Volvo Penta recently announced that this year they will be introducing a fully integrated hybrid-drive system for their D13 motors with IPS drives. This move continues the company’s strategy of creating propulsion packages that are helm to prop systems. According to Volvo, the hybrid- diesel-electric platform combines superior onboard comfort with simplified ownership, installation and design. Built on the company’s proven Volvo Penta IPS technology, the new system represents a major step forward for both boat builders and owners. Central to the system’s innovation is its fully integrated architecture. All components are connected through Volvo Penta’s Electronic Vessel Control (EVC) system, ensuring…

Increasingly over the past few years, boat builders and the boat owners they serve have shown a burgeoning interest and preference for outboards over diesel inboards. The reasons are several. Outboards are quieter, can be as fuel efficient as an inboard and free up space inside the hull for storage. Modern outboards are sophisticated machines that have evolved significantly in the last two decades to the point that they are impressively reliable and, if well maintained, destined for a long life. The catch Is in that last point. Regular care and routine maintenance are the keys to an outboard’s long…

Seakeeper, the leaders in stabilizer systems for both displacement and planning boats, announced this week that the company now has Seakeepr Ride underway,  trim-tab systems for boats from 19 to 55 feet. The new models being introduced are for boats from 38 to 55 feet and can be retrofitted to most planning hull designs.  So, owners of express cruisers and larger center consoles will be able to add stabilization without having to install a gyro system. The Seakeeper Ride systems have a dramatic effect on a boat’s performance in a wide range of conditions. The trim tabs on the transom…

The Slovenian builder of efficient motor yachts from 39 to 58 feet announced this week that is is offering a new option that will eliminate the need for generators on all of their diesel-powered boats. A genset has been an integral part of traditional diesel technology but Greenline now has a better solution. On all of their models with diesel engines, they now are adding the Responsible Power Pack that includes huge solar arrays and large lithium battery banks that replace the need for a separate generator. When the boat is at anchor, the panels charge the batteries with enough…