outdrives - which one to choose

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kashurst

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over the years I have noticed that many people think outdrives are the work of the devil. However there are an awful lot of outdrive boats out there, that appear to work perfectly well. So which make and model of outdrive is the least "evil"........
 
Another thumbs up for the Volvo DPE. Had ours for almost 9 years with no problems (touch wood). Again always serviced annually.
 
11 years on DPE's and they are nice and easy to work on. Must admit I push the service intervals to the limit, 2-3 years for bellow etc... as I always seem to be throwing away perfectly good ones! But no issues so far although I am in fesh water most of the time.
 
kashurst said:
So which make and model of outdrive is the least "evil"........
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Well, if you can live with the idea of relying on evil, you might as well have some fun out of it. Pick your poison... :) :cool:
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M8-title.jpg
 
Sold mine recently after 25yrs and 900hrs use. Changed oil and anodes annually and also swivel points greased twice a season. Bellows every 2 years.
Only non service items replaced were reverse lock springs, tilt rams once.Never had water in drive no major corrosion used on 22ft planing hull
Marina berth 15 yrs then 10 yrs of in water berthing 5mth per year.
Seemed bomb proof apart from reverse lock not always locking
 
stelican said:
Sold mine recently after 25yrs and 900hrs use. Changed oil and anodes annually and also swivel points greased twice a season. Bellows every 2 years.
Only non service items replaced were reverse lock springs, tilt rams once.Never had water in drive no major corrosion used on 22ft planing hull
Marina berth 15 yrs then 10 yrs of in water berthing 5mth per year.
Seemed bomb proof apart from reverse lock not always locking
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Looking at your usage, you had plenty of time to "service" it.
 
kashurst said:
over the years I have noticed that many people think outdrives are the work of the devil. However there are an awful lot of outdrive boats out there, that appear to work perfectly well. So which make and model of outdrive is the least "evil"........
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You are talking about making a pact with the devil
The problem with Volvo drives is not the drives
 
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Volvo Penta DPE/ DPG...are good duoprop drives and quite similar. The DPE comes with the KAD44 (260HP) and the DPG with the stronger KAD300 (285HP) so the DPG is build to take the extra torque produced by the KAD 300. I have run DPE before - Now for 4 years the DPG and never any issues. Do not skip the service though and remember to change the gear oil ... even it is expensive. I always have used the OEM Volvo gearoil as I am told it can hold a fair amount of water and still do the job. Gearoil for cars with same viscosity should do the same job BUT if a seal break ...... Volvo recommend oilchange every year but I stretch it to every second... BUT do check the oil for water every year. The DPE/ DPG are both easy to work with and it is easy to get parts.
 
I've had Merc alpha 1 gen 2, it failed in a big way at about 250 hours.

Currently have Volvo dph which also failed a couple of years ago, and the steering rams are just a consumable.

Couldn't recommend either of them
 
Great reliability from my VP DPS drives ( the one on my second boat for 10 years; oil change every year, probably unnecessary, bellows change every 2 years ( again probably unnecessary). No water ingress, no corrosion, Anodes lasting 3 years in saltwater ( Volvo ACP system, no drive corrosion).

My current DPH ? No steering cylinder issues yet, aluminium anodes and ACP system. No corrosion.

The DPH shift actuator problems and associated EVC safety engine shut down is not so good to say the least !
 
PCUK said:
It's only the Oldgit who thinks like that and that's because he was frightened by one as a baby!:cool:
I like the Bravo 3x as much because it's not Volvo as anything else!
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No your wrong I'm afraid - its not only Oldgit who thinks they were invented personally by Satan himself !!!
 
I'd choose drives that after a main agent service would keep their split pins holding onto their cables, so during berthing I wouldn't have to switch an engine off because its stuck in gear whilst parking, then needing a lift out to replace said split pins in both drives with stainless versions. I'd also choose drives with hydraulic trim systems able to survive the use to which they might normally be put, if only to save being towed back to base. Finally, I'd select drives that had an annual service price much nearer to reasonable than to eye gouging. Enjoy!
 
I have had dpe drives since early 2008. 6 seasons with the previous boat and just now completed the 3rd seasons with the present boat (how time flies).
A total of 900 engine hours.
Yes the outdrives do need to be serviced - oil and bellows changed. You do need to factor that into the normal running costs.
I had some minor water ingress last year and have a faulty trim pump which needs attention but they are the only faults above normal service.

And yes shaft drive has far less work to do.
 
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