Several years ago, Sebuddy posted about the changes to the new version of Volvo Penta's SX drive. I have searched, and can't find anything. Does anyone have the details of the improvements that VP made a few years back to their SX drive?

External trim pump.

There are more changes than that. It looks like the SX now has the exhaust going out the cavitation plate, like they do for the 8.1 DP.

I just mentioned the one they touted the most.

Here ya go...

http://www.volvo.com/volvopenta/na/en-us/marine_leisure_engines/drives/sx_single_prop/

Seems they are touting the hydrodynamic shape more than anything.

Here is the text of the page. For some nice images of the drive, follow the link.

SX Single prop

The new generation SX drive is the best single propeller alternative in the market. The wide rudder area gives precise handling – especially important for close quarters manoeuvrering. Top speed is maximised by the hydrodynamically designed lower housing which also host technically advanced transmission features. SX is a solid base for true boating fun!

• Hydrodynamically improved design giving better speed and performance.
• Even more durable internal drive train for longer service life.
• Lower weight for better performance.
• Reduced maintenance need (e.g. only 2 anodes and maintenance-free gimbal ring).
• Higher capacity through-the-drive exhausts for greatly reduced sound and smell.
• Integrated speedometer pick up.

Misspellings are theirs, not mine.


Simply going from the images on VP's site, it looks a lot like the only difference between the SX and DPS is the number of props. Of course, the lower unit gearing and shaft must be different, but my point is that it appears the SX would be just as stout as the DPS in terms of beefiness of the internal components.

Here's a video from volvo penta, showing the features of the latest SX and Duoprop drives.

Nice Video...several mentions of ease of maintenance designs. One thing in boat outdrive maintenance that seems like could use some re-engineering is how outdrive lube is changed. I didn't see this mentioned. I've never changed it on a Volvo but am assuming its similar to a Merc...pumping in lube till it spills out the upper hole and then unscrewing the lube pump hose connection at the bottom hole and quickly trying to get the drain plug screwed in before too much lube drains out. This process seems like it has a lot of room for improvement.