Amazing new volvo drive system???

codprawn · 07 January 2005, 12:15

Inboard Performance System as Volvo call it - not too many details on it yet but supposed to be much more efficient.

Haven't had a chance to study it yet but am I right in thinking it normally runs with the props PULLING rather than thrusting???

Carl · 07 January 2005, 12:24

all in mby this month

codprawn · 07 January 2005, 12:49

Quote:

Originally Posted by carly baby

all in mby this month

It annoys me just how hard it is to get hold of MBY - all the supermarkets sell the yachting mags but never the powerboat ones!!!

Louise · 07 January 2005, 13:14

I just did a Google search and whilst I didn't find anything about the new Volvo, I did find this which is quite old (2001) but very interesting. I guess those of you who regularly read all the marine mags from cover to cover will know about these things anyway, but to a boat novice like me it was informative and not too techie! The bits I found particularly interesting were the 'Inside outboard idea' on page 5, the 'hydraulically shifted continuously variable recreational drive propeller' on page 8 and the statement that 'Stingray' provide their cutomers with 'personalised websites' giving them access to the relevant online manuals. Oh yeah: here's what I'm talking about: http://www.rbbi.com/white/drives/drives2.pdf

gingercoastie · 07 January 2005, 13:18

Quote:

Originally Posted by codprawn

Haven't had a chance to study it yet but am I right in thinking it normally runs with the props PULLING rather than thrusting???

The props on the Queen Mary 2 are pullers rather than pushers. Also she dooesn't have rudders, rather the props are on pods rather like the lower end of an outboard.

Louise · 07 January 2005, 13:21

Done another search and found an interesting article about the Volvo and yes, Codprawn, sounds like the props pull rather than thrust. http://www.ybw.com/auto/newsdesk/200...42mbynews.html

Edit: Dunno if I like the sound of this bit but presumably they've done their homework! "In the high-speed scenario, the leg and pod will shear off flush with the hull. The lower bearing carrier has been engineered specially to break at a point below the O-ring seal between the fixed and steerable parts of the drive. As the leg bends backwards, the vertical drive shaft simply pulls out of its spline. The inside of the transmission is now open to the ocean but no water can escape into the boat and the vital mounting joint between transmission and hull will remain not only intact but undamaged thanks to the energy absorption of the big twin O-rings."

simmons0 · 07 January 2005, 16:14

wow.

hank · 07 January 2005, 16:40

That is pretty amazing looking engine and leg.
I don't think it will take hitting small semi floating logs very well.
Where a "normal" rear facing props have some protection.
very interesting
hank

Swifty · 07 January 2005, 18:21

Does the 'leg' swivel for steering?

And being duo prop, one crunch and TWO props knackered! could be expensive.

slimtim · 08 January 2005, 00:03

there is a big write up in sportsboat and rib mag this month. It all works on the basis that the props see clean water flow. 30% more efficient apparently and tighter turning circle too.

Tim

Simon B · 08 January 2005, 09:16

At the risk of sounding like an eejit, I am presuming that this unit cannot retract out of the way, like z-drive type unit? If this is so then it will only be for Cruisers etc never making it to ribs.

Would be impressed if they could engineer a solution to allow it to retract.

codprawn · 08 January 2005, 10:08

Yes biggest drawback has to be damage from impact - enough of a problem to make it a non starter for many - also the hull design would have to be suitable.

Swifty · 09 January 2005, 17:39

Wonder if we shall ever see the technology on an outboard? In theory it should be possible. What do you think.

Tim.

Seb · 09 January 2005, 18:42

There was a brief bit about the new drive on the boat show review programme today.

They said that at the moment the drive is aimed at the 40-50ft market with new drives in development that will suit even larger craft so, most RIBs are counted out!

They did however show a few video clips of the new unit:

1st showed a boat with the new drive manouvring in a marina and it can actually turn in its own length like a jet drive which was pretty impressive.

2nd showed a performance comparison to a standard drive and highlighted improved top end performance and acceeration by 20%.

3rd compared a boat with the new drive and one with a standard drive turning at high speed - the new system again allowed for a much sharper turning circle.

According to the Volvo sales person, this unit is going to revolutionise the powerboat industry!!!

All looks pretty impressive and promising to me - i think a really innovative new form of propulsion is long over due! Who knows - there may well be a RIB orientated version developed in the future?

Better get saving!

Ian Austin · 09 January 2005, 18:57

Another plus point ( i don't think ) changeing a damaged prop

, will have to be a lift out job

and as these are for the bigger powerboats 35ft+ that is going to cost a bit

Simon B · 10 January 2005, 13:08

Thats wot divas is for.

Pete7 · 10 January 2005, 13:17

So they have spent years developing this drive, tested it throughout the world, ironed out all the faults so we don't see the repeat of the bravo stern drive saga, yes ? or maybe we will just let it loose on the public and let them test it instead......

Oh and their are going to be loads of after market manufacturers making props for these in the short and medium term keep prices rock bottom, or will you have to pay volvo prices ?

Still as Simon points out your local friendly diver will be able to assist

Pete

Simon B · 10 January 2005, 16:21

Well....

I was thinking about this, maybe I'm being premature thinking prop change would be the realm of divers. You could simply have a giant size inflatable doughnut (steady Homer) with a skirt fitted blow it up under the keel of the Palais de Gin and then fill it with compressed air..

Hey presto a dry underwater habitat for the use of. No proper diver reqd.

DGR · 10 January 2005, 16:48

I can't see how you could use it on a RIB that didn't live in the water - it doesn't tilt and trim!! You'd struggle to get it on a trailer.

Looks cool though.

D...

Seb · 10 January 2005, 16:53

But if this drive is on a Gin Palace, the difficult prop changing scenario would be no different to any other drive so the argument is irrelevant.

If it were shaft driven, you'd need a lift out and if it were a standard leg, its likely that you'd still need a lift out as most cruisers in this size bracket seem to have swim platforms which completely cover the legs.

So, that may be one negative point shot down???