Trolling valve identification?

[Bmacpiper]

Hi there,
We're looking at used 31's, and I'm wondering about how to determine the presence or absence of a trolling valve.

On one boat, the specs do not mention a trolling valve, nor does it have downrigger pads. However, on all the throttle controls, there is a "low speed" button instead of a blank.

Does the presence of this button indicate the presence of a trolling/low speed valve, or is it simply prewired for the eventuality that a valve might be added?

If I'm looking in the engine compartment, what does the valve look like? Anyone have a photo by chance?

Thanks all,
Ben

 

[sjreib]

On my 2016 C28 with a Volvo D4 the low speed button was there on the throttle, but I didn't have the "Trolling Valve" installed when new.
It was added by plugging a company laptop into the engine and downloading a program. It's a software setting, not hardware on the D4. Apparently not available on the D3.

On a friend's older R27(about 2012) it was a hardware piece near the rear seat in the cockpit that needed to be turned on.

Steve R

 

[Bmacpiper]

On my 2016 C28 with a Volvo D4 the low speed button was there on the throttle, but I didn't have the "Trolling Valve" installed when new.
It was added by plugging a company laptop into the engine and downloading a program. It's a software setting, not hardware on the D4. Apparently not available on the D3.

On a friend's older R27(about 2012) it was a hardware piece near the rear seat in the cockpit that needed to be turned on.

Steve R

Thanks Steve, this is interesting. From the factory, the "trolling valve" is nearly a $2,000 option, that seems like an expensive software setting! I read about it being a part that allows the tranny oil to bypass and let the tranny slip when below 1,200 RPM. Hmmmm...

best,
Ben

 

[Red Raven]

The price of an option for many modern manufactured items may have little relationship to the cost of the physical parts. The price is based on what people are willing to pay given the options available and the manufacturers overall costs over the total volume of product.

For example, it is my understanding the different horsepower options of the D3 (and I would assume the D4 as well) are selectable by software. Volvo appears to have decided it is more efficient to include all the hardware capability with every engine and enable the desired customer options (including horsepower) via SW. The cost of the extra unused parts (or capability) in the minimal versions are offset by the reduced overhead (having fewer hardware versions, reduced engineering) and reduced reconfiguration labor costs. In the end the customer price is likely to be the same regardless the implementation.

Curt

 

[sjreib]

I should mention that the trolling valve AKA lo speed setting was included in my purchase order, but not present on my demo C28(19 hrs) when delivered. I did not pay for it as an add-on.

I did not get the thruster remote, but plan to add that so I can single hand more easily.

Steve

 

[nzfisher]

Get an opinion on the usefulness of the trolling valve from other R31 owners before you get one. I have one on my 25 and might be useful on a lake but not any where else.

 

[Bmacpiper]

OK, thanks for the feedback everyone! I've also considered a kicker of some sort, but of course would like to take advantage of the included aft steering station for fishing. Hmmm...
Ben

 

[Bmacpiper]

Get an opinion on the usefulness of the trolling valve from other R31 owners before you get one. I have one on my 25 and might be useful on a lake but not any where else.

Hi there nzfisher--

What about it makes it not useful anywhere but a lake? We regularly troll down to about 2 knots, and my understanding is that the Volvo won't go below about 5, yes? Most fishing days are relatively calm with some breeze, but 5 knots would be way too fast (docking at that speed also seems questionable, but I'm sure I'd figure it out).

Your post suggests that you use the engine in normal configuration if you're not on a lake--if that's the case, what sorts of speeds do you see in non-lake use, and in what conditions?

Thanks again,
bmc

 

[Kevin Lamont]

Hi there,
We're looking at used 31's, and I'm wondering about how to determine the presence or absence of a trolling valve.

On one boat, the specs do not mention a trolling valve, nor does it have downrigger pads. However, on all the throttle controls, there is a "low speed" button instead of a blank.

Does the presence of this button indicate the presence of a trolling/low speed valve, or is it simply prewired for the eventuality that a valve might be added?

If I'm looking in the engine compartment, what does the valve look like? Anyone have a photo by chance?

Thanks all,
Ben

Ben,

The trolling/low speed is a software and hardware install. The hardware is located at the coupler for the shaft at the transmission, there also is a sensor that is mounted on the starboard side of the transmission. What your looking for is the sensor and the reluctor wheel/ring that is mounted on the backside if the transmission flange. Also you can go into the settings on the Volvo display and check the options that are loaded on to the boat and low speed should be checked. Also if you press the Low Speed button on the throttle control it will either turn on or display "this function is not active" let me know if you have any questions.

Thank you

 

[Bmacpiper]

Found this on a volvo website, which may confirm Steve R's comment above. I have a call in to Coastal Marine in Seattle, and will report back what they have to say also.

"Manoeverering when idling with larger diesel engines is now greatly improved in close quarters or while fishing. The integrated low-speed function halves the speed when idling.

The low-speed mode for D4, D6, D9, D11 and D12 inboard shafts plus Volvo Penta IPS is totally integrated in the EVC system. This gives seamless operation with the standard controls.

With default settings, the slip coupling in the gearbox gives approx. 50% lower boat speed at idling for greatly improved manoeuvrability in close quarters or while fishing. The slip is controlled with the same lever as the engine speed.

During the first 15 degrees of lever movement, engine speed is at idling. Speed is increased by reducing the slip. When the lever is pushed further, the transmission is fully engaged and speed is increased from higher engine rpm."

 

[Bmacpiper]

Ben,

The trolling/low speed is a software and hardware install. The hardware is located at the coupler for the shaft at the transmission, there also is a sensor that is mounted on the starboard side of the transmission. What your looking for is the sensor and the reluctor wheel/ring that is mounted on the backside if the transmission flange. Also you can go into the settings on the Volvo display and check the options that are loaded on to the boat and low speed should be checked. Also if you press the Low Speed button on the throttle control it will either turn on or display "this function is not active" let me know if you have any questions.

Thank you

Thanks Kevin, that's super helpful. To Curt's point above, is the hardware piece always included, or does it only get added once ordered/requested by a buyer/owner? The text I just posted from Volvo implies that it's already there, but your post seems to say it's not.
Thanks again!
bmc

 

[TBates]

Hi Ben,

The lowspeed hardware comes in a kit, and is only installed on boats purchased with the lowspeed option. The kit contains a two-part gear that is installed on the aft side of the shaft flange, with a speed sensor on the STBD side of the transmission as Kevin mentioned above. The easiest/quickest check will be to inspect this area and look for the gear/sensor.

-Tim

 

[Bmacpiper]

Hi Ben,

The lowspeed hardware comes in a kit, and is only installed on boats purchased with the lowspeed option. The kit contains a two-part gear that is installed on the aft side of the shaft flange, with a speed sensor on the STBD side of the transmission as Kevin mentioned above. The easiest/quickest check will be to inspect this area and look for the gear/sensor.

-Tim

Thanks Tim. I'll try to post a photo of that general area on the boat in question. I did see something that generally matches your description, but having never seen one...can't be sure.

best,
bmc

 

[Bmacpiper]

OK, here's a photo of that general location. Having never seen one, I can't be sure whether this is it or not.
best,
bmc
https://www.dropbox.com/s/j4wb6696bjc75s9/IMG_4439.JPG

 

[Kevin Lamont]

OK, here's a photo of that general location. Having never seen one, I can't be sure whether this is it or not.
best,
bmc
https://www.dropbox.com/s/j4wb6696bjc75s9/IMG_4439.JPG

Ben,

It appears that this boat is not equipped with the low speed option. I am programming a boat tomorrow with low speed option and will take a photo for you to see what your looking for.

Thank you.

 

[nzfisher]

Get an opinion on the usefulness of the trolling valve from other R31 owners before you get one. I have one on my 25 and might be useful on a lake but not any where else.

Hi there nzfisher--

What about it makes it not useful anywhere but a lake? We regularly troll down to about 2 knots, and my understanding is that the Volvo won't go below about 5, yes? Most fishing days are relatively calm with some breeze, but 5 knots would be way too fast (docking at that speed also seems questionable, but I'm sure I'd figure it out).

Your post suggests that you use the engine in normal configuration if you're not on a lake--if that's the case, what sorts of speeds do you see in non-lake use, and in what conditions?

Thanks again,
bmc

Sorry about the delayed response. I have the mechanical trolling valve on the Yanmar 150 25sc so my opinion might not be applicable to a 31. That being said I fish in the ocean and maintaining headway on a course is nearly impossible using the trolling valve given size of rudder, current and wind- hence the suggestion to ask a 31 owner. Trolling speed also relates to type of fish, actual speed of bait in water (not what boat is doing) so many guides relate to angle of wire in the water as a more accurate speed indicator. My best "luck" fishing is going uphill, against current and wind at 750 Rpm if I am not drift fishing. I would not buy trolling valve again given circumstances.

 

[Bmacpiper]

OK, here's a photo of that general location. Having never seen one, I can't be sure whether this is it or not.
best,
bmc
https://www.dropbox.com/s/j4wb6696bjc75s9/IMG_4439.JPG

Ben,

It appears that this boat is not equipped with the low speed option. I am programming a boat tomorrow with low speed option and will take a photo for you to see what your looking for.

Thank you.

Thanks Kevin. The engine display also said "function not available". All good.
best,
bmc