1989 Volvo Penta AQ205A

[SlaveToMyCats]

Hi All,

I was all set on getting a boat with an outboard, because I figured it would be easier to maintain and less of a risk of it going wrong. However I've now found a boat that I really like, it has a Volvo Penta AQ205A from 1989 approx. My instinct tells me that compared to newer 15-30 HP outboard (sufficient since I'm boating on the Thames), this engine could be a ton of trouble for me!

Does anyone have any insight please into how reliable this engine will be, is 30 years very old for an engine of this type? I did find some positive comments around fuel efficiency and reliability of these engines though search but would welcome more info.
Are there any key questions I can ask to try and assess the condition of the engine and thus the likelihood I will get years of trouble free boating from it?

Thanks
Adrian

 

[spannerman]

Its most likely seawater cooled which neans after 30 yrs there will be rust in the block and heads, the problem is that the rust eats away the metal around the holes in the head and block for oil and cooling passages, this then neans the clamping on the metal inserts on the head gaskets is compromised and can lead to internal leaks of either oil or water. The other rust prone area is the exhaust manifolds and risers which last between 5 and 10 yrs max. Having said that the engine is a GM unit so spares are readily available, just the exhaust is either Volvo (expensive) or a cheaper non original will do the job.
If you are boating on the upper Thames its not the ideal engine for pottering at ide speed all day, it needs to be opened up now and then.
I guess its a sterdrive installation and that is a whole new area of expebse at 30 yrs, is there any waterin the drive oil, very common on Volvo drives, and when were the bellows last replaced?

 

[SlaveToMyCats]

Thanks, I agree its not an ideal engine for the thames. It did have servicing history, but not enough to convince me. I've decided to stick to outboard or at least more modern inboard as this will be my first proper boat - taking on an elderly inboard is just too daunting for me. Thanks for your help!

 

[spannerman]

I think you made the right decision.