Low Speed button

P

pwensinger

Active member
Joined
Dec 17, 2020
Messages
38
Fluid Motion Model
C-288 C
Hull Identification Number
FMLT2912A414
Vessel Name
Lucille
MMSI Number
338452951
We are the proud owners of a "new to us" 2014 R-29. What are the uses of the "Low Speed" button on the back of the throttle base? Volvo engine. Or is this just an indicator like the "Station" Button?
 
With the Low-speed Mode, a boat’s speed at idling can be reduced by 50%, from 5–6 to 2–3 knots, using the throttle/gear lever. This makes the Low- speed Mode perfect when docking, fishing or driving in canals.

Throttle/gear lever control
With the Low‐speed Mode, the throttle/gear lever is used to control
the boat’s speed. In the first 12 degrees of the lever movement, the engine will remain at idle and the boat’s speed is reduced by a slip in the transmission. The slip is from 50% to full engagement and when the lever is pushed further, the gearbox is fully engaged. The throttle is increased and the speed can be controlled with the engine rpm.

Adjustable angles and slip
A Volvo Penta dealer can help adjust both angles where the clutch
and the slip reduction are controlled, from minimum 25% to maximum 75%. This function gives improved maneuverability, through low speed, controlled with one lever.

Easier maneuvering
The Low‐speed Mode puts full focus on operating and gives the driver more time for maneuvers and corrections. Full drivability and increased control at reduced boat speed make docking and operating in tight spaces less stressful. It also facilitates maneuvering when fishing and driving in inland waterways.
 
+1 to Severum. We always use the low speed mode when docking, inside a marina, or picking up a mooring buoy. It is much more navigable.

Also, it makes it easier to give bursts of power when turning, docking, or maintaining course down a fairway, with less risk of giving too much power. We put it on the departure and arrival checklists.
 
It’s my understanding all the Volvo controls come with the low speed button. But the low speed is an option that has to be ordered new or installed after purchase. So you would need to verify that yours has it installed.
We are having it installed on our new R31. Only 5 more weeks of waiting for delivery. 😀
 
Thanks to all. Our boat is being splashed Tuesday the 18th, right into a crowded marina. I'll definitely be punching that "low speed" button before we are cast off.
 
I upgraded and added the low speed module in my C-30 after 2 seasons. It has really helped increase control over the boat when docking and in the close quarters of the Marina. Enough thrust to maintain steering control while allowing the boat to go slow enough for those difficult docking situations.
 
What is the cost of adding the "low Speed" option to the tug?
 
If added when the boat is being built it’s $2000. If adding after it’s built it’s significantly more.
 
Hmmmm...another option I am considering to add while boat being built. I wouldn't use it for trolling but the maneuvering while docking etc sounds like it would be a good idea.

Also wrestling with having a 2nd "gps" added in the build rather than adding after....of course its all $$$
 
What is the reason for 2nd GPS?

One solution there might be an AIS transmitter (as opposed to receiver only). Those have a separate, built in GPS (which might or might not need an additional antenna as noted in other threads).

An iPad with GPS, mobile phone, and/or DSC handheld radio are also good options depending on the reason.
 
I'm curious about this low speed button. My 2016 R27 has this button on the throttle pad, but it doesn't do anything, so I assume that option isn't installed on mine.

What exactly does this button do? Is there extra gearing in the transmission that gets installed to run the prop slower at idle RPM? Or is there something electronic the button does to allow the engine to run slower than idle RPM?
 
I think it uses a slip in the transmission, so only partial power (50% IIUC at 600 RPM) is applied. That reduces the idle-forward speed to somewhere around 2.5 knots on our boat.

As I understand it, that is electronically controlled, and increasing power results in decreasing the amount of slip, until it is the same as being "off" by 1500 RPM or so. I occasionally forget to turn it off for a while 🙁 and have not seen ill effects.

What I really like is that it requires many fewer cycles in and out of neutral, and also there is finer control over the near-center areas of the throttle. So it is much easier to control the range between 1-5 knots, and easier to give small bursts of forward or reverse power.

We would definitely get it again, and we do not fish / troll. (The salesperson claimed it adds resale value, too, although I put relatively little importance on that claim.)
 
As a counter point to installing the low speed valve, i find I dont need the low speed option for docking. im already taking the boat out of gear and into forward and reverse for the back and fill technique that find Im never moving too fast to need a slower prop speed for control.
 
We have a low speed valve; we had it added at purchase with the thinking we might do some fishing and that it could be helpful for docking.

We've found the downside of using the low speed valve for docking is that low prop speed reduces rudder responsiveness. Short bursts of throttle in regular mode give you better helm control. Sometimes we use it for docking in very calm conditions at marinas with lots of room, or going straight down the fairway of a big marina, but not actual docking. With the low speed valve engaged, in tight spots you basically have to steer with the thrusters.
 
Mike&Sarah":2bt31gqz said:
If added when the boat is being built it’s $2000. If adding after it’s built it’s significantly more.
Click to expand...

It's about $600-$1k more after the fact.
 
SJI Sailor":3uqa0r7w said:
What is the reason for 2nd GPS?

One solution there might be an AIS transmitter (as opposed to receiver only). Those have a separate, built in GPS (which might or might not need an additional antenna as noted in other threads).

An iPad with GPS, mobile phone, and/or DSC handheld radio are also good options depending on the reason.
Click to expand...

I’ve seen threads before where people address this topic(a 2nd gps unit)...basically it seems so they can do two things at once. One gps for current navigation, the 2nd for something else. I think someone said for searching their destination in high detail as one of them? Marinas along the way etc?
 
Anyone ever had an issue with being unable to get out of low speed mode? Switch/button is off but cannot get more than 7,000 rpm.
 
Are you sure it’s in low speed mode? There are other reasons you may not be able to get more than 7000 rpms. Are there any engine warning codes?
 
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