Volvo 130 S saildrive rotation

[Zai]

I have a question regarding Volvo saildrives.
I have heard that the left hand drive is stronger than the right hand drive.
Is there any truth to this?

[Zai]

Anyone else heard about this?

[DougR]

Many years ago the old 270, 280 and 290 stern drives as well as MS3, 4 and 5 inboard transmissions were reputed to be somewhat stronger with LH props as opposed to RH props, particularly when the engine in question was pumped up significantly for racing. This was because the RH rotation gear in the upper gear case was held in position by the case cover, while the LH drive gear was supported by the gear case, which was more rigid.

This was never a problem with the 110 or 120 saildrive because there just wasn't enough power going thru the gears to cause any problems.

The MS25s and 130s saildrives use a different upper gear box and clutch design which is equally robust with RH and LH props, so you shouldn't have any concerns with either prop rotation.

DougR

[JBA]

I have bought a sailboat 2nd hand in 2018, and have just found out that the Volvo Penta saildrive is mounted with a RH propeller. I have asked a Volvo dealer in Denmark who insists on the official recommendation that the saildrive is designed for, and should be mounted with a LH propeller.
The engine has been running 550 hours with the RH propeller (since 2008).
The saildrive is: MS130S-B

Is it your opinion that the gearbox runs both ways RH and LH equally well (robustness?)

All the best

[tkeithlu]

Take a look at page 13 of this manual. It shows you how the saildrive reverses. I've looked at it, and unusual for a transmission, it doesn't appear to make any difference whether you run it in forward or reverse.

http://bavariayacht.org/downloads/en...%207742984.pdf

[JBA]

Thank you very much for your comment.
When you look at this drawing is seems that the vertical shaft is not engaged the same way in the two pictures (LH forward and reverse), if you look just below the gear.
I wonder if the gear moves up and down when shifting between forward and reverse.

[DougR]

The gear doesn’t move up and down at all....its fixed in position by its bearings.
The apparent change in position is a misprint.