Volvo DP outdrive shake vs Merc B3 stiffness

[AsLan7]

I spoke to Gerry at Gerry's Marine yesterday regarding the difference between the Volvo DP & Bravo Three outdrive steering.

He talked about how the Volvo steering is much easier to steer at idle,however, because of that, the entire outdrive can occasionally shake back and forth to the point where the entire boat can shake.

I remember this with our 262. The only way to make it go away was to put it into gear momentarily. Sometimes turning the engine off and restarting it would make it go away. It was only something that happened on start-up one out of maybe 20 times.

That was really the only issue we ever had with our 262.

Anyone else ever experience this phenomenon with a big block Volvo paired with a duo prop?

Btw, apparently the B3 outdrive steering is "stiffer" or "heavier" while trying to steer when the engine is at idle to prevent this phenomenon from happening.

[Big Block Power]

Sorry never felt that with my last I've nor this one.
I just would like to see how yours idles. How low and how uneven/rough/ loopy?
I put mine in gear to me clunks more than it should I think. forward smooth as silk. When in reverse I can feel it going backwards with the lumping feeling of the engine. To me I think it changed after hitting something over the 4th but it wasn't that much of a impact.

[AsLan7]

Sorry never felt that with my last I've nor this one.
I just would like to see how yours idles. How low and how uneven/rough/ loopy?
I put mine in gear to me clunks more than it should I think. forward smooth as silk. When in reverse I can feel it going backwards with the lumping feeling of the engine. To me I think it changed after hitting something over the 4th but it wasn't that much of a impact.

Our DP was incredibly smooth shifting. One definite advantage I think the DP's have over the Bravo III's.
Makes sense considering they invented the contraption

[Skiingstrongman]

I have a Merc and my B3 actually shakes on occasion when steering in idle. My throttle is much smoother than my fathers volvo that's the thing I noticed but it could be due to age not brand.

[Ytmsn]

Mine did that a couple of times and it scared the crap out of me. I thought I had either hit somethig or a rope was wrapped in the props. Turned out to be the power steering pump. The shaft bearing was bad, so I had the pump rebuilt. The bearing and seal kit was about $50 bucks and a $150 in labor... no more shimmy and good as new.

[AsLan7]

Good info.
Anyone else?

[Driller]

I cruise at idle a lot. Like to go out at night. I have never noticed the condition you are describing.

[cmattj]

My first Volvo DP boat and I find it tracks straight at idle (no wander left-right-left) so i don't have to drag my tabs. Maybe that's a duo prop thing.
Cone clutch feels about the same as my Bravos have ,As long as there is no delay once the shift is commanded the cone surfaces should good.

Steering on the Volvo seems fine at idle . I think power steering pump pressure does dictate effort in the steering the higher the engine speed.

I was told that duo props with aggressive rake angle can feel choppy backing up as they are designed for forward and I think i feel that at times but not shaky.

I was also told to "time and align" my props as you don't want both blades to meet at the same time under the cavatation plate of the out drive for optimum propulsion.Geeeeeze .. Ill have to get back to you guys on that one

I do miss my Merc reservoir bottle though. Maybe Volvo feels its un necessary??..(just a dipstick??)ok I dont need to know visually glancing right??

[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.

[Alaskabound]

My first Volvo & first dual prop so not much experience. That said, I haven't felt any thing at all. My engine has less hp & torque than you hotrodders so that may factor in. Also, I only have about 17 hours on it so things could change. Something to watch.

Dub

[Bfun220]

My first dual prop and volvo also. So far i like working on the volvo better than a mercy. I have experienced shaking but it was when i first started her up and the wheel was fully turned one way. Turned wheel and shaking stopped.

[Southernboatman]

I cruise at idle a lot. Like to go out at night. I have never noticed the condition you are describing.

Me too and me neither.

[liquid]

My Aunt is up this weekend with her 220 - I'll check if there's any shake.

[Big Block Power]

My Aunt is up this weekend with her 220 - I'll check if there's any shake.

We have a saying over here for that and it's not good

You need to get out of your garbage can more often

[liquid]

My Aunt is up this weekend with her 220 - I'll check if there's any shake.

We have a saying over here for that and it's not good

You need to get out of your garbage can more often

goofball.

I've told you. When I'm off grid I am off grid. I don't look at my phone, I don't watch tv, I'm outside playing with my kids and doing all the stuff I wanted to do when i was a kid.