10 years of IPS drives
Volvo Penta’s IPS drive system recently celebrated its first decade in production. As well as having a significant impact on the leisure motorcruiser market, this innovative drive system with its pulling propeller proved a hit for commercial vessels.
The most notable feature of Volvo Penta IPS is the forward-facing propellers, which are mounted at the forward end of the propulsion unit. The propellers are counter-rotating, and pull the boat rather than push it – unlike conventional propellers. The propeller wash is parallel with the bottom of the boat, so that all the power developed drives the boat forward.
An overnight sensation, the system was showered with industry awards and soon more than 100 boat models were installed with Volvo Penta IPS. Over the years, the system has become even more popular with the addition of joystick steering and docking in 2006, followed by bigger pods and the Dynamic Positioning System (DPS). By 2009, 10,000 units were in use, and today, more than 16,000 units have been sold, featuring in around 1100 boat models worldwide.
During testing, the high-efficiency system proved to be 20% faster than a traditional shaft installation, with 30% lower fuel consumption, 15% greater acceleration and 50% lower noise and vibration levels. The high-efficiency system benefits customers with its low fuel consumption, low noise and vibration, comfortable ride, high speeds and excellent maneuverability.
Initially designed as a marine leisure product, Volvo Penta IPS instantly caught the eye of the marine commercial industry. Faced with demanding working environments, Volvo Penta IPS outperformed standard inboard shafts, offering operators a high-performing system in every respect.
The characteristics that made Volvo Penta a success in the leisure boating world have translated well into the marine commercial industry, and by the end of 2005, the first commercial pod was released. Wind farm vessels, coast guard boats, pilot boats and passenger transport have all installed the system, to good effect.
Today the system comes in a range of 10 models, from IPS350 to IPS1200, matched to three different pod sizes and available for twin, triple or quadruple installations. Volvo Penta IPS is particularly suited to commercial boats up to 30 meters. Far from being just an engine, Volvo Penta IPS is a complete package that includes steering wheel, joystick, controls, instrumentation, propulsion unit and forward-facing propellers.
Alongside joystick docking and driving, Volvo Penta IPS is now available with a host of other Electronic Vessel Control (EVC) options, including autopilot, cruise control and DPS. In addition, Volvo Penta’s unique Glass Cockpit system presents a clean, easy-to-use dashboard, offering an enhanced overview and greater control of both the engine and navigation.
By Jake Frith
