Bertram31.com General Bulletin Board

Volvo's Backward, underwater sterndrive!

Posted By: Capt. Mike Holmes
Date: Thursday, 23 December 2004, at 5:08 p.m.

Anybody else seen what Volvo says will "revolutionize marine propulsion"? Aimed at formerly inboard boats up to 50 feet, it's a bronze drive unit that mounts under the boat, coupled to a common rail Volvo diesel. The whole unit turns for steering, and the props are in front, so the drive unit acts as a sort of rudder. Uses duo-props like their other stern drives. Because the props are sort of exposed, the whole (expensive) unit is designed to shear off after a hard impact with a log, rock, or the bottom - and leave no hole in the boat of the boat. The props pull instead of push. I can see a few advantages, and a whole bunch of disadvantages, but I'd like to see one in operation. Wouldn't want anyone to screw up a 31 like this, but maybe Timmy's boat would be a good test platform?

Messages In This Thread

Volvo's Backward, underwater sterndrive!
Capt. Mike Holmes -- Thursday, 23 December 2004, at 5:08 p.m.

Re: Volvo's Backward, underwater sterndrive!
Thudd -- Thursday, 23 December 2004, at 6:19 p.m.

Re: Volvo's Backward, underwater sterndrive!
Capt. Mike Holmes -- Friday, 24 December 2004, at 7:20 p.m.

Re: Volvo's Backward, underwater sterndrive! *LINK* *PIC*
Chiles -- Saturday, 25 December 2004, at 10:00 a.m.

Re: Volvo's Backward, underwater sterndrive!
Capt. Mike Holmes -- Sunday, 26 December 2004, at 11:02 a.m.