This is because the ingenious design of the IPS system improves the characteristics of the boats in which it is installed in all respects.
Volvo Penta is launching the system in two variants – IPS 400 and IPS 500 – that are both suitable for boats ranging in size from 37 to 50 feet and upward.
Complete system
IPS is a complete package, including everything from the steering wheel, controls and instrumentation to the engine, propulsion unit and propellers.
The IPS system is intended for boats with twin engines. The engines are coupled to steerable propulsion units and a pair of forward-facing propellers. The propulsion units are mounted on the underside of the boat, slightly forward of the transom, in specially designed holes integrated in the hull structure.
High efficiency produces good performance
The IPS system’s unique design results in very high efficiency. The propellers face forward and the propeller backwash is absolutely parallel with the bottom of the boat, so that all the power developed drives the boat forward, while the twin-prop concept with counter-rotating propellers cancels out rotation losses. And the results are amazing. The boat is faster, more powerful and easier to maneuver, while at the same time the noise level and fuel consumption are substantially lower.
Steerable propulsion units enhance maneuverability
Maneuvering a 40-foot boat in a congested harbor is not always easy. With a conventional straight shaft, steering capacity at low speeds is severely limited, since the rudder can only steer part of the propeller backwash – most of the thrust propels the boat straight ahead. Handling a boat of this type is complicated and demands considerable experience.
IPS, with its steerable propulsion units, provides an entirely different order of steering control. When the propulsion units are turned, the entire propeller backwash and all of the thrust are turned in the desired direction. The boat turns rapidly and easily – even at low speeds – and is very easy to maneuver.
With only one engine functioning, the boat retains 70 percent of its steering capacity and can still be maneuvered, which can often translate into improved safety in emergency situations.
At high speeds, the focus shifts to driving pleasure. The boat has excellent straight-line stability, but reacts quickly to the driver’s commands and has a very tight turning radius. Driving is simpler and more predictable, giving the driver better control.
Improved comfort
IPS sets a totally new standard in terms of noise and vibration levels, emissions and fuel economy. Engine noise is damped due to the fact that combustion gases are released via the propulsion unit into the propeller backwash under the boat. The engines have outstanding environmental characteristics and will meet the overall environmental requirements planned to be introduced in Europe and the US during 2006-2007.
Vibrations are suppressed by the effective damping of the propulsion unit’s mounting in the hull. The mounting absorbs all the propulsive and steering forces and enables the engine to be soft suspended to further reduce vibration.
High reliability, simple servicing
The IPS system provides excellent reliability. All components that come into contact with the water are made from either bronze or stainless steel, and the propellers consist of a special nickel-aluminum-bronze alloy. The propulsion unit itself, including bearings, couplings, etc., is extremely robustly dimensioned.
The service needs of the IPS system are very low, and spare parts are available through Volvo Penta’s worldwide service organization, with more than 5,000 distributors.
Technical data
IPS 400 IPS 500
Crankshaft output: 310 hp/228 kW 370 hp/272 kW
Corresponds to
conventional inboard-
engine output of: approx. 400 hp approx. 500 hp
Cylinder volume: 5.5 l 5.5 l
Configuration: In-line six-cylinder marine diesel with common rail
Turbocharging: Turbo, charge-air cooler Turbo, compressor charge-air cooler
Gear ratio: 1.94:1 1.94:1
Voltage: 12 or 24 V 12 or 24 V
Emissions: Will meet future comprehensive emission regulations to be introduced in EU and the US in 2006-2007.
Developed for: Twin installation in planing hulls with a maximum speed from 25 to 45 knots.
For further press material please go to http://www.volvopenta.com/ or visit our campaign site www.volvopenta.com/ips/gb
For further information, please contact Ann-Charlotte Emegård, AB Volvo Penta, phone:
+46 31 66 84 18, E-mail: ann-charlotte.emegard@volvo.com