I did manage to talk to Helmut about Volvo Penta. He is the distributer for Volvo for the Western side of the planet. I very much appreciate talking to a knowledgeable professional and I consider him a principal, much like Brian is. Very helpful guy!
So, he has about 100 engines coming in shortly in the 230 and 270 hp class with package weights at about 1300 LBS. I'll keep studying. I remember a great number of Volvo Penta packages in the urchin industry during the 1980's. They are not inexpensive, but he is saying they get really good mileage in a 30' size solid glass boat, say 7-8,000 LBS. Makes me wonder! I am curious.
Never owned a stern drive myself but plenty of diesels. I'm very familiar with the V drive concept Chuck, as I worked on a Uniflite 42 with twin Cummins 903's set up that way. A U joint let go,,,KA BOOM and it was off to the insurance company.
Helmut was explaining the new I/O packages have a lot of sensors to detect water contamination from wound up fishing line etc. He also said the Volvo has a new trolling switch for super slow speed lure presentation. Interesting