Volvo DP outdrive shake vs Merc B3 stiffness

[AsLan7]

Thanks gents.

I have a hard time believing that Volvo DP outdrives shake right out of the gate from the factory. I believe there may be a service bulletin relating to this but have not confirmed it.

I have a feeling that as the steering cable points and bearings wear, the outdrive can begin to exhibit symptoms of this shaking. It just may happen sooner on the Volvo Duo Props...again because of how little effort is required to steer them at low speeds.

I'm anxious to take delivery of our 263 and drive that B3 after many years of using a Volvo.

Well, I'll quote myself as I mentioned I would share my experience comparing the Bravo III X drive with the Volvo DP. Keep in mind I have only used the BIII for about an hour.

To my complete shock, the Bravo III is actually more silent and just as smooth a shifter as the Volvo DP. I had always heard the BIII's were not as smooth shifting. It is like butter. More importantly, I cannot get over how there is NO noise when shifting. Amazing. Advantage Merc.

As far as steering, the Bravo is slightly heavier during slow speed maneuvering but certainly not something to complain about or even noticeable unless you have driven a Volvo DP. The only negative I saw is that when the Bravo III is at full left or right, occasionally it takes a slight amount of muscle to START moving the steering wheel to move her in the intended direction. Still great steering setup by Merc but advantage goes just slightly to Volvo due to that small amount of resistance present with the Merc and not with the Volvo. Advantage Volvo
.
.

[Silverbullet555]

I know this is a hit old, but just found it.

My 226 does it. Usually at start up. I can stop it by turning wheel left and right a few times or shut it down and restart. Sometimes it will do it coming in to dock.

I would love to solve it.

[allerickb@gmail.com]

My '03 262 does it. Usually at start up if the trim isn't all the way down or hard to Port for some reason. Shifting into gear will stop the shake as well. I've done a lot of searching but haven't found a solution yet. The lock to lock to bleed any air didn't work. Any help would be greatly appreciated.

[Ytmsn]

Thanks gents.

I have a hard time believing that Volvo DP outdrives shake right out of the gate from the factory. I believe there may be a service bulletin relating to this but have not confirmed it.

I have a feeling that as the steering cable points and bearings wear, the outdrive can begin to exhibit symptoms of this shaking. It just may happen sooner on the Volvo Duo Props...again because of how little effort is required to steer them at low speeds.

I'm anxious to take delivery of our 263 and drive that B3 after many years of using a Volvo.

Well, I'll quote myself as I mentioned I would share my experience comparing the Bravo III X drive with the Volvo DP. Keep in mind I have only used the BIII for about an hour.

To my complete shock, the Bravo III is actually more silent and just as smooth a shifter as the Volvo DP. I had always heard the BIII's were not as smooth shifting. It is like butter. More importantly, I cannot get over how there is NO noise when shifting. Amazing. Advantage Merc.

As far as steering, the Bravo is slightly heavier during slow speed maneuvering but certainly not something to complain about or even noticeable unless you have driven a Volvo DP. The only negative I saw is that when the Bravo III is at full left or right, occasionally it takes a slight amount of muscle to START moving the steering wheel to move her in the intended direction. Still great steering setup by Merc but advantage goes just slightly to Volvo due to that small amount of resistance present with the Merc and not with the Volvo. Advantage Volvo
.
.

Still one of my "All Time Favorites" when it comes to photos A7!

Back when A7 posted this I had a 240 and it would shake sometimes at idle. Always scared the crap out of me too, because the only time I had ever experienced this before was from a bent drive shaft in the lower unit after hitting a log with a boat from years ago.

Now with my 262 it's never happened at all. Shifts smooth and tracks smooth, but I did have an issue with the linkage coming loose when I tried to come out of neutral under a tad of power while cruising into the back of a cove. That's with the two lever thingy, one lever for shifting and for throttle.

[AsLan7]

I like that two lever style Kiekhaefer setup over the Merc system. Enjoy!

[Tuscany]

I think you’re hittin the whiskey too much this week A7. It’s giving you the shakes.

[AsLan7]

I think you’re hittin the whiskey too much this week A7. It’s giving you the shakes.

[liquid]

As long as you're not shaking your aunt...