Volvo Penta IPS: Still Revolutionary

 

In the first two months of 2005, visitors from all over the world attended the London International Boat Show and Miami International Boat Show, expecting to find the usual selection of boats, equipment and accessories. What they discovered instead was history in the making, when Volvo Penta unveiled the revolutionary Inboard Performance System (IPS) to the marine industry.
 
The most notable advancement offered by Volvo Penta IPS is unparalleled efficiency resulting from 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, featured in around 1,100 boat models worldwide.
 
Commercially accepted
 
The marine commercial sector embraced the Volvo Penta IPS design in its constant quest for higher fuel efficiency, maneuverability and integrated features. Commercial boats equipped with Volvo Penta IPS today operate in coastal waters as pilot vessels, wind farm service vessels, patrol boats and offshore supply vessels.
 
Volvo Penta IPS consistently proves to be 20 percent faster than a traditional shaft installation, with 30 percent lower fuel consumption, 15 percent greater acceleration and 50 percent lower noise and vibration levels. The high-efficiency system benefits commercial customers with its low fuel consumption, reduced emissions, low noise and vibration, comfortable ride, high speeds and excellent maneuverability.
 
A decade of experience
 
Today the Volvo Penta IPS comes in a range of 10 models, from IPS350 to IPS1200, with steerable pods matched to differing engine sizes, and available for twin, triple or quadruple installations. Volvo Penta IPS is suited for sport cruisers, performance yachts and sport fishing boats from 30 to 100 feet, as well as commercial boats up to 100 feet. Far from being just an engine, Volvo Penta IPS is a complete integrated helm-to-prop package that includes steering wheel, joystick, controls, instrumentation, engine, propulsion unit and forward-facing propellers.
 
Volvo Penta’s quest for Easy Boating has led to the development of several new features.   The latest generation joystick has integrated buttons for low-speed mode, single-lever mode and cruise control, designed to make it even easier for anyone to enjoy boating.
 
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.
 
When the IPS was first launched in 2005, no one could have predicted how – by turning the propellers around – the world of boating would change forever. Ten years later, Volvo Penta IPS is still innovating, and growing its strong position in both the leisure and commercial markets.