Volvo Penta Forward Drive

A revolutionary new concept in marine propulsion, the first Volvo Penta Forward Drive (FWD), debuted in February 2015 at an exclusive event at the Miami International Boat Show.

Opening up a new realm for recreational water sports, the Volvo Penta FWD begins with forward-facing dual counter-rotating props with an adjustable-trim drive. This patented and innovative design pulls the boat through the water rather than pushing, with an undisturbed water flow to the propellers. This clean and efficient propulsion system delivers superior responsiveness, acceleration, fuel economy and versatility, allowing for an array of activities behind the boat, including wakesurfing and wakeboarding.

Drivers will also be able to customize the wake for different ability levels and feel the difference in tighter high-speed turns, as well as more responsive slow-speed maneuvering and docking. Additionally, the forward-facing DuoProp, with counter-rotating propellers, offers a unique and industry-first symmetrical wakeboarding wake and equally shaped wakesurfing wave on your side of choice.

“Our new FWD innovation is the next revolutionary product from Volvo Penta,” said Ron Huibers, president of Volvo Penta of the Americas. “This exciting new technology will make it easier for families to have more fun on the water and will attract more people into boating and water sports.”

Forward Facing propellers and Nicolle Associates

Nicolle Associates experience with forward facing Volvo Penta IPS system

As brokers of pre owned boats our clients rely on our technical knowledge when making decisions to buy boats. We, like many were very sceptical of forward facing (aeroplane style) propellers so when Volvo introduced their first forward-facing propulsion system, Volvo Penta IPS we took a 45ft motor yacht through what we considered to be the most testing conditions, across the English channel, through the entire North / South length of the French canal system (including 185 locks) then from Port St Louis on the French coast across the Mediterranean Sea to Corsica without problem**, not even a single discarded shopping trolley or river bank (our greatest worries at the time) caused problems en route…

Forward facing propellers have proved to be superior in terms of performance, drivability and not least – fuel consumption. By working in undisturbed water the propulsion efficiency is far greater than on conventional inboard systems.

The fact that the propeller thrust is aimed horizontally means that all power drives the boat forward. Volvo Penta IPS also enables the use of flat-surface hulls, which means the boat can be designed for minimum resistance.

Volvo Penta IPS

30% less fuel – 40% longer range
When it comes to fuel economy, the benefits of Volvo Penta IPS are obvious – an impressive 30% possible reduction of fuel consumption at service speed compared to inboard shafts. That translates into over 40% longer operating range, and of course a huge drop in exhaust emissions.

It seems like an impossible combination, but while decreasing fuel consumption, performance is also greatly improved. In a match-up against inboard shafts of the same power, the differences are obvious. The boat equipped with Volvo Penta IPS accelerates much faster, and has a higher top speed.

Minimal vibrations and fumes
The vibration levels are kept low, partly because of the twin counter-rotating propellers that run free of cavitation well under the hull. Furthermore, the installation makes for effective suspension, preventing vibrations from spreading through the system.

Since the exhausts are emitted through the rear of the propulsion unit into the prop wash, they are carried well behind the boat.

The twin counter-rotating propellers face forward and work in undisturbed water. The propeller thrust is parallel with the hull. All power drives the boat forward.

All exhaust fumes are emitted through the pods, into the prop wash and carried well behind the boat.

The propellers are positioned well under the hull to eliminate the risk of air intrusion and cavitation, even in sharp turns and under full acceleration.

Nicolle Associates experience forward-facing DuoProp through the entire length of the French Canal system

Forward-facing propellers, with no exhausts through the hub, minimize the hub diameter. This gives a proportionally much larger active blade area, and better grip in the water.

** We would be happy to share our experience of Volvo forward facing propellers and the French canals with any of our clients considering either option.