Volvo EVC Features - Difference between cruise and tow mode???

[notstock4long]

As one of the upgrades on my replacement boat, I asked for the Tow Mode software upgrade, since the throttle already has the button, and I don't like buttons that don't do anything. But, I'm not exactly sure what the difference between tow mode and cruise are. Is seems that with Tow Mode on and set, the engine won't move past the preset RPM value, even if more throttle is applied. With Cruise, it is also RPM based, but I don't think you preset it, you just hit the button when you are at the RPM value you want to hold. Is that correct? Is there more to it?

Either way, $942 sure is a hell of a lot of money just for the Tow Mode software upgrade.

[Ytmsn]

Tusc that seems like a useless feature to me. Why have either one? I mean any boat I've ever owned, you throttle up, and it stays there... and if I'm towing a skier or tube or wakeboard, the throttle may vary according to conditions anyway. What am I missing? I've never had a new boat, so is there something different on them now, like maybe a gas pedal? In that case I could see why you'd need it.

[notstock4long]

Well, I wanted EVC primarily for other reasons, and it just comes with the cruise. I asked for tow mode as part of the upgrade after the first boat burned, so that didn't cost me anything, otherwise I likely wouldn't have it.

It still has a standard looking throttle, but the cruise is kind of a neat feature. Once you hit the button, there are plus and minus buttons to bump the RPMs up or down a little at a time, so you can mike smaller adjustments than you can manually moving the throttle, especially if its a little choppy.

I think the main selling point with the tow mode is as a safety thing, because it won't let you accelerate past the set RPM value and pull someone at an unsafe speed, and apparently it will compensate for changes in load on the fly, like during turns and such.

Overall though, I agree with your sentiment. Anyone could easily live without either of these features. But, the nerd side of me thinks they are neat.

[Big Block Power]

I hope the person that I get my next boat from ordered it too.lol

[jnn13]

Yes, tow mode will only let you accelerate to a preset RPM. This lets you move the throttle very quickly to WOT without having to watch the tach. This is beneficial for skiers starting a run. But tow mode also KEEPS the motor at that preset RPM even if there are additional loads on the boat from the skier.