Volvo Penta eyes up larger craft with triple sterndrive option
Volvo Penta’s DPI Aquamatic sterndrive is now available as a triple installation. The company says this new setup will allow larger boats in the commercial and leisure marine sectors to benefit from its performance and reliability, and increase the power offering for existing boats.
The Aquamatic was first introduced to the boating industry at the New York Boat Show in 1959 and has been continuously updated over the years with innovations such as the Duoprop, electric steering, and precise joystick driving.
In 2019, Volvo Penta released its latest generation of Aquamatic drives, the DPI, which, the company says, provides comfort and manoeuvrability, as well as increased performance and reduced maintenance. Now a triple installation of the sterndrive is being introduced, making it an option for larger boats of up to 60 feet.
“In our new triple DPI package, you can expect to experience all the features and benefits that the DPI drives deliver, everything from the lower service needs to the unmatched comfort and manoeuvrability,” says Ingela Nordström, product manager, Volvo Penta. “So not only do we bring more power for current fleets or larger boats, but we manage to maintain the full capabilities of the DPI drives.”
The DPI package features electric steering as standard, and a hydraulic clutch ensures silent and smooth shifting, as well as slipping at low engine speeds, which, the company says, results in added manoeuvrability and higher comfort at slower speeds.
The DPI Aquamatic also comes with the option of Dynamic Positioning System (DPS), which automatically maintains a boat’s heading and position – for example when preparing for docking – even, it’s said, during strong currents or windy conditions.
Two years ago, Swedish boatbuilder, Marell Boats, launched the Marell M15 which was powered by a twin Volvo Penta D6-440 DPI. It’s now introducing a new Marell M15 patrol boat with the triple DPI installation.
“When we originally launched the Marell M15 it had a top speed of around 40 knots,” explains Jonas Karnerfors, sales project manager, Volvo Penta. “Now with the triple DPI, we have increased the top speed by 10 knots and increased acceleration whilst maintaining the fuel consumption at 40 knots. These are just a few of the many benefits we aim to deliver, with this new set-up, to boat owners and operators alike. Now, no matter what the sterndrive application, customers can rest assured that their expectations for optimal comfort and smooth control at the helm will be met.”
Images and video courtesy of Volvo Penta
