Pontoon Boat & Deck Boat Forum

Has anyone looked at the new Volvo forward prop I/Os. Very strange looking and I would be concerned about what would happen if you struck an object.

http://www.volvopenta.com/volvopenta/na ... mId=149360

Very interesting and in theory should be more efficent , but definitely would want to know your waters well! Protective Skeg behind the prop would be no go for me.

Saw this pic of a Tiger Shark that got into the way of one of these on another forum (I hope this works). Bad voodoo...

http://www.trawlerforum.com/forums/atta ... 1454592548

While they have been around awhile, one reason for their renewed push is to compete with the inboard market (Mastercraft, Tige, Nautique, etc.). The point (from an inboard competition standpoint) is to get the prop under the boat for wake surfing (safety) and to have less wake turbulence than a typical outboard. Yes, it is slightly more susceptible to damage than a trimmed up outboard but has the similar damage risk to an inboard. Of course, if you hit something with an inboard, you are only dealing with possible damage to the rudder/prop/shaft and not any mechanical items (gears). If you knock something hard enough with an inboard, you will likely damage all three items plus you will likely have at least three places where the fiberglass will be damaged.

I had a Mastercraft for several years and it takes some skill and experience to maneuver at low speeds and in reverse and this I/O design helps substantially with that.

Better have great insurance. If a new Mercury outboard lower unit costs $5K, how much do you think a low volume Volvo forward Duoprop unit would be?