Volvo IPS controls

[DanishBagger]

(I didn't know where to put this – at least it's in "propulsion")

Usually I don't think much about engines, nor handling any boat under one, but yesterday I read about the new joystick-control in PBO.

I dislike how the propellers are facing forward (hitting a log or anything on the surface will kill it instantly) but this is neat.

Excerpt:

The brand new joystick system uses a computer to interpret commands from the joystick, sp that opposing forces in drive direction can quite literally move the boat sideways, diagonally or just spin it on the spot, completely eliminating the need for bow or stern thrusters

Edit: And this:

"We're looking at ways to hook the IPS system up to a GPS, so your boat can automatically hold perfect station off a fuel berth," says Volvo Penta

Sounds really neat to me!

But, and this is the crux (at least for me): Besides it being a motorboat "gadget", this is the pricetag in UK Sterling pounds: 9.763! That is 19,080US$! Oh, and if that wasn't enough, you can buy up to four of them to place in different spots. So how about it fellas? Will it be a hit?

[Tim B]

VP are basically saying that there are two azimuthing thrusters under the hull. the technology for position-holding is nothing new, merely a new application.

I wouldn't like to say whether it will be a hit or not. When I saw it "in the flesh" the IPS didn't look any easier to install than a sterndrive, and it's concerning that it may be reliant on an on-board engine control computer.

If you're going to have computer control and a lot of gadgets, why not have electric water-jets and a bow thruster. then you can put a few generators where you want them. I know of certain electric motors that are very small indeed. That would be simpler and quieter.

Cheers,

Tim B.

[FAST FRED]

I dislike how the propellers are facing forward (hitting a log or anything on the surface will kill it instantly) but this is neat.


The prop stern drive facing forward was done in the late 50's and very early 60's, just more engineering Volvo copies and claims to have "invented".

FF

[DanishBagger]

Much like Apple in that regard, FF. Reinvents what is already there.

wasn't forward facing propellers already tried in the beginning at the century? And didn't Leanordo draw a sub or something that had a propeller in each end facing forwards and backwards, respectively?