Volvo Penta rolls out triple-install sterndrive

The Swedish marine engine specialist first launched Aquamatic in 1959, and until now it was only for dual-engine installations.

However, a big overhaul of the Aquamatic range of sterndrives in 2019 has allowed Volvo Penta to develop the triple system for boats up to 30 metres in length and using Volvo Penta’s D4 and D6 marine engines.

“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,” Volvo Penta product manager Ingela Nordström said. 

“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.” 

Volvo Penta said the new 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,” it said.

“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.”

Volvo Penta’s four-cylinder D4 and inline six-cylinder D6 DPI engines use a supercharger at low engine revs to boost performance, with the engines switching across to turbocharged performance at higher revs.

Torque is transferred to the water using a duoprop system featuring two counter-rotating propellers, with the triple install offering a virtual six-prop system.

The first boat-maker to use the triple DPI Aquamatic sterndrive install is Swedish brand Marell, which has fitted the system to a Marell M15 patrol boat that is normally used for anti-piracy operations, border control, intelligence gathering, security, boarding, and patrol or police duties.

Before the triple install, the boat came out of the factory fitted with a pair of Volvo Penta D6-440 DPI engines.

“When we originally launched the Marell M15 it had a top speed of around 40 knots,” Volvo Penta sales project manager Jonas Karnerfors said.

“Now with the triple DPI, we have increased the top speed by 10 knots and increased acceleration whilst maintaining the fuel consumption at 40 knots.”