Volvo Penta IPS - The inside story

Follow us behind the scenes of the development and production of the IPS - a revolutionary marine engine system.
Learn more at bit.ly/1CrOphA
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Volvo Penta IPS is an inboard boat engine systems built to provide the best comfort, fuel economy, safety and ease of handling. In this film get an inside look at the development of the system.
The development team of the Volvo Penta IPS drive system tested every possible solution when looking for a new type of drive system. The result was crystal clear; the concept of forward facing, twin counter-rotating propellers on a steerable pod is superior in every aspect.
Volvo Penta is a world-leading supplier of engines and complete power systems for marine and industrial applications.
Find out more: www.volvopenta....
Don’t forget to subscribe to our channel for more boating tips and guides.

[@VonKaNon]

The Zuess still has the skeg to protect its props. This system puts them out in front, which is a more efficient use of the props, but leaves the props with no protection from underwater obstacles.

[@charlesvanderlinde1238]

I am a Professional Captain I have operated very large AZI Pods, Arneson Surface piercing, and multiple Waterjets, and Schottell systems I am currently training a new boat owner. The IPS drives are great for this first time owner .BUT after transiting the inter coastal from New Jersey to Florida and having some issues the key is to find a PROFICIENT Volvo mechanic. The mechanics I ran into have this disposable mindset where as if one thing is broken then they believe to replace the entire unit. I have found a great Volvo Mechanic 1200 miles later . I am hoping this owner increases vessel size and includes IPS units for the larger vessel. The IPS system has a great ability for the owner to get into tight spots and to get out of trouble proficiently .

[@timyeomanify]

Have Volvo IPS600s. Both maintained above and beyond Volvo Penta specs. Both IPS units have failed seals and have just been replaced due to water in gearbox oil. Volvo has reduced prices of units so this is now preferred option (replace entire unit when there is water ingress). USD40k later. Units less than 5 years old. No help from Volvo. At all... but all boat manufacturers are throwing these in to grab 2-3ft of extra internal space...

[@skunkjobb]

It seems almost criminal that there is no water ingress sensor in the oil. Such a simple device could save a huge cost.

[@carrysmith2008]

i love it how everything sounds perfect and wonderful in these factory videos

[@markeez2373]

I wonder how many of these boats will sink at the dock? When that huge pivoting seal lets go.

[@donaldwatson554]

Zero

[@sadenuttie2234]

@@markeez2373 zero

[@zekewargh]

I can tell you that this is the most Gothenburgian swenglish I havve ävver höörd. It warms my Gothenburg heart.

[@VolvoPentaOfficial]

We are glad you appreciate it, Sakarias!

[@baggysartape]

The damage of the logs hitting the boat, if its normal shaft drive or IPS drive, is almost the same. So its not that, if there is a log floating on the water, its likely to damage IPS system, and not the traditional drives. But for extra safety, the IPS are designed to come off if they hit a hard object, So the drives and props dont penetrate the hull. So its designed to come off upon impact. Which ofcourse has to be replaced, and that aint gonna be cheap. But still, not a bad design.

[@francescodicostanzo9092]

Dear Bob, you forgot to mention that the plate under the hull in the series since 2009 corroded with galvanic currents and water entered the IPS foot. Then you changed the plate to steel. here, dear Bob, these costs of "wrong Volvo experimentation" have been borne by your customers, who have only cursed you. Thanks for being innovative!

[@henritproll1459]

AMO LA VOLVO PENTA MARINA.SIEMPRE

[@VolvoPentaOfficial]

Our steering system is not hydraulic but is electronic, so even if you break the transmission at full speed, there will be no consequences on the drivers' hands/arms (no hydraulik hard feed back to the steering wheel) and the engines will soon derate RPM to 1500, in safety mode. After more than 10.000 units sold, never had a single porblem on this issue.

[@althuelectronics5158]

Good job brothers amazing

[@Nordmore68]

Well Bob, the housing is made of nickel, bronze and aluminium, not aluminum. It is a nice construction, only too heavy. By far.

[@fuasshole666]

Nice but what if you hit something no skeg

[@deanmacka4975]

Great stuff the Volvo. the only problem we have we Volvo here in Australia ,is parts.yes I couldn't get a throttle motor for a 1996 engine . looked all over Australia and not even a second hand one very sad day for me I loved that engine she was the best . 5 cylinder engine I never new it existed, no vibrations when running couldn't hear her either top stuff Volvo

[@VolvoPentaOfficial]

Mariners37, sorry to read that you had a bad experience. I hope you contacted one of our dealers to get help. We wish you a nice problem free summer at sea!

[@baggysartape]

Again, The underwater part of the IPS is designed to come off, normally for dangerous collisions, like running aground on high speed. not for log hitting. And even for traditional drives, when there is some sort of collision or ropes entangled, its a big pain in the ass to re-align the shaft and fix the damage. Happens a lot in asia, cuz of fishing culture and the waters are netted with fishnets.

[@derekpygarrett]

The DuoProp is just an awesome idea, maximizing the performance. Giving your boat an engine and prop design identical to those on a Soviet Bomber (TU-95)

[@mythril4]

Great new technology!! Used on cruise ships for many years now (aka: Azipods), just using gears instead of electric motors. It would have been really neat to get the pod turning radius an Azipod has. It is nice to see these on smaller boats.

[@shovel20]

Wow! Pure genius prop wash allows exhaust to escape underwater and creates further thrust under water! WOW

[@perrogaruao]

volvo are very good engines. i had a couple for 10 years and were great ... just pay attention to maintenance. I would like to have IPS in a boat some time soon ...

[@yotpop]

Unhappy about the unprotected props powering straight into all sorts of hazards: marine rubbish, trees and driftwood, rope, crab & lobster pot lines, set nets, plastics, shipping containers, divers and everything else that's bobbing around out there just waiting for a passing prop to foul. Perhaps a very substantial, forward-facing, stainless mesh housing would deflect unwanted flotsam without hindering performance. IPS - Inevitable Propeller Smash

[@deksea]

You cant have it both ways. The systems are highly efficient and effective because they operate in undisturbed water. Any housing or other structure that would deflect debris to protect the drive would also disturb water flow and reduce hydrodynamic efficiency. Agree with you 100% that these systems are inherently more vulnerable to damage from junk in the water. Its all according to each persons priorities, I guess.

[@bobbuilder5362]

Efficiency over safety ? Hope your joking. Anyway, the Jury is still out on how much more efficient these things are compared to a well designed shaft drive.

[@Smokeyr67]

@@bobbuilder5362 Bob, IPS drives are actually safer in the event of a collision than a traditional shaft drive,

[@boatrunner82]

sy las propelas se frenan improvisamente tienes un allarma y la otra trasmission continua a trabacar normalmente y puedes regresar en segureza. Perdoname l'espaniol ma soy italiano.

[@mandaajamanda2213]

Yes

[@andbodysaleh6202]

NICE AND WONDERFUL.

[@alfredolisakovski4627]

impresionante esta tecnologia parabens atodos

[@shovel20]

@RAFCRI well Take it apart and replace it. Do you go over a lot of rocks and reefs and fishing line at the front of the boat while its moving

[@nav05mecheng30]

A friend had this system and he hit some under water pilings next to a dock and it screwed up his boat and the props and shaft we're Fu*ked up up beyond repair. He did say that he got to close to the old dock... I have hit things with my Mercruiser duoprops and the props blades we're bent but the stern drives automatically raises to avoid any further damage. Also you can't get to close to the beach with the ips pods because you have props that suck all kinds of shiet into them ,, like ropes and nets and drift wood ..the small and insignificant increase in efficiency is not worth just one repair to props and the pod of this nature.. the Mercruiser Zeus system puts the props in the rear of the pod behind a skeg as well ... One other thing to think about......if you have the Volvo ips system please stay away from areas of Marine mammals as that system will kill them for sure it definitely should have a steel cage around those props ..

[@morganbsmall]

and what would a hatteras swinging big ass wheels do to a marine mammal lmfao.

[@sdmc222]

I hit a big ass plank, didnt see it. Bent both drive shafts, (standard inboards), thats not cheap to repair either, especially when they have to repair a stuffing box. Regardless of what drive system you have on ur boat, they are usually located under the vessel, lol. And eventually will probably get damaged.

[@Spiderman-og5ex]

If you were to add a conical shaped housing moulded with the Lower gear case housing from the propellers to exhaust reducing in size from prop to exhaust (like an aircraft jet engine or Dyson cyclone vacuum cleaner), would it add more power/thrust/performance and also reduce emissions and required horsepower..?

[@ianrkav]

Any of the IPS units been damaged by underwater objects such as ropes etc?

[@spacecoasttactical]

Loads of them

[@sdmc222]

Ya but the drive shafts, props, and rudders on regular inboards get damaged too. If you hit something, you hit something lol. been there several times. Haulouts are expensive, repairing bent drive shafts, props, ugh. Not to mention the stuffing box for the drive shaft. Yep, yachts are expensive. But I prefer the regular old twin screw inboards. Just cant see piloting a big boat with a joystick.

[@MrFrancocharry]

Deseo conocer que pasa en un frenado involuntario de las propelas

[@Tbolt1000TForLife]

forward facing props are a pretty effective design, but what if debris such as logs hits them?

[@bobbuilder5362]

You sink.

[@Smokeyr67]

@@bobbuilder5362 no, the pods will shear off (in the worst case) and leave the hull watertight. If you had the same event in a shaft drive, you’d stand a good chance of damaging the shaft and stuffing box, allowing water ingress.

[@bobbuilder5362]

@@Smokeyr67 There are cases where the pods have compromised the hull after even minor collisions and in one event I'm aware of the vessel did actually sink. Traditional straight shaft for me every day on a planning hull. Or even better a full displacement with props above keel line, can be grounded without any issues.

[@Smokeyr67]

@@bobbuilder5362 and there are many cases of shaft drives sinking at the dock due to leaking glands. IPS pods by their design will not compromise the hull in the case of a collision, and I’d love to see evidence to the contrary.

[@davidblalock9945]

What about those of us that have full series hybrids? do you have one that is sans exhaust?

[@purplemonkeydishwasher1344]

What is the name of the song at 0:15?

[@PromethSunrise]

Best engines ever!

[@VolvoPentaOfficial]

Thanks Perrogaruao!

[@zekewargh]

When will Penta come out with a retractable sail drive? Or perhaps even a hybrid retractable sail drive? A D3 modified for power generation coupled to a electric motor on a retractable drive would be amazing. Thrust steering, reduced drag, reduced chances of below surface collisions, and so forth. And with the propulsion units retracted maintenance could be assured from inside the vessel. No leaking at the though-hull connection to the drive shaft, less wear and corrosion since it would spend most of it's service life retracted. Oh yes, I could go on. But I won't. For your sake that is.

[@VolvoPentaOfficial]

Thank you for taking the time to share your thoughts with us, Sakarias! We appreciate the feedback.

[@michaelteeple8704]

The real test is to ask those that have owned the pods for several years, and the opposite side of spectrum arnesons. Pods good for low speed maneuvering, surface drives good for top end but most folks would go back to good ole inboards with prop pockets if they get the chance because one mishap or service will way offset any efficiency savings. Plus a volvo diesel just aint my best choice of power either.

[@davidsedlickas8222]

Can I have one for a narrow boat ?

[@VolvoPentaOfficial]

Sanghun7277, IPS stands for Inboard Performance System

[@elenasavva1]

Is IPS different to Dynamic Positioning System? I mean are they 2 separate things or one works to compliment the other? Sorry if the question is a bit silly. I'm new in the field.

[@VolvoPentaOfficial]

Hi @@elenasavva1, not at all. We appreciate your question. Our IPS is a complete Integrated Propulsion System - from the helm station, via the engine, all the way to the propellers. DPS is a feature of IPS. It automatically maintains the boat’s heading and position, and safely keeps it within a very limited area. You can read more about IPS here: www.volvopenta.com/marine/products/volvo-penta-ips/ You can read about DPS here: www.volvopenta.com/marine/products/easy-boating-solutions/maneuvering/dynamic-positioning-system/

[@elenasavva1]

@@VolvoPentaOfficial Thank you so much! I appreciate your reply. Went through the website too and everything is clear now. I was so confused. :) Thanks a lot

[@diaadamaam8248]

Do you think its possible to built embedded system controller in side each machine to control both machine behavior and the controller a mine the man who machine drive ( the driver man) and control his actions and in case he did not make the right choose the machine take the control resp. he limit his control action by ordering machine to not response or response with a period time that the controller define.

[@zeelanderyachts.]

Love it!

[@user-dg1de5ht2k]

مرحبا ممكن اعرف سعرموتور Volvo TD/100

[@Istayuplatedrivefast]

@4:07 500 years of experience? They were founded in 1927.

[@concern101]

May be they include the sail boat since 14th century.

[@MrFrancocharry]

Tengo un SESSA MARINE C46. El 23 de Junio a 15 Mn de Colon, Panama un tronco trabo las propelas de Babor Acudi al Dealer de Volvo en panama y dictamino el cambio de la Upper Gear. Como no la tenian para entrega en un tiempo corto la solicite a otro dealer de Volvo en Miami ubicado por SESSA MARINE U.S.A. Pague el repuesto y el delivery el dealer de Panama lo Instalo pero no hubo solucion.. Volovo dice que Panama no tiene que ver con Miami AAHH

[@DieselMech]

Imagine if you could mix this with the latest hydrofoil technology, the drag could be reduced almost completely!

[@shovel20]

@RAFCRI Most boats have there limits don't they!? But you will find it can deal with it just excellent!!! (I do not work for volvo Penta or claim to know their product! I am not liable nor do i represent their product, I do not hold the knowledge to have a final say or influence Volvo on other people. I stand as an opinion)

[@franciscosiglermanana7419]

😍❤️💖👍 love everything about it, we buy a 23ft 1994 Regal Ambassador 233xl with a Volvo Penta DP-C1 1.95 duoprop, and I need the outdrive fix or replace... I love the ocean but I don't have any experience with boat and I'm planning to live with my family in there... I know Christmas is not here but I will really appreciate if you guys help me 😊 fix it 💖

[@phenphann8207]

how much?

[@symonsaz]

Built to fail - that's real IPS system motto. I've burnt $98k on servicing these units during 2 years, without any underwater collisions...

[@MrFrancocharry]

Que pasa con el servicio Internacional de Volvo SESSA MARINE C 46 Mod. 2009 varado desde 23 de junio lleva 4 meses y no hay solucion. VOLVO IPS 600 Es muy fragil. Pague a Volvo Panama hasta hoy casi US 30.000 cambiaron la Upper Gear y Ahora dicen que es necesario cambiar la IPS COMPLETA y que yo como cliente pierda el valor de la Upper Gear

[@concern101]

You have no protection the propeller for wood that could hit.

[@chrisbullen4317]

Silly advert. No real facts just a boring sales pitch. where are the independent tests??

[@RetroSpaceTV]

People, how much this penta?

[@denforundrade695]

''Billions...''' - Austin Powers.

[@aguyandhiscomputer]

Den Förundrade No... Millions!

[@RAFCRI]

what happen when you break the trasmission to the steering at the top speed and it is free???? Ask to the inventor to try!!! if happen the same of the tug it is too dangerous!!!

[@1989Goodspeed]

1:26 extrem Swenglish. ;-P

[@hightidelowtide6380]

If you buy volvo parts, stay away from marine parts Express dot com. They are not an authorized volvo penta dealer...

[@alwaysseekadventure3235]

Just think of a big log getting stuck between the boat and the prop I jade Volvo

[@spacecoasttactical]

It has happened.... many times. they're crap

[@badsanta69]

wonder if anyone has done a repower and retrofit.

[@RAFCRI]

NO! NO! NO! You understand very weel that I don't speak about that!!!!! I hope to be in error but if happen what I'm going to say, 10000 units are dangerous, and someone is risking is life not the arm. if happen that the pod is free to turn ( the trasmission between the electric motor and the pod is broken) at the top speed the pod will go to the position of maximum turn? Someone can answer???? can volvo show some experiment about this? thanks

[@svenpaltnacke154]

Scania penta

[@shovel20]

@ABVolvoPenta Okay hang on I thought there was hydrolic in the IPS is there some secret electronic servos your not saying ;) I think hands down Volvo have won! Other companies are trying to copy the IPS but will run into problems because they have not engineered a superior system! I'm such a dick but I have done a lot of research on this and realised that raw water intake, cooling, exhaust and mounting is just the best the IPS does it all hahahaha! I'm also a bit drunk so cheers

[@danielchanceydivisoofdream9463]

A Cadillac on the water.

[@jshoop30]

Ya! Now these can rip holes in the bottom like v drives

[@orionavaliacoes]

cara pra caralho..muito exposta qualquer coisa que acerte ela quebra..If you hit something breaks and is expensive to fix

[@jeffreyho30]

what if u hit a log

[@spacecoasttactical]

BOOM. Then buy a new boat

[@sdmc222]

Hit a log with regular inboards and bend/break the drive shaft, the prop/rudders. Been there. Regardless of what kind of drive you have im pretty sure they are all located under the water on the bottom of the boat. I hit a big ass plank on Lake Michigan. Didnt even see it. Haulout=$350 repair drive shaft, stuffing box= 2K. Before that just ran on one engine for a month lol.

[@osfan92]

@@spacecoasttactical The drives are designed to break off between the lower and upper gear-house. Please do some research before you speak your mind on matters that you have no knowledge in.

[@spacecoasttactical]

@@osfan92 Totally useless in bluewater on a passage then.

[@sadenuttie2234]

@@spacecoasttactical know people who have done 1500nm passage with them safety, no issues. Also why would a displacement/semi displacement yacht be doing long passages in the first place? that is not what it is designed for. Also, open ocean you would run into the least amount of debris compared to inland. Think for at least a second before spouting rubbish

[@muratkoc8482]

👍👍👍👏👏👏🇹🇷🇹🇷🇹🇷

[@spacecoasttactical]

Susceptible to underwater debris damage, too complicated and unreliable - just like Volvo Penta engines. If they are so good why aren't long range trawler builders using them?

[@HDDynalowrider]

Just dont go thru seaweed

[@6255805]

開什麼玩笑.槳葉那麼大.又沒將水經過排水孔內.排水孔噴出來的水應該是引擎冷卻水吧?看水流測試槳葉那麼大竟無用武之地 ?!

[@rodeye2]

There is absolutely no protection in shallow water, ya can't build a better mouse trap

[@salvor1]

500 years of practical experience? a half of a hundred thousandth of an inch gear accuracy? Shot penning provides an additional 20% strength to the gear set? Those are all a bit of a stretch from a company that put the propellers on the wrong end.

[@DeadeyeLefty]

+salvor1 Not only that, but apparently they also think they invented helical cut gears...

[@seikibrian8641]

+salvor1 * shot peening.

[@dimitrioskladias1679]

U

[@metra0808]

hmmmm... looks like a good engine will i live in illinois and i was thinking of taking my 40' ship out and i need a new engine i had a mecury disel my ship is only a moth old so its kinda like a baby to me so i like this engine i take my ship to lake micagan in IL and theres tons of weeds by my dock in my slot so i was wondering if this would work please commment me back im sick of the horrible mecury engine!

[@NovaNinja_]

Fine in clear open water but for the other 90% of the ocean, you'd get rope and junk caught up in it.. Useless in this area.. Here we build lobster boats with fiberglass keels and skegs that extend below the rudder and prop so rope just slides past

[@itwerkzglobal1]

Hahahahahaha.....stupid pod

[@gomigman5936]

What? Why would you ever say that? Give us a good reason? It's the BEST pod out there and better than the Mercury Zeus which had to keep up with this Volvo Penta innovation, otherwise they would've gotten drowned by them and so they paid Volvo hundreds of millions for copy rights to create their version in the Zeus otherwise they're engines even would've taken a huge hit. So that tells you A LOT about how incredible they are and to say "stupid pod" is silly. The IPS with the joystick is literally like playing a video game, only better! It's so smooth that you can bring in a 150ft Azimut yacht into a super tight slip or dock perfectly in the worst conditions. Far from stupid, sir. Maybe Eco Surface Drives are better? Never heard of them lol. Sorry.

[@radovanzlojic4117]

Volvo is not Volvo anymore..tnx

[@TheBeingReal]

Volvo XPD drives were a total disaster.

[@elpersonpl576]

You could just get a yamaha engine smh

[@wilbertrolando5047]

iteresante

[@wvantielen4460]

Just don’t break down, you might be 6 months for parts. Their service record is horrible.

[@bennington2550rcw1]

all u did was take mercury's bravo three prop and redesigned it and with the propelers faceing forward if you hit a log or debree your prop is done MERCURY ROCKS volvo sucks