george unthank
Well-Known Member
After the first wave of vitriolic commentary against this d3 , the later comments are more mellow . I thank the yea and nay Sayers .( ignore incomplete sentence contributions - if they want to grunt in the conner that's fine - but done expect to be treated as an adult here)
No one has identified a unique substantial flaw or flaws with the material used in its construction . No one has reported a catastrophic engine failure event that imperilled themselves or their crew or their craft although that has to be tempered by saying that such may have happened , but may have also happened as frequently with other engines on other craft .
The anti - Volvo body of opinion seems to come down to a flimsy / flaky - weak electrical system. Ie - the EVC S and all connections leading from the engine to the computer system. ( the merits of the computer operated as distinct from the analogue operated engines has been debate in another post here )
My main concern here on asking the question about Volvo's ''disposable '' engine arose from a concern about the price differential between the 2565 D3 and say the saline 29 SC. I wondered about the quality of the materials , design , and nature of the construction of the cheaper sister=the d3
I realise that the sea line is a bigger boat , it has 2 engines and these differences alone are sufficient to put it in a different class to 25/6 feet craft .
But why , I wondered how on a quid pro quo -basis could a Sea Line keep its second hand value so much better than ANY of the other 25/6 feet craft . and for so much longer ?
I still don't know the answer to this .
I have used mine in varying weather conditions on Lake Corrib - circa 30 miles long by 10 wide - perhaps larger . I have never yet found myself in seas she was unable for . Sure I could have used with a bit more power , but I don't tend to go out in force 6 or more . it simply isn't pleasant. Equally if she has the full capacity of 7 adults aboard you know you need extra power , but if you don't have deadlines to make -so what ?
If you are young and invincible and you want to take on the elements in full- fledged wrath you should perhaps remember the plea '' Lord. They sea is so vast , and my boat so small ''
I have written to Volvo regarding the concerns I have abut the bad press this engine has - ( also to Regal ) - I got a reply pretty swiftly asking me to provide the hull number - on receipt of which they will provide material for a reply . I will share any info I get back here IF I can.
Regarding the longevity of. The d3 - if it does me 1200 hours , at about 60 hours a year = 20 years ? would I complain ? No
If I were running a ferry service and did 4 times this amount of hours I would be down to a life expectancy of 5 years and Yes , I would be concerned .
When I purchased this craft I noted the engine was guaranteed for the first 1200 hours or the first 2 * years whichever came the sooner (*
subject to qualification).
So tis becomes v much a 'horses for courses issue , and these extremes shouldn't concern the average leisure boater
Despite the strength and volubility of negative camp , most of their opinions are based on an innate hatred for the engine . This gets in the way of the experienced boater who can make a more evidence based, and balanced opinion , and he does not come to this forum with an already sullied opinion.
Some have entered this debate to vent their anger at Volvo , but their angst is entangled on non- evidence based fact . This is readily evident and largely unhelpful.
AFTER ALL THIS;
I can't say I have made an unequivocal opinion about the merits or flaws of the d3 - but. It was looking bad for Volvo for quite a while there .
She is perhaps not the best engine on the market , but it seems she is capable of giving a reasonable quality of service over the course of 20 years- and if thst holds. true , I am happy .
Thank you all for your contributions
g
No one has identified a unique substantial flaw or flaws with the material used in its construction . No one has reported a catastrophic engine failure event that imperilled themselves or their crew or their craft although that has to be tempered by saying that such may have happened , but may have also happened as frequently with other engines on other craft .
The anti - Volvo body of opinion seems to come down to a flimsy / flaky - weak electrical system. Ie - the EVC S and all connections leading from the engine to the computer system. ( the merits of the computer operated as distinct from the analogue operated engines has been debate in another post here )
My main concern here on asking the question about Volvo's ''disposable '' engine arose from a concern about the price differential between the 2565 D3 and say the saline 29 SC. I wondered about the quality of the materials , design , and nature of the construction of the cheaper sister=the d3
I realise that the sea line is a bigger boat , it has 2 engines and these differences alone are sufficient to put it in a different class to 25/6 feet craft .
But why , I wondered how on a quid pro quo -basis could a Sea Line keep its second hand value so much better than ANY of the other 25/6 feet craft . and for so much longer ?
I still don't know the answer to this .
I have used mine in varying weather conditions on Lake Corrib - circa 30 miles long by 10 wide - perhaps larger . I have never yet found myself in seas she was unable for . Sure I could have used with a bit more power , but I don't tend to go out in force 6 or more . it simply isn't pleasant. Equally if she has the full capacity of 7 adults aboard you know you need extra power , but if you don't have deadlines to make -so what ?
If you are young and invincible and you want to take on the elements in full- fledged wrath you should perhaps remember the plea '' Lord. They sea is so vast , and my boat so small ''
I have written to Volvo regarding the concerns I have abut the bad press this engine has - ( also to Regal ) - I got a reply pretty swiftly asking me to provide the hull number - on receipt of which they will provide material for a reply . I will share any info I get back here IF I can.
Regarding the longevity of. The d3 - if it does me 1200 hours , at about 60 hours a year = 20 years ? would I complain ? No
If I were running a ferry service and did 4 times this amount of hours I would be down to a life expectancy of 5 years and Yes , I would be concerned .
When I purchased this craft I noted the engine was guaranteed for the first 1200 hours or the first 2 * years whichever came the sooner (*
subject to qualification).
So tis becomes v much a 'horses for courses issue , and these extremes shouldn't concern the average leisure boater
Despite the strength and volubility of negative camp , most of their opinions are based on an innate hatred for the engine . This gets in the way of the experienced boater who can make a more evidence based, and balanced opinion , and he does not come to this forum with an already sullied opinion.
Some have entered this debate to vent their anger at Volvo , but their angst is entangled on non- evidence based fact . This is readily evident and largely unhelpful.
AFTER ALL THIS;
I can't say I have made an unequivocal opinion about the merits or flaws of the d3 - but. It was looking bad for Volvo for quite a while there .
She is perhaps not the best engine on the market , but it seems she is capable of giving a reasonable quality of service over the course of 20 years- and if thst holds. true , I am happy .
Thank you all for your contributions
g
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