IPS is 20 years old! Would you?

[Boat2016]

Yes, shafts and gears, stuffed under the boat, sealed with an o ring. What could possibly go wrong?

Everything could go wrong but then again there’s more than an O ring…it’s amazing reading posts from those who know nothing about IPS that continually run them down, usually those who could never afford one yet when you talk to the owners who have actually owned and maintained them their opinion is completely different, that’s why they are still in production today and most likely here to stay, many are used in commercial applications doing many hours each week.

 

[ari]

I would suspect that John Boyle has done far more than you’ll ever do.
But you crack on old timer

Quite!

 

[ari]

I think first people should answer the question: Would you buy a brand new IPS boat? If the answer is "no" they shouldn't be allowed to answer the first question.

Well, the answer to 'would you buy a 20 year old IPS boat?' would still be the same, even if they wouldn't have bought one new either, so I think it is still relevant.

 

[rafiki_]

Everything could go wrong but then again there’s more than an O ring…it’s amazing reading posts from those who know nothing about IPS that continually run them down, usually those who could never afford one yet when you talk to the owners who have actually owned and maintained them their opinion is completely different, that’s why they are still in production today and most likely here to stay, many are used in commercial applications doing many hours each week.

Please don’t tar us all with the same brush. Great that IPS works for you, but I have a very good understanding of the engineering and tech. While I really appreciate the “showroom” appeal. Additional cabin space, and vectoring thrust. However, they are not for me. Sorry!

 

[Bouba]

Everything could go wrong but then again there’s more than an O ring…it’s amazing reading posts from those who know nothing about IPS that continually run them down, usually those who could never afford one yet when you talk to the owners who have actually owned and maintained them their opinion is completely different, that’s why they are still in production today and most likely here to stay, many are used in commercial applications doing many hours each week.

It’s not actually what Ari asked....he just asked opinions. Even opinions without a knowledge base is useful in gauging a market....what to pay...what to sell at etc. He’s also interested in the general opinion whether pod boats will suffer more as owners cut back on maintenance as the boat ages ....these don’t needs expertise to answer.
Personally, as I said earlier...I would happily buy a new or nearly new IPS boat...but a twenty year old one ?

 

[sap_2000]

I am told that IPS has improved a lot. Most of the major improvements, came after 2010, with the drives becoming much better.
Although I have spoken to users who are happy with the 2007 systems.

Here's the different IPS generations and what changes was made.
Many, if not most IPS10 boats around here up to 2009 models have replaced the upper gear cases after experiencing slipping clutches as a result of low oil pressure at idle (and spending too much time and maneoverizng @ idle). Some was overhauled to Gen - D specification, but most chose to bite the apple and get the Gen F upper gear cases.

 

[sap_2000]

it’s amazing reading posts from those who know nothing about IPS that continually run them down, usually those who could never afford one yet when you talk to the owners who have actually owned and maintained them their opinion is completely different,

I know a few who bought early IPS boats and while they mostly loved the smoothness and manoeuvring, the cost of overhauling or replacing the upper gear cases too early (but after warranty expired) made them not so positive.

This clutch and gear case issue is something most current buyers of older boats are aware of, and as a result those boats without gen F gear cases are very hard to sell around here.

Later models have been fairly trouble free, but IPS are same as the stern drives more vulnerable to sea grass and strands from fishing pot ropes destroying the seals. But later generations have water in oil sensor, so at least you will get a warning unlike on DPH drives when anxiously had to wait until after haul out to know if you had water ingress that season or not.

 

[Hot Property]

I am told that IPS has improved a lot. Most of the major improvements, came after 2010, with the drives becoming much better.
Although I have spoken to users who are happy with the 2007 systems. These users are usually those who do regular checks, and do the necessary maintenance and preventive maintenance straight away.
An important note in IPS is to check your oil regularly, much more then you do the engine. If you see oil/water mix, you can actually save money versus a stern drive, if you fix the problem asap.

For the problem with IPS is its monopolistic which is just about Volvo, which lets just be frank, beyond 12 litres and today 1000hp has always been weak, and average over 500hp.

The interesting note that Volvo has been pretty average in recent years reliability wise, though its market share has been on the rise, with the exception coming for sub-fifty foot boat and the rise of the outboard.

If I was in the market for a new sub 40ft boat I would probably go outboards.

Yes, fuel cost is a factor, but the ability to easily maintain them and lift 99% out of the briney when not in use is priceless in my view.

Plenty of 11 metre boats on the Hamble yesterday. Some with 900 HP hung off the back!

 

[Greg2]

An olde timer would love to know who John Boyle is or was ,the interweb produces a doctor and footballer but nothing with any remotely boaty connections

Here ya go John Boyle, Author at Motor Boat & Yachting

 

[Bouba]

If I was in the market for a new sub 40ft boat I would probably go outboards.

Yes, fuel cost is a factor, but the ability to easily maintain them and lift 99% out of the briney when not in use is priceless in my view.

Plenty of 11 metre boats on the Hamble yesterday. Some with 900 HP hung off the back!

The outboard boats that you can still Med park are very interesting.....it also leaves more room internally. However, a place or way to launch a dingy has to be included.....and there is the issue of the generator, petrol or diesel ?

 

[Hot Property]

The outboard boats that you can still Med park are very interesting.....it also leaves more room internally. However, a place or way to launch a dingy has to be included.....and there is the issue of the generator, petrol or diesel ?

Not insurmountable issues though.

I've seen outboards in pods with a platform behind.

A bit like EVs, outboards aren't considered "proper" propulsion by some.....

But I cringe when I hear tales of woe regarding gimbals, risers, superchargers, belts and a whole host of other maintenance issues on inboards.

 

[Bouba]

Not insurmountable issues though.

I've seen outboards in pods with a platform behind.

A bit like EVs, outboards aren't considered "proper" propulsion by some.....

But I cringe when I hear tales of woe regarding gimbals, risers, superchargers, belts and a whole host of other maintenance issues on inboards.

I am a big fan of outboards....the reliability nowadays are legendary. Also the ability to choose how much power and how many engines. Not a cheaper alternative because the big ones are eye wateringly expensive. But many advantages.

 

[Moonstruck]

I don’t own an IPS boat but I do own a boat with Zeus pod drives and Cummins engines. I have had it for 15 years now and I have to say I have found it fantastic in every way. I am extremely diligent regarding maintenance and everything is carried out 100% in line with the guidelines by a trained service engineer. In the last 15 years it has failed once when I had to have a pump replaced on one pod. Service costs seem to be lower (or at worst in line) than my friend pays for his out drives to be serviced. During this period I have also owned two shaft drive boats as well. One was a complete disaster and ended up after two failed rebuilds requiring a very expensive and rare new gearbox.
As previously mentioned, a lot of the “fear” associated with pod drives in general comes from people who do not really understand them and have experience of them.
To answer the question from the OP, yes I would buy a second hand pod driven boat BUT the maintenance records would have to be available and 100% complete.

 

[Grubble]

Not insurmountable issues though.

I've seen outboards in pods with a platform behind.

A bit like EVs, outboards aren't considered "proper" propulsion by some.....

But I cringe when I hear tales of woe regarding gimbals, risers, superchargers, belts and a whole host of other maintenance issues on inboards.

Unfortunately a lot of people don't bother to maintain their boats, and have avoidable problems as a result.

Out of interest, how much is a new outboard engine for your boat? I can buy a brand new engine for my boat for £5,000 and a brand new outdrive for £2,000 - that is around 200 HP for £7,000 new. What does an equivalent outboard cost? £ 20,000? And yes, your outboard can fail, just like any other marine engine.

 

[Flynnbarr]

An olde timer would love to know who John Boyle is or was ,the interweb produces a doctor and footballer but nothing with any remotely boaty connections

I thought boomers knew it all…..
Maybe educate yourself before pontificating about stuff you know very little about…..your experiences in the past are not everybody’s…..
Maintenance is the key to everything

 

[Bouba]

I thought boomers knew it all…..
Maybe educate yourself before pontificating about stuff you know very little about…..your experiences in the past are not everybody’s…..
Maintenance is the key to everything

You can’t in all honesty…imply someone is an old git…when they call themselves Old Git

 

[ari]

Here ya go John Boyle, Author at Motor Boat & Yachting

An accomplished seaman he has taken his boat from Africa to the Arctic and circumnavigated the British Isles

An actual serious boater, as opposed to someone who just sails the yacht club bar.

 

[ari]

If I was in the market for a new sub 40ft boat I would probably go outboards.

Yes, fuel cost is a factor, but the ability to easily maintain them and lift 99% out of the briney when not in use is priceless in my view.

Plenty of 11 metre boats on the Hamble yesterday. Some with 900 HP hung off the back!

It's an interesting alternative, and certainly one that is gaining in popularity. The frankly laughable main agent servicing costs for mainstream diesel engines would be what most push me that way (typically £1,500+ for a Volvo Penta diesel engine service. How much is a 200hp outboard service, a couple of hundred pounds?).

That said, personally (and it is personal preferences at the end of the day) I don't like the look of outboard powered boats, I don't like the noise at speed, I don't like the weight of the engines being so high and so far back, I don't like the cluttered transom (forget a decent bathing platform) and most of all, I don't like the petrol exhaust fumes. I don't know why this always seems to be a problem with outboards yet less so with inboards, exhaust routing perhaps. Oh, and the fuel costs if you're a regular user (appreciate not everyone is). But again, that's personal preference, that's not to criticise the choice of outboards.

 

[Scubadoo]

Similar to Ari comments, I had an outboard boat for quite a few years before upgrading to a boat with a diesel inboard and outdrive, no going back much prefer diesels setup for many reasons. My service maintenance cost are reasonably low and not that much more than Hot Property, I do most of it myself. My last outboard boat when new failed in a speculator way, the gearbox seal failed and let sea water in, the gears were welded together, luckily it was under warranty at the time. I might be interested in outboards if they made high powered diesels. Anyway nothing to do with IPS...but I think I would steer clear of that technology, much prefer the access of outdrives while in the water.

 

[Hot Property]

Unfortunately a lot of people don't bother to maintain their boats, and have avoidable problems as a result.

Out of interest, how much is a new outboard engine for your boat? I can buy a brand new engine for my boat for £5,000 and a brand new outdrive for £2,000 - that is around 200 HP for £7,000 new. What does an equivalent outboard cost? £ 20,000? And yes, your outboard can fail, just like any other marine engine.

What engine and out drive is that for £7k?

New Honda bf 150 is around £13k if you look around. I'd be interested in a whole life cost comparison over a 5,000 hour cycle. (Which is what commercial users of that size engine clock up before being sold on).