Silent And Smooth Shifting
THE AQUAMATIC STERNDRIVE
When Volvo Penta introduced the Aquamatic drive in 1959, it was a revolution in the boating industry, combining the benefits of inboard and outboard engine and providing excellent performance. In 1982 the Aquamatic sterndrive was enhanced with the Duoprop, two counter-rotating propellers that together provide extraordinary handling and fantastic grip, transferring the power to the water as never before.
The Aquamatic sterndrive and propellers are designed to complement the engines perfectly, delivering unmatched sterndrive system performance. As well as increasing the power and reliability, lowering ownership costs and improving performance, Volvo Penta has added more easy boating features and comfort to its latest Aquamatic sterndrive systems.
Petrol and D3 diesel engines are their latest product lines to boost comfort with the unique silent shift.
It will be a sterndrive silence for Volvo Penta going forward. The company is adding its petrol and D3 diesel engines to the full lineup of propulsion systems that offer seamless and soundless shifting. Introduction of silent shift across Volvo Penta’s span of sterndrive solutions is part of the company’s commitment to delivering the ultimate onboard experience for customers.
“The silent shift feature has been a well-received benefit to customers since the Volvo Penta IPS launch in 2005,” said Peter Granqvist, Chief Technology Officer for Volvo Penta. “Now, we’re extending the capability even further to service a growing customer base, regardless of the specific propulsion. Though the technology behind each sterndrive application may differ, the end result of maximized comfort does not.”
Building on its availability in the Volvo Penta IPS, the silent shift feature was introduced on the new Volvo Penta DPI Aquamatic sterndrive. Now, the company is unveiling an expansion to its sterndrives range of silent and smooth shifting boat products to both the Volvo Penta D3 and its full line of petrol sterndrives including the Volvo Penta Forward Drive, SX single prop drive and DPS duoprop drive. Volvo Penta has scaled the benefits of this feature across a broader scope of boat sizes and horsepower ranges to serve more customers than ever before.
The technology solutions behind each of these offers varies by application. However, all customers experience the benefit of seamless and quiet shifting in and out of gear.
“The silent shift feature encompasses well Volvo Penta’s vision of Easy Boating which aims to enhance and improve the overall boating experience,” said Ron Huibers, president of Volvo Penta of the Americas. “Now, no matter which type of sterndrive application, customers can rest assured that the expectations for optimal comfort and smooth control at the helm will be met.”
Readers interested in upgrading their current petrol engine with the silent shift can do so with a simple retrofit. All it takes is changing out the upper transmission unit, which can easily be done by your local dealer. See locations below.
BRAND NEW AQUAMATIC STERNDRIVE (DPI)
The larger D4/D6 engine range benefits from the latest Aquamatic sterndrive – DPI. Now offering a host of advanced engineering and technology upgrades that lower the cost of ownership, increase performance and reliability – not to mention allow future tech to be incorporated – Volvo Penta’s market-leading DPI driveline systems set the bar even higher in the marine sector. Not only that, new manufacturing technology and design concepts also allow for a longer service life of the drive, with less maintenance.
Enhanced performance: The new hydraulic clutch allows silent and smooth shifting. It also enables slipping at low engine speeds, resulting in greater maneuverability and higher comfort at low boat speeds. “The hydraulic clutch, together with electric steering – now standard for DPI – gives improved joystick docking functionality,” says DPI Engineering Project Manager Jacob Claesson. “It also enables Dynamic Positioning System to be introduced, which automatically maintains a boat’s heading and position, even during strong currents or windy conditions – ideal when preparing for docking.”
Easier maintenance: This update offers longer service intervals, fewer service items and introduces seals that have been designed for longer life. Oil and filter change intervals are extended from every year to every two years.
Greater reliability: Reliability has also been a key part of the update, with a focus on redesigning and reinforcing components to deliver greater reliability. Additional sensors have been introduced for improved diagnostics and monitoring of system health, further aiding reliability. And just like the IPS system, overall cleanliness has been improved during manufacturing to ensure extended life and reliability for all parts.
MOVING FORWARD AT TOP SPEED
These new updates to the DPI drivelines are another milestone for Volvo Penta, already the leader in marine propulsion. This advanced design and engineering has made the best even better, with lower cost of ownership, higher performance and increased reliability for boat owners everywhere.
RUNAWAY BAY MARINE- GOLD COAST
(07) 5577 4411 www.runawaybaymarine.com.au
EUROMARINE- GOLD COAST
(07) 5556 0604 www.euromarine.com.au
SEATECH MARINE – GOLD COAST
(07) 5580 1883 www.seatechmarine.com.au
PMK MARINE- REDLAND BAY/ BRISBANE
(07) 3206 9089 www.pdmengineering.com.au
NORTHSIDE MARINE – BRISBANE
(07) 3265 8033 www.northsidemarine.com.au
VOLMARINE – BRISBANE
(07) 3277 3111 www.damet.com.au
MANLY HARBOUR MARINE – MANLY
(07) 3893 2199 www.manlyharbourmarine.com.au
SOUTHERN FISH – BRIBIE ISLAND
(07) 5497 6733 www.southernfishmarine.com.au
Published in print July-September 2021
