Volvo IPS

[gcwhite]

The introduction of IPS from Volvo to generally universal acclaim poses a dilema for those contemplating the purchase of a new boat. For any one considering engine sizes up to the D6 should one buy now or wait for the IPS to replace conventional shafts? Or should one wait until designers have had chance to take advantage of the tremendous scope this system offers both in terms of dedicated hull design and internal accomodation.

For those considering a larger boat with power from the D12 range just how long can one hold off. When will the IPS system be available on this level of power and how long before designers can take advantage.

Finally what will happen to second hand prices. It could be envisaged that they will suffer disproportionately but then again new boats with state of the art engines are likely to increase in price over their shaft drive cousins so the second hand price may hold up.

/forums/images/graemlins/wink.gif

 

[DepSol]

Depends which boat IMHO as some have the hull designed for the IPS like the Rodman and other have just adjusted their current moulds inside to fit the engines in.

Should be on one soon I hope to see how good it is.

 

[Deleted User YDKXO]

For me, buying an IPS equipped boat this season is not a good idea, firstly because the system is totally unproven in service and, secondly, as you have already mentioned, I'm sure there will be new designs coming out in the next couple of years which will take advantage of the accomodation gains which IPS can offer.
On the other hand, if you buy a new shaftdrive boat now, you run the risk that the builder modifies and improves it with IPS in the next couple of years and when you come to sell, your boat is worth substantially less than the IPS equivalent
Its a gamble. IPS could flop for some yet unseen technical reason or it could take over the world. Best to wait a couple of years to get an idea of which way its going.
Btw, nobody's yet mentioned how IPS will be incorporated in aft cabin boats. Because the engines' are moved aft, it could mean that it's no longer viable to incorporate an aft cabin. Maybe the likes of Broom, Trader, Grand Banks et al will have to completely redesign their range if IPS really takes off

 

[hlb]

But I still want to know why we cant just turn the engines round and stick the shafts out in front! /forums/images/graemlins/crazy.gif

 

[Wiggo]

Any reason you couldn't have an aft cabin with the engines amidships and have the IPS units on internal shafts? Or even have the props under the middle of the boat?

 

[oldgit]

What universal acclaim would that be then.

Exactly what does it offer apart from higher speed in already fast craft of a certain size.
The system is only of any use to a small number of fast planing craft who will never go anywhere other than marina to another deep water marina.
As expressed above how do you incorporate the thing in a aft cabin boat,what happens when you hit something,what happens if you ever need to take the ground if by design or accident.Not only will you lose the drives you will almost certainly destroy the hull.
As an interesting alternative to shafts,legs,jet drives(remember those)outboards and paddle wheels fine,but as to ever replacing shafts.
Certainly be a brave man that spends 2/3/4 K on a boat with those natty little experiments hanging underneath.

 

[oldgit]

Surely if drives placed midships you would need keel or additional rudders aft to maintain directional stability?Those powered glider things with midships engine on pylon still have vertical fin to make thing go in desired direction and hellycopters have that fan at the back to solve the same problem.Mebbe some sort of Notar needed.

 

[Mike21]

Re: What universal acclaim would that be then.

[ QUOTE ]
Exactly what does it offer apart from higher speed in already fast craft of a certain size.
The system is only of any use to a small number of fast planing craft who will never go anywhere other than marina to another deep water marina.
As expressed above how do you incorporate the thing in a aft cabin boat,what happens when you hit something,what happens if you ever need to take the ground if by design or accident.Not only will you lose the drives you will almost certainly destroy the hull.

[/ QUOTE ]

Well for starters it appears you can have smaller more fuel efficient engines and also lower noise levels for the same speed, this should allow a more spacious boat if manufacturers take advantage off this.
With forthcoming legislation re noise, pollution etc, think Volvo should be applauded for at least trying to come up with a solution
From all reports if you hit something hard enough, you may lose the drive, but shouldn't experience hull damage which is more than can be said for shafts, also most shafts can't take to ground without risk of damage.
Maybe if the boats were cheaper to run and easier to handle less would spend so long in the marinas, or if they don't leave the marina, does it matter which type of drives they have? /forums/images/graemlins/smirk.gif
Maybe they need to built some boats without any engines or drives for peeps who never leave the marina /forums/images/graemlins/laugh.gif
Seems there are a lot of Luddites around still who won't accept any new inventions /forums/images/graemlins/grin.gif