A "forward drive" is a form of marine propulsion that leverages forward-facing counter-rotating props to pull the boat through water rather than pushing it, with an undisturbed water flow to the propellers. The engine sits just forward of the transom while the drive unit (outdrive or drive leg) lies outside the hull.
Video Forward Drive
Operation
The drive unit transmits power from the inboard engine, generally mounted above the waterline, outboard through the transom and downward to the propellers below the waterline. The propellers lie about 27 inches further forward than the props of a Duoprop and move from an exposed position beyond the transom to underneath the hull, away from a surfer's exposed appendages. This causes the thrust to be multi-directional rather than bi-directional. The exhaust exits under the water, keeping it away from the rider's face. The engine can be trimmed up and down which equates to less wetted area. Learn more about the Volvo Penta Forward Drive in Power Boating magazine.
Maps Forward Drive
History
In 2012, Ron Huibers joined Volvo Penta after twenty years of working with the Volvo Group in trucks, construction and finance. In his role at Volvo Penta, he also has global responsibility for the marine gas segment. Based on his analysis of industry trends and his boating experience, he proposed the idea of a sterndrive with forward-facing propellers, a similar technical solution to the one pioneered by Volvo Penta with the IPS that was introduced ten years ago. With forward-facing propellers tucked under the boat away from the swimming platform, the drive would allow Volvo Penta's customers to build boats for the growing watersports market.
Characteristics
The advantages of forward drive propulsion include safety, versatility, fuel economy and environmental care. The main disadvantage of forward drive versus straight inboards is that engine components operate in the water where they are more exposed to corrosion. Due to the practical advantages and attractive price point, forward drive has become increasingly popular in recent years, especially for use in leisure and water sports boating
See also
- Sterndrive
References
Source of article : Wikipedia
0 Comments
