2009 31PC with Volvo 5.7 GXI


R

RDOBROSKI

New member
I was browsing boat trader (I do that often while dreaming) and stumbled across a brand new 2009 31PC with Volvo 5.7 GXI's on it. Wouldn't that boat be big time underpowered? Or perhaps not. I know the 5.7GXI are rated at 320hp each, but almost all of the 31PC's I see equipped come with 8.1's.
 
I have the 6.2 which is basically the same. I cruise at 3700 at 29MPH and top out ate 4800RPM at 43mph. Burn about 29GPH at that cruise.

If boat is loaded, it does take a bit longer to get up but no complaints. :)
 
What is crazy is that his numbers are close to mine in gallons burned and cruise speed.

Although my RPM is lower...and my WOT is only a bit higher.

My WOT RPM is 4600 and around 48 MPH
Cruise at 3300 RPM around 31 MPH @ 27 GPH

So much for the big 496's....I think the lighter weight of the 6.2 make up for the extra HP of the 8.1's
 
I thionk the weight difference is about 200lbs total if I recall correctly, but it is more of the torque affect that you get with the 496 that I probably miss when loaded. However, I really enjoy having som much more room in the engine area, well maybe that is more appreciate than enjoy. :)

What is the saying: There is replacement for displacement. :)
 
LBI/Toofast,

Did I read that right, at cruise, say 29-31 mph, you both burn about 27-29 gph? The 8.1's actually burns less per hour at cruise than the 6.2's? I understand that lower rpm means engine is not working as hard, but I was always told the 8.1's were gas pigs.
 
All of the above posts are correct. I have an 07 31 PC with 5.7's and although the engines have been generally fine for this, my 3rd season the XDP Volvo drives stink!. Bellow's, bellows, bellows. Cracked gimble which required that the engine be removed to replace the entire transom assembly after only the first season. Now I am coming out of the water tomorrow to replace the other engine's drive cylinder hydraulic line(s) which sprung a leak in one of the stainless steel fittings. Boating in the Barnegat Bay - Central NJ constantly results in overheating due to "Eel Grass" getting sucked into the water intake's on the drive (located smack in the center). Volvo nor Formula will step up to correct this problem so I will be forced to spend $1,000 this spring to put in thru-hull/strainer water intakes. On and on and on. I'm sure that this is, along with a number of challenges that maybe I haven't encountered yet is why Volvo has discontinued this lousy drive.....

Sorry to ramble on but if the 2009 is fit with the composite XDP Drives I wouldn't buy it at any price!

P.S. All of the above challenges have been under my original Volvo 2-year Warranty and now under the Platinum Plus "Extended" Volvo 4-year Warranty which I purchased in March of this year. Thank God. At least I don't have to deal with the fabulous "Formula Guard" folks.....
 
Thanks for the heads up.

I purchased the "screens" from Volvo for $10.00 per drive in the Spring of this year. Each kit included 3 plastic inserts per drive. I personally put them in prior to splashing the boat this spring. Unfortunately it was so cold that 2 of the four broke. That said, at least I had 4 in. When the boat was pulled 3 weeks ago to diagnose why my starboard drive cylinder fluid was leaking I cleaned off both drives. Guess what, only 2 of the 4 plugs remained.....

I will try again, this time putting them in warm water to make them a little more plyable. If they work, its a heck of lot better than spending $1,000K on the thru-hull's
 
toofast said:
What is crazy is that his numbers are close to mine in gallons burned and cruise speed.

Although my RPM is lower...and my WOT is only a bit higher.

My WOT RPM is 4600 and around 48 MPH
Cruise at 3300 RPM around 31 MPH @ 27 GPH

So much for the big 496's....I think the lighter weight of the 6.2 make up for the extra HP of the 8.1's
Click to expand...

I believe the 496's advantage is getting out of the hole quicker. I've had many people compliment my on plane time.
 
5.7 Gxi is a good engine, but when you look at the specs between it and the straight 5.7 Gi, the Gi to me is the engine of choice due to cost.

20 HP difference, and you have to remember for the Gxi to gain the 20 HP you have a 200 RPM higher redline of 5200 vs . 5000.

The GXi is a cash cow for Volvo, but to me the Gi would be an excellent choice in the 31pc. Like mentioned above, you do loose the torque of the 496s, but I bet the weight difference between the 5.7s and 8.1s are close to 400 lbs.

I do know Formula will order closed cooled 5.7s from VP for less than 3000.

Also remember with Volvo you won't have the drive lube loss issues like the Bravo 3s
 
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