Volvo D6 with DPH stern drives, New Boat

[fletcher]

hi, our previous boat had twin gas, and we are receiving a new 44, EC from the factory in 1 month. Disclaimer, it's a Beneteau, not Formula. I had done quite a bit of research prior to ordering on these power plants/drives. I boat in salt, so I realize I am going to have fairly high maint costs for the stern drives. I don't cut corners and will do all required PM's. I notice many of the Formula boats have these, so I was hoping to get some general feedback. In particular:
-general reliability
-common issues
-anything else that may help.
Thanks.

 

[GSENT]

Sea doc is the only diesel stern drive that I know of.

 

[Formula Tenn]

actually, i think hers are inboard v-drives, not stern drives??

 

[F3504x4ps]

Hers are inboards.
which D6 are you looking at? I did a lot of research on the D6-370 and. D6-400 with IO's great engines and drives. The 370 has smaller cooling system and runs warmer then the 400 which is the 435 detuned. Much better choice than the IPS. Then again I have not seen or heard of issues with the 2011 and new IPS with water intrusion.
I hear that the prop shafts a not very hard and if fish line is left on shafts they will grove easily, not known first hand though. Best of luck. 44GT? or Trawler

 

[fletcher]

44GT. 370hp. I had v drives previously and they were fairly bullet proof. The new EC boats mostly use pods or stern drives these days, and I don't have experience with these. I have done quite a bit of reading and the Dph drive they couple with these high torque engines are robust. A lot of commercial fisherman use similar con figs in the PAC nw, and hammer them and overall seem to report good reliability and not many break downs. I know PM is going to higher and annual haul outs are required, but I factored that in with the decision.

 

[fletcher]

No one else with experience with these that would like to chime in with their experiences? Ok, it was worth a try. Have a nice summer everyone.

 

[seadoc3]

Hello gentlemen:

Yes I have d-6 370 V drive diesel inboards..wonderful ---my Thunder & Lightning...

Just back from the first 450 miles of the 800 or so mile journey that we three ladies make on the Northern Gulf. This year we were bothered by rainstorms off and on..canvas up--canvas down etc. Always set enough rode for 7-10 scope..then can sleep through most anything.

One stretch in the Gulf about 20 miles long was my favorite segment, plowing through 4-5 foot seas on the port quarter at 25 knots about 3 miles or so out from shore near Panama City....Boat handled beautifully and enjoyed this run. Great engines..power to spare..had to duck in...weather approaching...

Any other info from me? Fuel burn 1 gallon per mile with more weight than you can imagine. Cruise 25-28 knots...

Hope the next owner enjoys and appreciates the capabilities of this boat as much as we .

 

[Formula Tenn]

that is some darn good fuel numbers for that size boat, gotta love them diesels

 

[Gurryman]

Sea doc is the only diesel stern drive that I know of.

My 1998 330SS had Volvo Diesel sterndrives. I spoke with the gentleman I sold it to 8 years ago, Its up for sale. twin volvo KAD44's with Volvo DPE duo-prop drives, 625 hours, 3 MPG @ 36-38 mph cruise! custom hardtop. Fastload alum trailer with All stainless steel brakes. Boat is on Lake of the Ozarks. I think He's looking for $55K PM me for contact info Heres a few pics from my archives.