need?

What I'm wanting is a new aluminum set for this VP 5.8fl for general all around perfomance. Is that enough info to answer this question and if not, what else do I need to find out (got almost no documentation with it other than title)?

 

[Maclin]

Re: Which VP Duoprop "type" do I need?

Geko, welcome aboard, and nice find on that boat by the way.

Did you ever post the model of your drive? If it is a "white" drive, a DP-A or similar designation then the B series aluminums or C series stainless will be what you need. If it is the "grey" drive then it will be the D series I believe for aluminums.

 

[Geko45]

Re: Which VP Duoprop "type" do I need?

Thanks for posting that. I had come across it already in searching the threads for info (I think it was you that had posted it previously). It definitely helped me figure out what I need. I have the more blocky "white" DP drive and not the more rounded "grey" DPS drive. I ordered a set of B5 props. I might still take the old ones in and get them repaired (if possible) and keep them as spares (or maybe sell them to recoup some cost), but this way I can do the job in all one sitting (as opposed to waiting for a shop).

The inner prop has a pretty good chunk of one blade missing. Can a shop really repair that kind of damage?

 

[90stingray]

Re: Which VP Duoprop "type" do I need?

Usually yes... they can weld new pieces on and grind and shape them to a like new appearance. If you take them to a propshop and ask... they will let you know.

 

[Maclin]

Re: Which VP Duoprop "type" do I need?

I had lots of material missing on a B7 set I got with my boat, I figured they might be unusable but the shop I took it to repaired both props, ran about $175 if I remember right. Midwest Propeller in Olathe, Kansas. They take work from all over, great bunch of people.

 

[Maclin]

Re: Which VP Duoprop "type" do I need?

From the other thread I only remembered you saying you had figured out the drive, and I wanted to be sure. Those white ones are solid pieces. All parts are available. The DuoProp ones are just hands down great setups.

Most boats "our" size, 22 foot or so, came with B7's. I got B5's to use while the B7's were getting fixed and found the B5 set matched my boating style at that time. Small lake, mostly towing tubes with lots of young ones aboard. I get 46-48mhp depending on conditions, it will go 45 anytime I want it to, uphill, against the wind, etc Best cruise is at about 40mph.

I put the B7's on once after I got them back, basically tryng to figure out which set to keep or sell, and it still pulled good down low but took a while longer to hit 40, but would go past 50 if I had let it. I do not like the 50+ speeds on the water. The B5's can keep it on plane at slightly lower speed, the engine never lugs and so far has not over-revved.

Anyways, GOOD LUCK on all your boating, I think you are off to a good start with that boat!