2003 with twin 5.7 Volvos - Model 293

[Lowrider03]

I've found a 293 with 800 hours for a good price near me (Thousand Islands NY). I'm wondering what the forum thinks of this model year with this many hours? There are a couple local marinas that do service Volvo, as I'm being told that is one of the biggest issues with rebuilds or major service, that there are no places to buy Volvo parts other than through an authorized dealer. Mercruiser has Sierra and Quicksilver for cheaper addon parts, does Volvo have anything similar? Thanks in advance for all your help!

[Lowrider03]

Not one reply? I figured I’d have at least a couple.

[AsLan7]

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So glad you found us LR03. The 293 is a solid machine. Merc has an edge on dealer service and aftermarket parts but Volvo parts are readily accessible. We’ve owned both and never had many parts issues.

And welcome aboard mate!

[jhnmdahl]

It's a solid boat with reliable engines, but at that age you kind of have to expect to be fixing things from time to time. You can get a LOT of boat for relatively little money if you're willing to do some work from time to time to keep it in top shape.

There aren't a lot of aftermarket manufacturers making Volvo things, but that was a popular engine for a long time and there should be parts out there.

[Lowrider03]

The engine / outdrive is the 5.7 GXi DP version. How would I figure the generation # for engine and drive when it comes to service. I will say that the outdrives are in need of major maintenance. They need to be scraped and sanded and painted, but I’ve done that on Bravos so I’m not too worried I can bring them back to life. Any comments about that configuration?

[Jimmy Buoy]

I'm really enjoying my 293. It is one classy ride and not everyone is going to say "oh ya, I had one of those". Most people at my marina are shocked to hear that it's a 2003. Yes, I've got the gelcoat gleeming, but its also the quality materials used and engineering that holds up over time.
With 550 hr 5.0's she really gets up and scoots so with 5.7's it would even be quicker. After having other boats with Merc's I'm really glad to have VolvoPenta's (again engineering counts).

We are not go fast boaters so a quick nudge from the throttles and she's up on plane (not having to ram the throttles to the wall either) and I back it off to 3100-3200 rpm which gives her about 30mph. WOT is 5000rpm @ 50mph easily. Closed cooling is also a good feature for engine longevity even in fresh water due to more stable temps in the engine block.

I think this model is a fantastic value and if fits your needs I wouldn't hesitate to pull the trigger. (but I may be biased)

IMG_4954.jpeg

[Kate]

"How would I figure the generation # for engine and drive when it comes to service."

The serial #'s.

"They need to be scraped and sanded . . ."

You can also try, as I've done: X3 toilet bowl cleaner, hard-bristle brush, and power washer. Once, I had to go nuclear: 50/50 muriatic acid and power washer. Worked, but required a hazmat suit.

I assume you're using a marine-grade paint and two coats. The biggest hassle, at least for me, was the taping.

[Lowrider03]

"How would I figure the generation # for engine and drive when it comes to service."

The serial #'s.

"They need to be scraped and sanded . . ."

You can also try, as I've done: X3 toilet bowl cleaner, hard-bristle brush, and power washer. Once, I had to go nuclear: 50/50 muriatic acid and power washer. Worked, but required a hazmat suit.

I assume you're using a marine-grade paint and two coats. The biggest hassle, at least for me, was the taping.

Thanks Kate and everyone else at responded. We made an offer, we will see what happens.

[Krob1114]

"How would I figure the generation # for engine and drive when it comes to service."

The serial #'s.

"They need to be scraped and sanded . . ."

You can also try, as I've done: X3 toilet bowl cleaner, hard-bristle brush, and power washer. Once, I had to go nuclear: 50/50 muriatic acid and power washer. Worked, but required a hazmat suit.

I assume you're using a marine-grade paint and two coats. The biggest hassle, at least for me, was the taping.

Thanks Kate and everyone else at responded. We made an offer, we will see what happens.

Did you get it?

[Lowrider03]

We are sea trialing it tomorrow afternoon, wish us luck that all is well with the engines.

[Lowrider03]

Well, WE BOUGHT THE BOAT!! We are a little stressed about owning two boats, but hopefully we can sell our old one before it's time to winterize!

[Lowrider03]

One question that I have, coming from a single screw Alpha 1 the steering on our boat actually felt like power steering. This one with twins really felt clunky and hard to turn, is that a normal feature of twin sterndrives?

[Lowrider03]

I'm really enjoying my 293. It is one classy ride and not everyone is going to say "oh ya, I had one of those". Most people at my marina are shocked to hear that it's a 2003. Yes, I've got the gelcoat gleeming, but its also the quality materials used and engineering that holds up over time.
With 550 hr 5.0's she really gets up and scoots so with 5.7's it would even be quicker. After having other boats with Merc's I'm really glad to have VolvoPenta's (again engineering counts).

We are not go fast boaters so a quick nudge from the throttles and she's up on plane (not having to ram the throttles to the wall either) and I back it off to 3100-3200 rpm which gives her about 30mph. WOT is 5000rpm @ 50mph easily. Closed cooling is also a good feature for engine longevity even in fresh water due to more stable temps in the engine block.

I think this model is a fantastic value and if fits your needs I wouldn't hesitate to pull the trigger. (but I may be biased)

IMG_4954.jpeg

Jimmy - Our boat didn't come with a fixed VHF radio and we definitely need one for travel to Canada. I see yours mounted in your picture, how do you like the location? Where is it mounted and what antenna do you have?

[Jimmy Buoy]

One question that I have, coming from a single screw Alpha 1 the steering on our boat actually felt like power steering. This one with twins really felt clunky and hard to turn, is that a normal feature of twin sterndrives?

Congrats on the new boat! I find that the steering can have a bit of a "sticky" feel when first turned. This might be due to the system being a "steering assist" that doesn't assist until it senses the steering position changing. Maybe if that wasn't the case you'd never be able to take your hand off the wheel while running on plane or the boat could quickly go out of control. Mine seems to stay put until I move the wheel. Moving the wheel, you feel a bit of resistance followed by smooth easy motion.

[Jimmy Buoy]

Jimmy - Our boat didn't come with a fixed VHF radio and we definitely need one for travel to Canada. I see yours mounted in your picture, how do you like the location? Where is it mounted and what antenna do you have?
[/quote]

The VHF appears to be a factory installed unit. I like the location. It's easy to hear with the speaker pointed towards me but not the easiest to read. I assume a hole was cut where it's mounted from behind. The antenna is a shorter version of most, but a standard setup that came with the boat. I don't need a super tall antenna since the radio is only used as I approach a marina or bridge.

I have a Uniden hand held radio as well but I keep it and my emergency kit in the compartment that houses the washdown hose just in case I have to ever ditch!

Got any pics yet?