TRIPLE DPI PACKAGE
Volvo Penta’s award-winning DPI Aquamatic sterndrive is now on the market as a triple installation. This new setup will allow larger boats – in the marine commercial and leisure sectors – to benefit from its outstanding performance and reliability and increase the power offering for existing boats.
Volvo Penta revolutionised the boating industry when it introduced the Aquamatic back in 1959. Since then, the Aquamatic has been continuously updated – with innovations like the Duoprop, electric steering, and joystick. In 2019, Volvo Penta released their latest generation of Aquamatic drives, the DPI, that features unmatched comfort and maneuverability as well as increased performance and reduced maintenance. Now the company is taking its award-winning DPI Aquamatic to an expanded range of boats with the introduction of the triple installation – making this a viable option for larger boats of up to 60 feet.
Three is a magic number – “In our new triple DPI package you can expect to experience all the features and benefits that the DPI drives deliver, everything from the lower service needs to the unmatched comfort and maneuverability. Not only do we bring more power for current fleets or larger boats, but we manage to maintain the full capabilities of the DPI drives.” says Ingela Nordström, Product Manager, Volvo Penta.
The DPI package features a hydraulic clutch that ensures silent and smooth shifting, as well as slipping at low engine speeds, resulting in added maneuverability and higher comfort at slower boat speeds. And together with the electric steering, which comes as standard, the joystick functionality is impressively precise. The DPI Aquamatic also comes with the option of Dynamic Positioning System (DPS), which automatically maintains a boat’s heading and position, even during strong currents or windy conditions – ideal when preparing for docking. And that’s not all.
Volvo Penta’s D4 and D6 engines are designed to deliver unique marine torque throughout the complete engine speed range. The supercharger delivers impressive low-end torque to get the boat up to planing efficiently and then when the boat reaches higher rpm, the turbo takes over to ensure that the speed can be maintained regardless of load or sea state. The transmission and the Duoprop propellers are carefully designed to transmit all that torque to the water, giving an unparalleled grip in the water regardless of speed – whether engaging in sharp turns at high-speed or in precise harbor maneuvering.
ASSISTED DOCKING SYSTEM
As part of a continuous effort to make life on the water easier – Volvo Penta has launched the Assisted Docking system, a new technology that allows captains to compensate for wind and current, as well as maneuver in tight spaces – taking much of the stress out of the docking process. This innovation is an exciting next step in the evolution of the unique Volvo Penta Inboard Performance System (IPS) experience – making docking a boat by yourself easier and safer than ever before.
The one-hour online webcast launch gave the industry a virtual experience of how the system worked. Volvo Penta leaders and experts tackled some of the hottest topics around the world’s first fully-integrated docking technology as well as taking questions from the audience throughout. There were demonstrations from everyday boaters using the Assisted Docking system alongside Volvo Penta’s Director of Autonomous Solutions & New Business Models, Ida Sparrefors, and Product Manager Electronics, Anders Thorin. And finally, there was unique industry perspective with engaging discussions and usage insight from partners and early adopters: Erik Stromberg, Power & Motoryacht Product Director, Beneteau; Marco Valle, CEO, Azimut | Benetti Group; and Dave O’Connell, Head of Sales & Marketing, Tiara Yachts. These three brands were the first in the industry to test and engage with the new technology: Beneteau’s Prestige 460, equipped with Assisted Docking, was the yacht used for the demo with everyday boaters, while Volvo Penta worked alongside Azimut Yachts and Tiara Yachts to install Assisted Docking on the Azimut Atlantis 45 and Tiara 44 Coupe – the system was then tested by these two customers.
“Not everyone in the marine industry gets the chance to go behind the scenes at our unique marine test facility, where many of our leading innovations originated, including Volvo Penta IPS, our joystick technology, and now Assisted Docking,” says Malin Schwartz, Vice President Brand, Communications and Marketing, Volvo Penta. “By hosting a digital event, we were able to connect with a wide range of stakeholders, bringing them even closer to the heart of where our industry-leading marine innovations come to life.”
If you missed the live webcast, don’t worry, you can still catch the replay at www.volvopenta.com/webcast/assisteddocking
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 info@pmkmarine.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 October-December 2021
