Summit just announced that it will offer Volvo’s IPS pod drives on its 54 Motoryacht. It’s building the first one with IPS now in its factory in Taiwan.
Summits have come with standard 542-hp Cummins diesels and straight shafts since the first one was launched in March, 2020. Designed by Sarasota-based naval architect Michael Peters, who’s drawn everything from Hinckleys and Magnums to superyachts, the Summit 54 tops out at just over 24 knots.
The IPS package, with twin 600-hp Volvo IPS800 pod drives, is expected to add four or five knots to that speed. “With IPS power, we’ll be able to offer a propulsion option for customers seeking a little more performance and efficiencies than a traditional shaft-powered vessel,” said Fran Morey, production manager for the Kadey-Krogen Group (Kadey-Krogen, Summit, and American Tug).
Both options, the Cummins straight shaft or the Volvo IPS pod drives, offer joystick controls and an additional station in the cockpit on the Summit 54. To keep the weight distributed amidships, the IPS version will have jackshafts from the Volvo D6 engines to the pod drives. “This boat was designed from the ground up to offer both traditional and IPS,” Morey said.
Summit will offer the IPS option on its 54 Coupe that’s scheduled to be launched in 2025 (pictured).
Founded in 1976, Kadey-Krogen has built more than 650 displacement yachts; the line now runs from 44 to 60 feet. The company started Summit to appeal to younger owners, or anyone wanting to go faster than 7 to 9 knots. Kadey-Krogen bought American Tug in La Conner, Washington, last May; it has five models, from 36 to 48 feet.
Specs.: LOA: 58’5”; Beam: 15’10”; Draft: 3’7”; Disp.: 55,400 lbs.; Fuel: 750 gals.; Water: 215 gals.; Power: 2×600-hp Volvo IPS800 pod drives or 2×542-hp Cummins with straight shafts.
Read more at http://summitmotoryachts.com and see the video below:
