Volvo Penta of the Americas expanded the Volvo Penta IPS propulsion system into the repower market.

After successfully shipping more than 10,000 units since its 2005 inception and extensive experience with 122 builders and more than 230 boat models worldwide, Volvo Penta of the Americas says the time is right to expand into the repower market.

Several repower projects are already under way.

"Many customers have expressed interest in upgrading their boats to new technology platforms. By upgrading to IPS, customers can experience all the benefits of easy joystick docking, quiet cruising, and unparalleled fuel savings all in an exhaust-free environment," said Kent Lundgren, vice president new business development, in a statement.

The IPS horsepower range, from IPS 350 through IPS 1200, opens the door to evaluate repower projects in pleasure and commercial boats ranging from 31 feet to 100 feet, the company said.

** Where do I sign?

I'm not sure how that would be done without doing extensive modifications to the hull. On IPS equipped boats the engine sits in a different position and is much lower in the hull than a typical I/O or inboard engine.

The hull in an IPS boat is also strengthened and flattened at the point where the lower unit attaches.

Manufacturers that make boats for IPS and typical inboard systems have two completely different hulls to accomodate them. Stringers are located differently, transoms are different, engine rooms are different, etc.

I'm not sure I'd want some company changing the stringer systems in my boat. That's ultimately where much of the hull strength comes from.

That was my first thought as well.

What if they mounted the engine against the inside of the transom and hung the IPS off the outside of the transom? All they'd need to do to add trim to it is turn it around so the props face the other way. This could revolutionize boating! :-)

Geez, I wounder what they would call it?

umm, SPI?

SPI = Special Purpose Installation?????

This is what they call it when they sucker someone into repowering by only quoting him the cost of the engines and IPS drives but not including the cost of modifying his boat to handle the new installation?????

I'm guessing the modifications to the hull could exceed the cost of the engines.

I dunno, SPI is just IPS spelled backwards...

Guys, I'm pretty sure Dave was creating an Inboard/Outboard!