Volvo 280 conversion to DP -what gear ratio?

[bubbazenetti]

Hi All, Thanks in advance for any help with my question!

I have a 88 24' Bayliner cabin cruiser w/flybridge. Its powered by a 350 mated to a volvo 280 single prop. I believe the boat weights around 6000lbs.

I have been cruising ebay and craigslist looking for a 280/290DP lower so I can covert my boat over to duoprop for the various handling and cruising benefits. My question comes to what gear ratio I need for my boat? I called my local mechanic and he recommended the 1.95 ratio but he didn't sound ultra confident... I also called a ebay seller who had both 1.95 and a 1.78 ratio DP lowers for sale and he said 1.95 is ideal but 1.78 is fine as well and would just require different props.

Does anyone have any advice for me on what gear ratio to look for?

thanks!

 

[Don S]

Re: Volvo 280 conversion to DP -what gear ratio?

You want the 1.95 for the 350, the 1.78 is normally used with the big blocks.

 

[bubbazenetti]

Re: Volvo 280 conversion to DP -what gear ratio?

Thanks so much for the quick response!

Not to be greedy, but any advice on what prop set to start at?

 

[Don S]

Re: Volvo 280 conversion to DP -what gear ratio?

Have no idea, but you might post your question over in the prop forum.