VOLVO PENTA DEMONSTRATION DAY | New-generation inboard performance system released

With 25,000 in the market since its launch in 2005, Volvo Penta’s inboard performance system (IPS) has been upgraded to offer more power and enhanced capabilities to customers.

The system’s design has forward-facing, twin counter-rotating propellers that sit below the hull for powerful “grip” of the water. With the individual steerable pods controlled by the joystick, the IPS system provides improved handling and manoeuvrability, but according to Volvo Penta the system also provides higher performance, lower fuel consumption and less noise and vibrations, compared to a conventional inboard shaft installation.

The IPS package provides up to 30 percent lower fuel consumption compared to inboard shaft installations, up to 15 percent faster acceleration and 20 percent higher top speeds. Noise and vibration levels are also reduced, by up to 50 percent. An IPS package can be installed in twin, triple or quadruple configurations.

Volvo Penta has made it simpler to monitor and service the IPS system. Filters and oil can now be accessed easily from inside the hull and the oil only needs changing every second year. The new oil exchange concept is a major time saver and the boat can stay in the water during the operation. Sensors reading the differential oil pressure over the filters are added in order to identify clogging of filters quickly and accurately. Also a water in oil sensor is added to detect any ingress of water in an early state, preventing damages to the transmission.

Reliability has also been a key focus of the update. Gear material has been reinforced with high strength steel. The propeller shaft seal, input bearing carrier and upper shaft and bearings have also all been redesigned to improve durability. And overall cleanliness has been improved in the manufacturing process by investing in a completely new clean room assembly line – resulting in prolonged life and reliability for all parts.

Baird Maritime Managing Director Alex Baird was a guest of Volvo Penta in Gothenburg, Sweden, for a day of presentations, product unveilings and test drives.