Drive Systems

“Red Sapphire I”: A superyacht with a super vibration isolation solution from Getzner. Source: Getzner Werkstoffe

Floating Floor Helps to Isolate Vibrations on Superyacht Red Sapphire

After more than 20 years in use on the superyacht “Red Sapphire I”, the static and dynamic properties of Getzner Werkstoffe’s anti-vibration solution were virtually unchanged.The 39.1m long luxury yacht “Red Sapphire I”, built in 1998, was overhauled in 2018. In this process, the initially installed anti-vibration materials from Getzner Werkstoffe were tested, showing superior long-term behaviour. To offer guests and crew the highest possible level of comfort in the future as well…

Brunswick Expands Capability in Electrification Technologies

Brunswick Corporation continues to develop solutions to further improve boater experiences both by advancing the efficiency and capabilities of its core product lines and through its ACES (Autonomy, Connectivity, Electrification & Shared Access) strategy.In order to advance this strategy, Brunswick is establishing new leaders with strong technology experience and strengthening its development capability and investments in electrification technology and programs, in addition to autonomy and connectivity.In support of this effort…

Photo: Riviera

Riviera to Premiere 52 Enclosed Flybridge in Caribbean

Australia's luxury motor yacht builder, Riviera, in partnership with dedicated Riviera and Belize representative Wally Castro Marine, will  premiere its blue-water 52 Enclosed Flybridge model in a display of four gleaming Riviera motor yachts at the eighth Caribbean International Boat Show in Puerto Rico over three days beginning on March 22.The show is held at Marina Puerto del Ray in Fajardo, Puerto Rico, the home marina of Wally Castro Marine.Dealer principal Wally Castro said…

Torqeedo to Roll-out New Electric Boating Products

Torqeedo says it will display its new products for electric mobility with Torqeedo’s 2019 innovations and its full line of electric boating products in a forthcoming boat show.The makers of electric motors and hybrid drive systems will display new 100 kW motors as part of their fully integrated Deep Blue and Deep Blue Hybrid drive systems at Salon Nautique International, Paris.Twice as powerful as were previously available, these quiet, clean and low-maintenance electric drive systems are available in two versions: low-rpm for displacement boats and high-rpm for planing boats.Torqeedo will also display an upgraded…

Volvo Penta’s chief technology officer, Johan Carlsson, and system engineer, Karin Åkman, discuss innovation for electromobility at the company’s new development-and-test laboratory in Gothenburg. (Photo: Volvo Penta)

Volvo Penta Going Full Charge into Hybrid & All-electric Drivelines

Aiming to become a driving force in sustainable power solutions, Volvo Penta says it is going full charge into hybrid and all-electric drivelines, offering electrified solutions in both its marine and industrial segments by 2021.Volvo Penta’s chief technology officer, Johan Carlsson, and system engineer, Karin Åkman, discussed innovation for electromobility at the company’s new development-and-test laboratory in Gothenburg.By 2021, Volvo Penta will provide electrified power solutions for both its land and sea-based business segment…

Torqeedo Deep Blue system (Photo: Torqeedo)

Torqeedo, BMW Cooperate on Emissions-free Drive System

Around the world with BMW i and Torqeedo technology: German sailor Boris Herrmann is planning to compete for the Yacht Club de Monaco in the Vendée Globe solo, around-the-world race in 2020 with the yacht Malizia. BMW and Torqeedo plan to support Team Malizia with lightweight construction and zero-emission drive technology.BMW has a record of technology transfer between competitive sailing and automobile manufacturing through their long history of involvement in the America’s Cup.

Torqeedo Acquired by DEUTZ

Independent engine manufacturer DEUTZ announced it has acquired Torqeedo, provider of electric drive systems for watercraft. As an independent subsidiary of DEUTZ AG, Torqeedo will continue product development under its established Torqeedo brand and with its current leadership. Founded 12 years ago in Starnberg, Germany, and supported by venture capital so far, DEUTZ said the acquisition marks a new phase in its development. “As part of DEUTZ, Torqeedo will realize substantial opportunities in the areas of industrialization, supply chain management, sales and service.

Presentation of the DNV GL certificate by Dr. Olaf Richter (right) in the presence of his inspector, Dieter Ekat (2nd from left) who supported the test series, to Piening boss Mathias Pein (2nd from right) and his designer, Pierre Adam (left). (Phjoto: Otto Piening GmbH)

Controllable Pitch Propeller with Water-based Hydraulic System

Otto Piening GmbH, a member company of the DEUTSCHE YACHTEN working group, is venturing for the first time into the development of controllable pitch propellers that can be operated using a water-based hydraulic system in place of oil. This environmentally-friendly, world-first has now been certified by classification society DNV GL and approved for the megayacht market as well as for research, naval and coastguard vessels. More than two million pitch adjustment cycles under full…

Side-Power Stabilizers for Ocean Alexander 70e

IMTRA, a manufacturer and importer of marine products, announced  that, through its partnership with Merritt Island Boat Works, the Ocean Alexander 70e will be the first production yacht in the U.S. to use the new Side-Power Vector Fins Stabilizer System. Traditional boat stabilizers are designed to reduce roll when a vessel is underway or at anchor. Side-Power Stabilizer Systems successfully provide dramatic role reduction that delivers the stable platform boaters want, without locking the boat into a fixed plane. Side-Power’s Vector Fins allow a vessel to bank naturally through a turn while keeping roll to a minimum…

Photo: Torqeedo

Torqeedo Expands Product Line in 2016

Torqeedo launches several new drive systems. These electric boating additions expand the range of possible applications. The first Cruise Fixed Pod (FP) motors now offer sailors and powerboat enthusiasts pod drives with Torqeedo's industry-leading technology. These models deliver powerful thrust with the performance equivalent of a 5, 8 or 20 hp combustion engine, and, with an optional folding propeller, are the long-awaited choice of electric motors for sailboat owners. Inconspicuously mounted below water, the lightweight and powerful pod drives save space.

Photo: Vanquish Yachts

Dutch Yacht for the American Market

Vanquish Yachts in the Netherlands has developed a new model in its sports boat range especially for the American market. The VQ46 Dual Console 46 foot cruiser offers hand-built quality with classic Vanquish elements of a high performance, maximum maneuverability and a striking design for owners who enjoy everything from sports fishing with friends to extended cruises with the family. The first VQ46 Dual Console is currently being built at the Vanquish facility in Holland, and will be ready in time for the 2016 season.

Photo courtesy of MTU

MTU's Yacht Offerings on Display in Monaco

Press release - Rolls-Royce will present MTU propulsion systems and automation products for megayachts at the Yacht Show in Monaco from September 23-26, 2015. On show on Stand QC9 on the Quai Chicane there will be a model of an MTU Type 20V 4000 M93 engine combined with an electric motor in a hybrid configuration. Visitors will be shown a variety of drive modes from silent mode through to electric mode. The MTU brand is part of Rolls-Royce Power Systems within the Land & Sea division of Rolls-Royce.

Photo courtesy of L-3 MSI

L-S MSI to Exhibit at Cruise Shipping Miami

L-3 Marine Systems International (L-3 MSI) will showcase a range of systems and services for cruise ship operations, including automation, integrated navigation, dynamic positioning, onboard entertainment and drive systems, in Hall C, Stand 1931, at Cruise Shipping Miami, March 16-19. L-3 noted that its highlights will include live demonstrations of the advanced NACOS Platinum series. Also featured as part of the demonstrations will be an L-3 Valmarine multifunctional VALMATIC…

MTU Showcases E Drive at Monaco Yacht Show

The Rolls-Royce brand MTU is at this year’s Monaco Yacht Show, showcasing its propulsion and system solutions for mega yachts.The range includes both standardised drive packages and customised system solutions, such as the E Drive system incorporating diesel engines and electric motors, transmission, electronics and energy storage system. The MTU portfolio combines the benefits of diesel-powered drives with those of purely electrically powered alternative drive systems. (The MTU brand is part of Rolls-Royce Power Systems within the Marine and Industrial Power Systems division of Rolls-Royce).

Photo courtesy of Rotor Marine

Rotor Marine Motor Stabilizes Luxury Superyacht

Service engineers asked to replace an electric motor on a yacht’s roll stabilizer had to rethink their standard practices when they realized that the vessel in question was the ultra luxurious Hampshire II. The yacht had just completed extensive sea trials prior to being handed over to the owner. While in dock in Barcelona, it was decided to replace the main drive motor on the stabilizer. “Stabilizers are very important on luxury yachts, because the owners are seeking a very specific experience…

America’s Cup Winning Rudder on Display at U.S. Sailboat Show

A rudder from ORACLE TEAM USA's AC72 racing catamarans will be displayed at Mack Boring & Parts Company's Yanmar booth at the United States Sailboat Show in Annapolis. The 12' high carbon fiber rudder was transported from San Francisco following ORACLE TEAM USA's memorable come from behind win in the 34th America's Cup competition. The rudder will stand in the Mack Boring booth for the duration of the show, Oct. 10-14. Visitors are invited to bring their cameras to get their photo standing next to this piece of America's Cup racing history.

yanmarmarine.com

Oracle Team USA Wins the 34th America’s Cup

Oracle Team USA with Yanmar Co., Ltd. (Yanmar) as its Official Technical Partner has won the 34th America’s Cup in a brilliant performance that puts it in a class of its own at the top of world racing. With the series opener held September 7th on San Francisco’s picturesque bayside, Oracle  Team USA soon found itself in trouble and by day 8 of competition its opponents, Emirates Team New Zealand, needed just one more win to seal victory. Thus began one of the more remarkable comebacks in recent sporting history…

Couplings For Maximum Comfort

Leisure boats are generally characterised by drive systems that are specially optimized with respect to comfort and noise. The drive engines used for such applications are those that typically have a high level of power density and low weight. In conjunction with this lightweight construction design, there are stringent requirements specified for optimal response to torsional vibrations and the misalignment capacity of flexible couplings. Vulkan Couplings offers the leading product portfolio for these applications that consists of elastic engine mounts…

Sail or ‘fly’ ?

From the company that invented the Autohelm, Raymarine  previewed the latest in autopilot technology; Evolution autopilots. The Evolution combines advanced aerospace guidance technology with Raymarine’s marine autopilot expertise to deliver a new level of accurate autopilot control. Tasked with producing an autopilot that has superior performance compared to anything available on the market, has no need of a set-up compass swing or calibration, and does not need to be adjusted to  the boat to which it is fitted, the Raymarine teams have achieved their goal.