Volvo MD7A

[keith_morris1]

Does anyone know what the all up weight of the Volvo MD7A with its gearbox is? We have finally decided to bite the bullet and replace our old and unreliable one with a modern engine in our Sigma 33 and it would be interesting to know how much weight we are gaining or saving!!

Happy New Year

 

[kohaku]

Can't remember the exact saving but it's considerable. I replaced the Volvo with a Yanmar 2GMF which I think saved me about 40kg.
The Yanmar is mounted on very soft rubber. At start up and shut down the engine whipped on its mounts and bashed both sides of the stern tube. Checked and rechecked the alignment many times. Maybe this is the price you pay for a lighter engine. The old Volvo didn't dance around like that. Not that I would ever own another boat with a Volvo engine. Also the sound of the Yanmar is harsh to my ears. The Australian agent said they were only happy at one speed-1800rpm but it didn't matter cos I was a cruising boat. I solved the problem by installing an aquadrive. A nice piece of kit but 500 quid extra to pay for the installation stung a bit.
I regret I didn't look more closely at the Beta. You get 3 pots for the same size and weight and they are reasonably priced. However, you are doing the right thing dumping the Volvo. But don't throw it away, they make great moorings as long as you clean out the oil.

 

[stevebirch2002]

Hi Keith

The Albin Vega Club members have changed over seventy of the MD6/7 to the BEta BZ482 or BD722 in the last three years. You save about 40 - 50 kg and have an engine that is servicble, affordable spares and a company that cares about the aftersales of its engines! I cannot praise Beta enough with their technical help. The price is right and with teh Sigma 33 I would opt for the BD722 (20HP), same as the BZ482 but with an extra pot and only six inches longer. If you need any help or further advice then please email me at:

steve@albinvega.com



Albin Vega "Southern Comfort" V1703

 

[charles_reed]

I'd suggest you look at other engines before the Volvo.

Yanmar
Beta
Lombardini.

All will give you a better power-weight ratio, a less-depleted wallet and greater reliability.

 

[Crunluath]

According to my manual the weight of a MD7A and reverse gear is 175kg.