In the world of boating, there are so many different options given to the consumer that they could leave his head spinning with questions. There is an overwhelming number of choices between which boat to buy, which options to include—and equally as important—which engine to power off with.
Volvo Penta has created many sterndrive engines that provide a myriad of power and capabilities to help ease the confusion away. A quick trip to the website reveals an arsenal of sterndrive motors that are given detailed product information to help consumers make the right choice in their next engine. Checking Volvo out online gives potential buyers the option of navigating through each engine selection before going to the dealership to make the purchase and allows the wary customer to compare and contrast each possibility at his leisure. But to make it all even easier, Pontoon and Deck Boat magazine has done a little bit of the homework for you. Sit back, relax and read up on the amazing possibilities from Volvo Penta.
V6-200
The first sterndrive in the roundup is the Volvo V6-200. The V-6, 4.3-liter engine has much to offer for boaters who are looking for a strong, fast engine at an affordable price. The engine weighs in at 924 pounds and includes the weight of the transom shield and drive. The weight may seem intimidating at first, but with its sterndrive configuration, much of the engine is protected against the water and elements, eliminating the fears of short-term corrosion and consistent preventative maintenance. The propulsion part of the package is Volvo's twin-propeller Duoprop drive system, which creates a smoother, more powerful drive in the water. The engine's fuel system is multi-port fuel-injected and controlled by two electrical pumps, which regulate the amount of fuel being used throughout the rpm range, making it more conservative on fuel and giving the boater more time on the water between fill-ups. The list of goodies each engine has built into it is so expansive, it would be easy to write a full feature on each of them, but because of space constraints, only a few of these great amenities can be included. So be sure to do a little more homework and check with the website to get the more detailed description.
V6-225
Like the V6-200, the 225 offers a 6-cylinder 4.3 liter platform, but offers a little more horsepower for boaters who are looking for that added edge on the water. Much of the specifications of the 225 mirror its predecessor, so other than the increased horsepower, the 225 and 200 are identical, which is a good thing. The 225 offers the same options and durability as the 200, making it as reliable, long-lasting and corrosion resistant. While comparing the 225 and 220 seems futile, the proof is in the power and the 225 offers a bit more. The 225 also comes in different configurations, such as the 225-E, 225-C and 225-CE. With this particular engine, consumers are given the opportunity to pick a sterndrive that perfectly fits into what is needed. There's nothing better than having options and Volvo works hard to give boat owners the choice that's right for them.
V8-270
Volvo begins to step up the game with the V8-270. First produced in 2012, the 270 follows many of the same physical characteristics as the 225 and 220, but has been equipped with a stronger 8-cylinder, 5.0-liter engine. The engine dry weight may be a slightly overwhelming 1,081 pounds, but offers the same strength and durability of the other engines with a great increase in power. Also, as in all of Volvo's engines, owners will be powering off in the Duoprop drive system. The 270's advanced fuel system provides better fuel economy with increased reliability during startups and creates lower emissions. With this kind of dependability, boaters can simply enjoy a day on the water without the fears and hassles of an unreliable, less durable engine. The 270, like the 225, also comes in a variety of configurations, giving the power of choice back to the customer.
V8-300 and V8-320
The 300 and 320 platforms continue to climb the ladder in power for owners who are looking for greater potential and faster speeds on the water. Weighing 1,022 pounds and 1,088 pounds respectively, both of these incredible sterndrives offer more power at a relatively similar weight displacement as the 270. Although the same qualities are shared between each of the sterndrive options and may seem a bit redundant, why change an already perfect system? Both platforms are offered in the E, C and CE configurations and offer a high standard of durability and reliability that can easily contend with any other engine in the market today.
V8-380-C and V8-380-CE
The next engine in the lineup is the big kahuna, the heavyweight champion of the world, the V8-380 model. The multi-port fuel injection is powered by a vapor-separating, dual pump system, and is protected by a pressure regulator and water-separating filter. One of the most astonishing features of this particular sterndrive is the low weight relative to its power. Coming in at only 1,076 pounds, the 380 falls into the same weight range as its lower horsepower cousins. This sterndrive was built for boaters who have a thirst for speed and power, but want to ensure the longevity and reliability of their boat's engine. The 380 shares many of the same features as the other gasoline-powered engines that Volvo manufactures, but gives boaters the luxury of being one of the fastest boats on the water. With everything that the V8-380-C and V8-380-CE offer, it's fair to say that this sterndrive should be considered most when it comes time to pick the right engine.
V8-430
New for this year, Volvo has released the massive V8-430 sterndrive. This monster engine was created for boaters who just can't have enough power.
“The V8-430 is based on the same base engine as the V8-380, but includes a number of modifications inside the engine which enables increased power output,” says Volvo President Ron Huibers.
So what are these modifications? For starters, the horsepower-to-weight ratio has vastly improved, providing a greater range of power, but at lower weight. Volvo has also increased fuel economy on the 430, improving the efficiency 20 percent. The 430 also features Variable Valve Timing (VVT), which optimizes at low RPMs and provides increased performance at high RPMs. The technological improvements made on the V8-430 have given consumers an opportunity to overhaul their boat to become one of the fastest boats on the water today.
The Convincing Truth
Because each of Volvo's sterndrives are created to resist seawater, the redundant corrosion-resistance measures taken ensure a long-living, great-performing engine platform. Taking this into account, investing in a Volvo is not just a practical thing to do; it's a financially sound practice as well. These engines are strong and built to last throughout the years, and what you could be saving on engine maintenance down the road could be spent on something a little more fun, like an optional upgraded stereo system, or an electrically-powered bimini top. There are certainly a lot of choices in the world of marine engines, and taking the time to look into everything that Volvo offers is a great way to make a sound decision. If choosing a Volvo sterndrive becomes the only logical next step for your boat, you can rest assured that you'll be moving through the water by all of the reliability and exciting power that Volvo has to offer.
