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Hi All,

I recently read about a new VP new transmission component that removes the "clunk" from low speed shifting F-N-R on stern drives.

Apparently the change was made in May 2020. Does anyone with a new boat have this system and can you comment on how the new system sounds compared to pre 2020 VP stern drives?

It's not like I'd be buying a new boat to get the feature (apparently you can retrofit the new part for around $6,000 plus labour), but I'm curious to know if 100% of the "clunk" is gone.

BR

Ill let you know in 4 months.

I will have to say after some time with our 97 I did get a feel how to shift it without to much audible noise.

Supposedly, it has been used in some transmissions already but now being added to the gas powered drives. Am I the only one that doesn't really mind the clunk? Makes me know I am in gear I guess. On the Volvo in my 1998 Wellcraft, the clunk is louder than some boats because it has a carb and the idle is set a little higher because of it.

BobRae99 wrote: Thu Dec 10, 2020 10:34 am Hi All,

I recently read about a new VP new transmission component that removes the "clunk" from low speed shifting F-N-R on stern drives.

Apparently the change was made in May 2020. Does anyone with a new boat have this system and can you comment on how the new system sounds compared to pre 2020 VP stern drives?

It's not like I'd be buying a new boat to get the feature (apparently you can retrofit the new part for around $6,000 plus labour), but I'm curious to know if 100% of the "clunk" is gone.

BR

I've got it on my R3 BobRae and its smooth as silk...don't even know you are in gear until you feel the boat start moving. There is a slight delay...you have to let it go into gear and then start easing into the throttle....you cant just throw it forward into gear and go....takes just a second or so for it to go into gear. No big deal, just different from my AlphaOne that clunked and went.

Well said!!!

We took delivery of a new 2021 R30 on Sept. 1st 2020. ( ordered on 6/1/2020) We have twin VP 350's. We were told that ours was one of the first boats with the current version of the quiet shift feature. There in NO perceived clunk or sound when shifting in gear. Not even with the engine hatch open. It is truly impressive. Also it seems to me that Cobalt has vastly improved their engine room soundproofing in the R30. I have tried really hard to find some fault with this magnificent beast but there are none to be had. Sorry, I have not posted photos yet but I will do so if/when the weather cooperates this winter ( Table Rock Lake) We have put only 25 hours on her so I will have a much more detailed review next spring.

Not sure this will work but here is a few.


https://photos.app.goo.gl/F63J75Jww69GSn4J6

dentech wrote: Thu Dec 10, 2020 1:57 pm Not sure this will work but here is a few.


https://photos.app.goo.gl/F63J75Jww69GSn4J6

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Thanks Danny.
I took a screenshot and am posting it for ya’

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Looks like there are electric actuators in the drive now for the silent shift. Very interesting. Not sure I would want to be an early adopter but at least its Volvo...probably trust them more than most.

bruceb58 wrote: Thu Dec 10, 2020 2:06 pm Looks like there are electric actuators in the drive now for the silent shift. Very interesting. Not sure I would want to be an early adopter but at least its Volvo...probably trust them more than most.

Based on the two Cobalts I've had (both with Gen 5 engines), I'd say they are pretty well sorted out - I don't think I'd be too worried.

dentech wrote: Thu Dec 10, 2020 1:57 pm Not sure this will work but here is a few.


https://photos.app.goo.gl/F63J75Jww69GSn4J6

Nice R30. I'm on table rock as well. Take care of her. I may purchase it from you when you get sick of her in a few years

I have it as well on my 2020 R7 surf... very smooth, I also am one that relied on the clunk to let me know I was in gear. So that took some getting use to, we took delivery in May, its only been 7 months but no problems so far.

BobRae99 wrote: Thu Dec 10, 2020 2:09 pm

bruceb58 wrote: Thu Dec 10, 2020 2:06 pm Looks like there are electric actuators in the drive now for the silent shift. Very interesting. Not sure I would want to be an early adopter but at least its Volvo...probably trust them more than most.

Based on the two Cobalts I've had (both with Gen 5 engines), I'd say they are pretty well sorted out - I don't think I'd be too worried.

Thought it was new for 2020 model year on gasoline drives?

Like others said it's nice to put it in great and great that boat so you know you're moving. Mine in reverse is so smooth its odd just seeing the boat move.
It would take some time to get used to no klunk when in gear.

bruceb58 wrote: Thu Dec 10, 2020 12:46 pm Supposedly, it has been used in some transmissions already but now being added to the gas powered drives. Am I the only one that doesn't really mind the clunk? Makes me know I am in gear I guess. On the Volvo in my 1998 Wellcraft, the clunk is louder than some boats because it has a carb and the idle is set a little higher because of it.

I like the CLUNK!