Volvo MD5 C / 120S saildrive are these engines any good?

[AndCur]

Folks

I am looking to change my boat and am looking at a boat with a Volvo MD5 C / 120S sail drive which are both original (1983) the hull seal has been replaced in 99 and the top end of the engine rebuilt in the last few years. The main questions I have are how long does a sail drive leg last? Also I have heard lots of scary stories about
Volvos what are the problems with this version.

Thanks for your reply's

Andrew /forums/images/graemlins/smirk.gif

 

[Will_M]

How strong is an old bit of rope? /forums/images/graemlins/grin.gif

 

[scarlett]

I had an MD5C with a 120s for about ten years and it was excellent. It ran like an old Singer sewing machine if you ignored the exhuast noise. If it has been looked after you can relax.

 

[Richard_Peevor]

I Have a volvo MD5B with a sail drive leg... it is fantastic. Engine been in the boat (29' cruiser/racer with fin keel) since 1980 and been under water and in a fire (alternator) and it will still start even on a cold day!! The sail drive leg does seem newer than the engine as the rubber diaphragm is immaculate but again not had problems over the four years I've had the boat...

 

[Thresher]

I too have an MD5 B with saildrive leg. The boat was built in 1978 and I have had it for 3 years, as far as I know everything is original and I have never had to do anything to it other than the usual maintenance. I am keeping my fingers crossed that it will stay that way.
The only problem that I know of with Volvo is the cost of their spares.