Both Gyro and Fin Stabilizers are a great way to reduce the rolling and pitching on a yacht. Having this technology onboard will make cruising and time at anchor more enjoyable, especially for those that are prone to motion sickness. Image of a Seakeeper Gyro Stabilizer What is a Gyro Stabilizer? It is a computer controlled gyroscope, which is comprised of a flywheel that spins at speeds of up to 10,700RPM and is tilted fore and aft in a range of up to 140 degrees to counteract the wave motion imposed on a yacht. Modern Gyros have been in use in recreational yachts since about 2007. This video of a Seakeeper Gyro Explains it perfectly: Benefits of a Gyro Stabilizer: Greatly reduces pitch and roll Applications from 30' to over 100' Works while at anchor, at the dock, … [Read more...]
Caterpillar Three60 Precision Control, Making Maneuvering a Breeze
CAT Three60 Precision Control Electronic Levers and Joystick Are you looking at purchasing a new yacht and weighing out what propulsion system would be best for you? The Caterpillar Three60 Precision Control system is definitely worth considering if you want the ultimate in docking, slow speed control and position holding capability. These traits have in the past few years become synonymous with pod drives, but Caterpillar has used advanced computer and mechanical technology to employ these same principles to the shaft drive platform. This is how they do it: "CAT Three60 simultaneously actuates engine controls, transmissions, thruster(s) and propellers with a simple movement of the joystick controller. It provides fully proportional power in any direction with propeller control down … [Read more...]
Pod Drives in Yachts: Volvo Penta IPS, Cummins Mercruiser Zeus and ZF Marine
There are currently 3 different manufacturers producing pod drives for recreational boat applications, Volvo Penta has IPS, Mercruiser has Zeus and ZF Marine has the ZF pod. In this article I will explain each in hopes that you will have a better understanding of them and their primary applications. Volvo Penta IPS Volvo Penta was the first company to come up with a pod drive system back in 2005, beating out the Cummins Zeus pod by over 2 years. Today there are more than 10,000 IPS units installed in more than 250 boat models worldwide...making it the most widely used pod drive system in the world by a long shot. This is largely due to the range of applications the IPS pods will work for, there are 9 different power packages available with 3 different pod sizes, and the ability to … [Read more...]
The Truth about Pod Drive Powered Boats and Yachts
This is a no BS assessment of my experience with Pod Drive powered yachts, from my personal experience as well as talking with numerous captains and owners. Mercruiser Zeus Pod Drive Volvo Penta IPS Pod Drive Since hitting the scene for the first time in 2006, Pod Drives have been a huge subject of discussion throughout the industry...are they truly the next evolution in propulsion technology that will knock out the ages old shaft drives? Let's take a look at the pods themselves without all the fancy computerized technology. They are basically based off the old sterndrive technology that came around in the 1960's and is still around today...a system that reduces drag and has a more direct line of thrust than traditional shaft drives, resulting in better fuel economy … [Read more...]
Yacht Controller: Is it Something You Need?
The yacht controller can truly be a great asset to your yacht and enhance your boating experience. Docking and low speed maneuvering is made simple so that even the most novice captain can look like a pro. The yacht controller is used to position your yacht precisely where you want from any vantage point on the vessel...you are able to move freely around your yacht while maintaining total control of the engines and thrusters. From my experience I have heard nothing but good things about the system, from yacht owner-operators to professionally captained ones. Owner-operators can dock their yacht even in rough sea conditions with ease, taking away the hassle and anxiety of docking. Professional captains love the system because it makes their job much easier and frees … [Read more...]
The Different Types of Yacht Propulsion: Benefits and Drawbacks
In this article I will review the different types of propulsion found in yachts and the benefits of each. This will help to understand why certain yachts have the powertrain they do. 1. Straight Shaft Inboard 2. V-Drive Inboard 3. Jet Drive 4. Surface Drive 5. Pod Drive 1. Straight Shaft Inboard Illustration of a Straight Shaft Inboard Yacht Straight Shaft inboards are the most traditional type of propulsion in use today. It is comprised of a rear-facing engine connected to a transmission which has a driveshaft going straight out of the bottom of the boat. Running Gear of a Straight Shaft Inboard Yacht See in the photo above a boat hauled out of the water the shaft coming out of the bottom of the boat. It is held in place by a strut right in front of the … [Read more...]