Formula 350SS w/Volvo D4-300 Diesels


F

FormulaFanMN

New member
I wanted to find out what people thought about the Volvo D4-300 diesels in the 350SS. I know absolutely zero about marine diesels.

What is attractive in the package is the fully hyd steering standard, the new Volvo EVC with electronic throttle/shift, stronger DPH drive, etc...

I know that some members of the forum have had problems with the DPH drive in their 400SS, but I was wondering since the torque isn't nearly as high as the D6 engines, that maybe those problems wouldn't be there?

The price increase over the 496MAGs is pretty high, but you can subtract the price of the Merc DTS system, hyd steering, better fuel economy, the price difference drops.

Appreciate any insight that other members have on this !

Thanks
 
As a diesel lover I think it is a fine choice. Diesels make more sense if you put big hours on your boat. You will probably lose some top speed performance over the 496's. Fuel efficiency will be tremendous with diesels. Maintenance will be more expensive but you will do less of it. If you keep your boats for a longer period it can make financial sense. Just remember that as far as resale most 350SS buyers are looking for gas engines. A lot of people are afraid of diesels. Once you have one and learn about it you'll love it. I'm not to familiar with Volvo diesels so I can't help you with torque issues but I think they were resolved. What is the price difference for diesels?
 
VOLVO HAS AN EXTREMELY DURABLE DIESEL ENGINE, AND I WOULD NOT HESITATE TO BUY ONE. I JUST WISH A LARGER ONE WAS AVAILABLE IN THIS BOAT. MY CHOICE WOULD BE THE D6 435 HP. ENGINE PACKAGE.
 
The price difference is about $50,000 retail. But when you subtract a DTS system for a 496 MAG setup and as of next year a Catalyst equipped 8.1 engine, the difference $34,000 as of today.

How does the fully hydraulic steering work in comparison to the current setup in the Formulas (310, 350) ??
 
For the added cost associated with the diesel engines, how long should the D4 last compared to a 496 ? I know the 496 should last 2000 hrs with good care. What's the life of a turbocharged diesel?
 
With good use and good maintenance should be well over 5000 hours. Remember diesels are built to run and not let you down. The more you run them the longer they Will last. It is quite common to run 10-20 thousand hours. Man thats alot of boating. Most problems are caused by poor fuel which makes clean filters most important. Just think about all the working boats out there that sometimes run 24/7 all diesel. If you are getting into diesels I hope you are running a minimum of 100-200 hours.
 
Well that's a lot of boating up here in Minnesota. My concerns are 6 months of non-use during winter storage. I know diesels like to run, but wonder if the 6 months of storage would really shorten the life?
 
I would be concerned about a 6 month layup every year. If you store indoors and keep the condensation down that would help. This year my boat is stored in my slip for Jan & Feb with a heater in the engine compartment while I am out of town. I don't have the kind of temps that you have.
 
you probably won't get the full benefit of diesel power unless you can really run them alot. i don't think that you'll ever recoup the initial cost in the short season in the midwest. get the 496's it'll also be easier to sell later on. good luck triple j
 
There aren't many diesels in our area. I agree, the 496s would be a better initial buy and also for resale.

Appreciate all the info and do feel the D4 or D6 in the right region of the usa or world is a great package.

Too bad Volvo doesn't offer the DPH or DPR drives for gas 8.1 engines.

Thanks again
 
FORMULAFAN,
VOLVO JOYSTICK STERNDRIVE IS BOLTED UP TO THE DPH DRIVE. THEY WILL OFFER 8.1 GAS ENGINES, SO I'M TOLD.
 
Are you positive ? I've seen pictures of a Volvo joystick drive and it was with the DPS. I hope you're right with the DPH and the 8.1s.
 
FORMULAFAN,
AT THE ANNAPOLIS BOAT SHOW, VOLVO HAD THE D4 BOLTED UP TO THE DPH DRIVE IN THEIR DISPLAY. WHEN I INQUIRED ABOUT THE JOYSTICK STERNDRIVE, THE REP STATED THAT THIS NEW DRIVE IS WHAT VOLVO WILL USE. I ASSUMED THEY WOULD CONTINUE WITH THE OSI DRIVE, BUT HE INFORMED ME THAT END OF 2009, IT WOULD BE DISCONTINUED. THE HYDRAULIC STEERING IS WHAT REALLY IMPRESSED ME ON THE DISPLAY, ALONG WITH THE BEEFIENESS OF THE HOUSING. I GUESS WE WILL WAIT AND SEE HOW IT HOLDS UP TO CORROSION.
 
Maybe he was talking about the diesel joystick drive that also is coming. Should be news next week in miami what is coming out. I also think there is going to be news of new engines and one possibly based off the GM LSA engine. Supercharged engine.
 
FormulaFanMN said:
I've read this many times, but feel it's a dated publication with today's technology in diesels.
Click to expand...


Yes it is dated but makes a good info reference thread for year applications. People can see what year, engine, packages from this.
I am looking at diesel now. In the past I would never consider it but due to the technology I would like the same engine in the boat that my truck has. ;D ;D ;D ;D DIESEL !!!!!
 
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