Volvo Penta expands its DPI Aquamatic sterndrive to a wider range of vessels
Volvo Penta’s award-winning DPI Aquamatic sterndrive is now available as a triple installation. This new setup enables larger boats in both marine commercial and leisure sectors to benefit from its outstanding performance and reliability while increasing power for existing vessels.
Volvo Penta revolutionized the boating industry with the introduction of the Aquamatic in 1959. Since then, the Aquamatic has continually evolved with innovations such as the Duoprop, electric steering, and joystick control. In 2019, Volvo Penta launched the latest generation of Aquamatic drives, the DPI, which offers unmatched comfort, maneuverability, increased performance, and reduced maintenance. Now, the company extends the award-winning DPI Aquamatic to larger boats up to 60 feet with the introduction of the triple installation.
“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,” says Ingela Nordström, Product Manager at Volvo Penta. “So 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.”
The DPI package features a hydraulic clutch that ensures silent and smooth shifting, including slipping at low engine speeds. This results in added maneuverability and higher comfort at slower boat speeds. Together with the electric steering, which comes as standard, the joystick functionality is impressively precise. Additionally, the DPI Aquamatic offers an optional Dynamic Positioning System (DPS) that automatically maintains a boat’s heading and position even during strong currents or windy conditions, making docking easier.
Volvo Penta’s D4 and D6 engines are designed to deliver unique marine torque throughout the entire engine speed range. The supercharger provides impressive low-end torque to help the boat reach planing speed efficiently, while the turbo takes over at higher RPMs to maintain speed regardless of load or sea state. The transmission and Duoprop propellers are carefully engineered to transmit all that torque to the water, ensuring unparalleled grip in all conditions—whether during sharp high-speed turns or precise harbor maneuvers.
Two years ago, Volvo Penta partnered with boat-builder Marell to set new standards for high-speed vessels with the launch of the Marell M15, powered by a twin Volvo Penta D6-440 DPI. Now, Marell is launching a new M15 patrol boat equipped with a triple DPI installation.
“When we originally launched the Marell M15, it had a top speed of around 40 knots,” explains Jonas Karnerfors, Sales Project Manager at Volvo Penta. “Now with the triple DPI, we have increased the top speed by 10 knots and boosted acceleration while maintaining the fuel consumption at 40 knots. These are just a few of the many benefits we aim to deliver with this new setup to boat owners and operators alike. Now, no matter what the stern drive application, customers can rest assured that their expectations for optimal comfort and smooth control at the helm will be met.”
This article was originally published on Marine & Industrial Report newspaper Vol 44 No.1 Issue last February 28, 2022.
