Press release

New Aquamatic drives from Volvo Penta

2006-08-10

Corporate Communication

SX and DPS are two new Aquamatic drives from Volvo Penta, replacing the current SX and DP-S drives. Both of the new drives are designed for Volvo Penta’s gasoline engines and D3 diesel engines.

The new, improved drive versions offer several technological innovations for increased performance and onboard comfort, such as new active corrosion protection, simpler installation and maintenance, lower weight and improved performance. Their appearance has also been changed, as they now have a more hydrodynamic design.

Several improvements
The benefits offered by the new versions include:

Increased performance: A new exhaust system reduces exhaust backpressure, which in turn increases engine efficiency.
Simpler maintenance: It is possible to replace the drive anode while the boat is in the water. The shaft bearing no longer needs lubricating. Water intake is cleanable.
Reduced weight: 9 kilograms less for a complete package.
Integrated power trim system in the transom shield: Makes life easier for boat builders. Separate installation of the pump and hoses is no longer necessary.
Improved accessibility: The bolted joint for the drive is easily accessible and there is more room to mount the drive onto the transom shield. The gearshift is located on the side, which facilitates installation of gearshift wires.

Active Corrosion Protection System (ACPS)
Corrosion Protection is a natural feature of all Aquamatic drives. The foundation of this protection is a special aluminum alloy. A low proportion of copper and a special casting process are combined with a 19-stage surface treatment and multistage painting. The drive is also equipped with sacrificial anodes.

“As additional protection, customers may select the Active Corrosion Protection System – ACPS. This cathode electrolysis protection entails that the system measures the difference in the electrical potential and applies a voltage to regulate the difference. The drive is prepared for ACPS connection, with ready-drilled holes in the transom shield,” says Benny Hedlund, Development Engineer at Volvo Penta.

Same drive in different versions
Volvo Penta’s new SX single-propeller drive and the DPS Duoprop drive are basically the same drive. The difference is that the SX has a single propeller and the DPS twin propellers.

“They are both state-of-the-art drives offering high efficiency and significantly improved maneuverability. The lower gear housing is hydrodynamically designed to facilitate maximum speed. The patented cone coupling results in smooth, distinct gear changes. The individually matched helically cut gears reduce the high-pitched, whistling noise that is otherwise commonplace with machined cogs. A large rudder surface results in precise steering, especially when maneuvering in tight spaces. The oil stick is fitted at the top and the water pump is mounted on the engine in order to facilitate service,” Benny Hedlund continues.

Other benefits offered by SX and DPS are exhaust emissions through the propeller center (to avoid exhaust fumes being drawn back into the boat), a gearbox cable without intermediate links, which enables smoother gear changes, and a built-in kick-up function.

Compared with conventional single-propeller drives, SX and DPS enable significantly improved course stability when traveling at low speeds. Because its design leads to less water resistance than conventional drives, the output from such an engine is higher.

Engine alternatives for the new SX and DPS drives

Diesel engines:

D3-130 with SX single-propeller drive.
D3-160 with SX single-propeller drive or DPS Duoprop.
D3-190 with DPS Duoprop.

Gasoline engines:

3.0 GL SX single-propeller drive.
V6 with SX single-propeller drive or DPS Duoprop.
V8 small block with SX single-propeller drive or DPS Duoprop.
V8 big block with DPS Duoprop.

For further information, please contact Ann-Charlotte Emegård, AB Volvo Penta,
phone: +46 31 66 84 18, E-mail: ann-charlotte.emegard@volvo.com