[PCW] Power-Cats and the Volvo IPS or MerCruiser Zeus Drive systems

[Suzanne & Lloyd Kubis]

Noosa Cat here in Australia trialled a pair of Volvo IPS's on one of their
Power Cats about a year ago but I have not seen anything since. They claimed
increased performance and were generally positive about the trial. Not sure if
they're offering them as an option or not but I'm sure a call to them would
clear that up!

Cheers!
Lloyd
  ----- Original Message -----
  From: rodgibbons at mindspring.com
  To: power-catamaran at lists.samurai.com
  Sent: Friday, December 28, 2007 4:20 PM
  Subject: Re: [PCW] Power-Cats and the Volvo IPS or MerCruiser Zeus Drive
systems


  DISCLAIMER:  This letter written by a catamaran dealer.

  Hello power-cat fans,

  Here's a question (especially to the cat designers and builders who read
this site) regarding a pair of new propulsion systems.  I'm wondering if any
of you know of any power cats that are offering (as standard or optional
equipment) either of the new "pod-drive" systems?  That is, either (a) the
Volvo Penta IPS (Inboard Propulsion System), distinctive for its
forward-facing props, or (b) the Cummins MerCruiser Zeus Drive (aft-facing
props) system?

  As a catamaran dealer, I've just happened upon the most clear-reading and
understandable article about these two systems that I've seen thus far. The
article, "The Pod-Drive Revolution" (by Chuck Husick) is in the newest issue
(Jan/Feb 2008) of "POWER CRUISING" magazine. The purported benefits (lighter
weight, less draft, no rudders, usually undetectable exhaust fumes, quicker
pick-up performance, no need for muffler, or water-intake thru-hulls, 20%
better fuel consumption, etc.) are, understandably, appealing. But I'm
wondering if there's anything about the catamaran design that presents a
possible drawback to this new propulsion system? The fact that some major
monohull yacht builders (Grand Banks' 41 Heritage, Legacy Yachts and Sabre
Yachts) are now employing one or the other of these 2 systems proves there's
growing (and serious) support.

  So, any cat lovers out there, designers/builders or not, who have any
first-hand feedback about either of these systems?

  Thanks in advance,

  Rod Gibbons
  Cruising Cats USA
  Seattle, Portland, Oakland, Hawaii
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