Single blade v. duo-props

smvorca · **Joined:** Tue Sep 08, 2015 2:43 pm **Posts:** 5

Looking at 2 similar 03 V 298's. both have VP 5.0 gxi power plants. one has duo props & the other has single 3 blade props. The one with the duo props is 10k more.

Looking at the performance stats from 4F, it looks like the DP will get 3mph more at the same fuel burn.

Is it worth the extra $ for the Dual props? I'm not very familiar with VP. IS there any reason I shouldn't go with the dual props?

Thanks in advance!

Decision · **Posted:** Fri May 20, 2016 10:06 am

I would think most people would prefer the duoprops, for the added speed and better fuel burn in addition to more control when docking. The duoprops will bite the water better as compared to single props so you have more control in docking situations.

Is the only difference between the two 298's the duoprop vs single prop or is the 298 with duoprops considered in better shape overall?

I certainly be willing to pay extra for duoprops, not sure I'd go 10K more if both boats are really in comparable shape to one another.

To answer your question, no I don't think there is a reason not to get duoprops unless you frequently expect the duoprops to mess with rocks.

Bliss36 · **Posted:** Fri May 20, 2016 1:41 pm

Decision wrote:

To answer your question, no I don't think there is a reason not to get duoprops unless you frequently expect the duoprops to mess with rocks.

That is a really good point, a set of Duo props will run you as much as $1000+ per set Vs. a couple hundred per SX prop. If I boated in an area with lots of submerged timber or rocks it would make me less nervous to run the SX drive. I think the SX drive would hold up better with an impact than the Duo prop drive since the Duo has a much smaller inner output shaft that can be bent easier than 1 solid shaft, and trust me those inner shafts aren't cheap. Also you can play with different prop pitches for much less money. With all that being said I love my Duo Prop outdrive and would prefer twin Duo's but wouldn't pass a good deal on a boat with twin SX drives

GottWhat · **Posted:** Fri May 20, 2016 1:56 pm

I agree with the above, I went from a boat with an SX to Merc's DP equivalent (Bravo 3).

Maybe someone else can confirm, but I was told that you can swap the lower part of an SX outdrive for a DP. If this is true, you could buy the cheaper boat for $10K less, buy a pair of used DP lowers for $1,500 to $2,500 each, sell the used SX lowers for a couple grand and come out ahead by thousands of $$$.

jayjay4735 · **Posted:** Fri May 20, 2016 5:54 pm

I'm guessing that they are both twin engine 5.0 gxi engines? If so, it can get real expensive if you hit anything and have to replace the props. Also, with twin engines, I don't know if you'll need the benefit of the duoprop for docking.

byron · **Joined:** Sun Nov 08, 2015 7:44 pm **Posts:** 82

The over all performance of the duo props is really worth considering. As far as submerged items, a good insurance carrier will cover the damages.

LouC · **Posted:** Sat May 21, 2016 5:35 pm

I'm sure the duo-prop will perform better, in a number of ways but not sure its worth the price difference in the 2 boats. Also repairs will be a lot more, if you are in an area with a lot of submerged debris. You have to be careful with insurance because some policies depreciate the value of the outdrive, and that could affect how much you get on a claim.
The other thing which applies to boats moored or slipped in water that is corrosive, the twin props because they are stainless steel add to the corrosion potential vs a single aluminum prop. I have seen this on Merc B-IIIs and in fact they added an extra anode to counter the effect of those 2 big stainless props.

byron · **Joined:** Sun Nov 08, 2015 7:44 pm **Posts:** 82

Good point on the insurance depreciation. As far as the corrision potential, Volvo uses a "Active Corrision Protection System" on their duo props. I have had it on my last two Volvo powered boats and it seems to work well. The system has l.e.d. indicators which let you know what is going on. However I have read in other posts where this system has been problematic. The Volvo part # is 22037078. Before signing any paperwork on either of the boats, you might want to consider having surveys done. It could be money well spent.

smvorca · **Joined:** Tue Sep 08, 2015 2:43 pm **Posts:** 5

Thanks Everyone for your input. I hope to get a closer look at both boats in the next week or so & will keep you posted.

babbot1 · **Joined:** Tue Mar 12, 2013 3:46 pm **Posts:** 570

I love my duo props but I only have a single drive. In my opinion it is well worth it on a single engine. A dual engine will still have benefits BUT like others say if you are in an area you are prone to hitting things then NO WAY.. props are crazy expensive.
The resale will make up later for the price difference now... Go try both then make a decision.

One other note is you can get aluminum props for a duo if you are nervous about corrosion or hitting things. They have a pretty good anti corrosion system and there are tons in the salt. If you keep up with the anodes there shouldn't be any concern. The top anode is right there whenever I walk on to the boat so I can clearly see it to keep an eye on it.

GottWhat · **Posted:** Mon May 23, 2016 8:39 am

For what it's worth, I've noticed the corrosion control seems to work much better on Volvo DP drives than on Merc Bravo 3 units.

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Single blade v. duo-props

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