Volvo XPD Bellow Failures - BoatU.S. Magazine Aug/Sept 2010

[Lifes Good]

For those of us with the XDP drives, Boat U.S. Magazine has a two page article in the Aug/Sept 2010 issue.  In the last paragraph, BoatU.S. reaches out to those that have been denied assistance via Volvo. You can contact BoatU.S. Consumer Protection Bureau at 703-461-2856 or consumerprotection@boatUS.com

[sailor]

I have a pair of  DPS-M1.95 are they included ? Would appreciate
some comments.

[ParkRode360]

It's about time BoatUS moved on this, the bellows problems have been posted to their website since at least 2006. 

[mflauer]

So far all my issues have been addressed under warranty but that runs out this year. I'm hoping version 3 fixed the problems but will find out the end of this season.

[ParkRode360]

Me too! Knock on wood, it's lasted. Will be replacing them this year at haulout (only trust them for 2 years now)...

[osead]

I have the 5,0 L OSi xdp and the bellows leaked and burned out my bilge to the tune of $2900 under ttheir extended warranty.  They refeused coverage because their warrnay does not apply to leaks.  Their recall only covered the 5.7 and 8L engines only.

I'm hoping V3 works also.  Everyone I talk to at the marina knows the XDP issue and it will effect sales, I feel.

I didn't get my copy Boast US yet. Can't wait to see the article.

Thanks for the info.

[Greg]

I'm on V3 as well.  So far so good.....coming up on a year on V3.

[Lifes Good]

Good to hear V3's are working so far.  I have V3's and no issues yet. I had the mercruiser adhesive used on the bellows to be sure no leaks at the clamps.  I also intend to replace them every year during service to capture the VP 1 year parts and labor warranty.  Murphys Law!

Note: I don't trim more than 1/8 since I am in deep water 24/7.  I also try not to over steer or hard high speed turns. 

The only issue I have right now is electrolysis on the port trim cylinder with good zincs.  Hence, slight trim oil leak and new cylinder on order.  I know of one other boat owner with the same issue.... Anyone else with a this issue or solution?

[osead]

Lifes Good,  I can't find the magazine article on the Boat US site.  I went on the web site and only up to May 2010 is posted and I haven't received any issues for a while.  Maybe they lost my memebrship info.   I guess I'll call during the week.  Thanks so much for the article and supplying the phone number.

Is it online somewhere?

[Lifes Good]

Osead, I coundn't find it on the web either.  It may show up in the BoatUS archive in a month or so....

[Rob_boater]

I read the article.  While its nice of Boat US to finally acknowledge there is an issue they totally missed the picture.  They make it seem only a few boats have had issues.  I do not know ONE person with these POS drives that has not had a bellows/drive failure.

I also have the 5.0's and the bellows have failed 3 times so far on both motors causing the gimbals to go.  I have had one transom housing replaced and one complete drive failure.  That was all in the first 4 years.

[osead]

Rob Boater, totally agree.  The article even says that it was mostly 5.7 and 8.0 L engines but i have a 5.0L with thw same issues and even with the extended warranty they refused any help whatsoever.  I paid the $3K like everyone else to have it repaired. 

Business in this country is becoming immoral.  I just read that Prudential is screwing the families of soldiers killed in he line of duty from their life insurance policies, but i digress, sorry.

Boat US told me to send all the info  I have to Volvo at VPA.XDPINQUIRY@volvo.com , I do not hold out hope for resolution but I hope whoever is successful posts their experience here!

[ParkRode360]

You'd think that anyone reading the emails at VPA.XDPInquiry@volvo.com would also do a search on the boating sites, look at the boats that were fixed and refused to be fixed under warranty (they have all the contact information for both sets of customers), check with the Volvo dealers that tried to make good repairs anyway, etc, etc. in order to do the right thing, but I guess that that would mean they'd have to take responsibility for the poor initial design and would need to truly want make things right.

Well, we can hope...

[mflauer]

I agree with all though have been lucky that my dealer has done the several replacements under warranty. My concern is also that now that my extended warranty runs out this year, what happens if there continue to be problems that we haven't seen in one season of the V3 bellows. I thinks it's unreasonable to have to replace them yearly! As it is I'm afraid to raise the out-drives or even take a hard turn under power.

[Rob_boater]

I agree with all though have been lucky that my dealer has done the several replacements under warranty. My concern is also that now that my extended warranty runs out this year, what happens if there continue to be problems that we haven't seen in one season of the V3 bellows. I thinks it's unreasonable to have to replace them yearly! As it is I'm afraid to raise the out-drives or even take a hard turn under power.

My points exactly.  My warranty expires after this year.  I am planning on replacing the bellows regardless and I am guessing this will run ~$500 $1000 to do.  Volvo has warrantied most of my repairs but I am still out 16 weeks of boating (we only boat from April to end of October here so that's allot of time).  I am also out ~$2K in hauling/transport fees due to the failures.