IPS 600 v D6 330 sterndrive

[rubberduck]

What is the difference in power "in the water" between a similar boat powered with Volvo IPS 600 engines & Volvo D6 330 sterndrive. Just trying to get an idea so I can make my mind up re extending the swim platform. Absolute made my 41 with stern drives but now produce the 43 with IPS 600, the extra length being in the swim platform,although the hull has been modified for the IPS set up, other than that the boats are identical, apart from the hard top which I don't like. I see it as a car with a sunroof to fry your head in, whilst loosing the open boat feel when the weather is good & maintaining overhead protection from sunburn. The whole family is very fair skinned so this is important, & also the Absolute covers just Zip off so no problem even for an old git like me.
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[PowerYachtBlog]

Stern drives are defintly more efficient and faster, especially when it comes to top end performance.
IPS should make the lower end easier. As lower planning speed, and being more comfortable at the slow plan speeds. Lets say in the 15 to 20 knots range.

 

[rafiki_]

I believe IPS drives give better low speed manoueverability, as they are easier to vector, and can turn in a greater arc than sterndrives. Sterndrives should be more efficient, as you can trim them to the correct angle. IPS's are fixed, although a better angle than shafts.

I remain concerned about the durability of the IPS seals to the hull, but have no evidence of any problems to date.

Sterndrives give better access to the props for clearing crud and lines. IPS being buried under the hull have the same issues as shaft drives.

 

[Elessar]

I believe IPS drives give better low speed manoueverability, as the are easier to vector, and can turn in a greater arc than sterndrives. Sterndrives should be more efficient, as you can trim them to the correct angle. IPS's are fixed, although a better angle than shafts.

I remain concerned about the durability of the IPS seals to the hull, but have no evidence of eny problems to date.

Sterndrives give better access to teh props for clearing crud and lines. IPS being buried under the hull have the same issues as shaft drives.

agree totally. also remember with sterndrives only the bit below the cavitation plate is in the water on the plane, so you are towing two buckets. With IPS it is all in the water on the plane so you are towing 4.

 

[Latestarter1]

I believe IPS drives give better low speed manoueverability, as they are easier to vector, and can turn in a greater arc than sterndrives. Sterndrives should be more efficient, as you can trim them to the correct angle. IPS's are fixed, although a better angle than shafts.

I remain concerned about the durability of the IPS seals to the hull, but have no evidence of any problems to date.

Sterndrives give better access to the props for clearing crud and lines. IPS being buried under the hull have the same issues as shaft drives.

I know Volvopaul has specific reservations regarding IPS, I have the concept that vessel requires lifing for servicing the drive. However cannot find anything positive to say about stern drives either. I was asked to survey a pair of real early Volvo D6 310's with just over 3,400 hours on them. I turned the job down as they were Green motors, however from pictures and what I was told, engines appear to be rock solid, told owner about the 'low earth orbit test' which engines passed with flying colours.

However the stern drives had been subject to SIX major re-builds in just 3,400 hours, how can this be right!

 

[rafiki_]

However LS, there is continued growth for sterndrives, despite user reservations. They are now not uncommon in 40ft+ boats.

Clearly their packaging advantages are huge, but surely warranty costs would be killing them if so bad?

 

[Latestarter1]

However LS, there is continued growth for sterndrives, despite user reservations. They are now not uncommon in 40ft+ boats.

Clearly their packaging advantages are huge, but surely warranty costs would be killing them if so bad?

I do not want to hijack this thread into a stern drive Vs shaft discussion, just amazed that DPH drive durability/reliability crops up so frequently, I was quoted between 650 to 850 hours between failures by the guy who had pair of D6-310's, surely IPS must be far better than this?

As to warranty, suspect if failures are in the 650/850 hour range they fall just outside warranty coverage period in typical European boat useage.

 

[rafiki_]

I don't think there are significant differences in design loads, IPS to sterndrive, and while the IPS only swivels in 1 plane, it has a greater turning arc. Lower joint (prop) seals must be similar, but the big difference is the mighty "o" ring that seals the IPS to the hull. I have no idea how this is lifed.