Please select your home edition
Edition
Switch One Design

Volvo Penta boosts watersport experience with series of launches

by Volvo Penta 17 Feb 2023 08:42 PST
Enhanced watersports experience © Pablo Vaz

Volvo Penta announced several new solutions aimed at maximizing and diversifying time on the water for day boaters and watersport enthusiasts. The lineup of innovations is headlined by the Twin Forward Drive and perfectly paired V8-400 horsepower engine that together will lead to bigger adventures ahead.

Volvo Penta is deeply committed to investing across its full marine product range and bringing to market novel solutions that anyone can enjoy, regardless of experience level or activity of interest. This week at the Miami International Boat Show, the company revealed key additions to its offerings, focusing on wakesurfing and other tow watersports. Most significant is an extension of the popular Forward Drive propulsion system, which will now be available for use on larger boats.

Twin Volvo Penta Forward Drive and V8-400 HP Gasoline Engine

By perfecting the blend of traditional sterndrives with the adrenaline rush of a purpose-built wakesport boat, the versatile Volvo Penta Forward Drive has earned a place in thousands of boats since its 2015 introduction.

Now the company has announced an extension of the forward-facing, counter-rotating prop design with the new Volvo Penta Twin Forward Drive, paired with a soon-to-be released Volvo Penta V8-400 hp gasoline engine. This powerful combination enables all the benefits of the Forward Drive - superior maneuverability and fuel efficiency, fast acceleration and time to plane, powerful thrust and performance, low emission levels, and noticeable onboard comfort - to now be applied to larger vessels. This equates to bigger wakes, additional passengers, and more fun for watersports lovers.

The fully integrated Volvo Penta Twin Forward Drive and dual V8-400 HP engine package will be available in August 2023, and interest is expected to be high.

Enhanced Watersports Control

Volvo Penta's Watersports Control, compatible with the new Twin Forward Drive, has been enhanced with several updates. The operating system and touchscreen control are upgraded with a simplified menu, improved user interface and expanded diagnostics for a better all-around customer experience. It makes for a better way to enjoy the numerous benefits Watersports Control offers. These include the ability to create user wake profiles for up to 20 riders and easy ballast control for simple customization of the wake or surf waves. It also includes Tow Mode, which automatically accelerates to the pre-set engine speed and compensates for any changes in load. Even at full throttle, with Tow Mode engaged, the engine will not exceed its pre-set speed limit, even when accelerating at its maximum rate. The watersport control is available across the complete Volvo Penta Forward Drive range, including twin and single installations.

"The introduction of the Twin Forward Drive and additional enhancements to our portfolio serve as strong proof points to our dedication to making boating more intuitive, accessible and customizable," said Fredrik Högberg, president of Volvo Penta North America. "We're confident that by removing the complexities and expanding the capabilities, we'll attract more people to the water and improve the experience for boaters across the world."

Advanced Protection with Coastal Series

With new compatibility available for larger-size vessels, the Forward Drive experience can now be enjoyed along coastlines in addition to calm lake waters. Volvo Penta has also underlined its commitment to customer support, extending its comprehensive Coastal Series program to vessels equipped with the new Twin Forward Drive option. With seven-year transferable coverage, this optional package will protect against corrosion and improve service life for added peace of mind throughout all your saltwater adventures.

The Coastal Series option is only available in North America.

Related Articles

30% off Vaikobi puffers - this weekend only!
There's never been a better time to zip up and stay warm There's never been a better time to Zip up and stay warm in Vaikobi. Our quality-made Vaikobi Down Vests and Jackets are NOW 30% OFF UNTIL 22 JUNE! Posted on 20 Jun
Finn World Masters in Medemblik overall
'Incredible' Finn World Masters closes after epic week Pieter-Jan Postma, from The Netherlands, has won his second Finn World Masters title as the 2025 Finn World Masters drew to a close in Medemblik on Friday, after having won the title on Thursday with a day to spare. Posted on 20 Jun
24th Argentario Sailing Week day 2
Ideal wind conditions, breath-taking sea, and nothing but smiles on the docks Peter Isler (SPARTAN), Mark Faulkner (LEONORE), Roberto Lacorte (LULUNIKKA) Ariella Cattai (CRIVIZZA), Inigo Strez (HALLOWE'EN) and Rafael Pereira Aragón (MATRERO) continue to charge ahead in the overall rankings. Posted on 20 Jun
Cup Spy: "Burling Rule" unlikely to be changed
The Defender is unlikely to soften the Rules and allow open season on its sailing team. Despite the shift of three times America's Cup winner, Peter Burling it is understood that there is unlikely to be any softening of the Nationality rule to enable Burling to compete in the 38th America's Cup. Posted on 20 Jun
Top quality fleet ready for Course des Caps
2025 IMOCA Globe Series begins this weekend The Course des Caps-Boulogne sur Mer-Banque Populaire du Nord starts from Boulogne-sur-Mer in the Pas-de-Calais on June 29th and circumnavigates the British Isles via the northern tip of the Shetland Islands. Posted on 20 Jun
2025 GL52 Big Red Regatta gallery
The photos show some of the people of the class The photos show some of the people of the GL52 class at the 2025 Big Red Regatta. They are skilled, dedicated, athletes whose enthusiasm and ongoing commitment to improvement is unparalleled. Posted on 20 Jun
iQFOiL International Games set at Kieler Woche
The first time this cutting-edge Olympic windsurfing class takes a leading role at the festival All eyes will be on Kiel this week as the iQFOiL International Games begin tomorrow, Saturday, June 21, at Kieler Woche, marking the first time this cutting-edge Olympic windsurfing class takes a leading role at the iconic German sailing festival. Posted on 20 Jun
44Cup Marstrand 2025 preview
3rd event of the season in Sweden next week Historically this is the most consistently visited venue for the high performance owner-driver RC44 one designs and their owners, which have visited the remote picture postcard island on Sweden's west coast since 2011, with the sole exception of 2016. Posted on 20 Jun
Aspen renews sponsorship for Women's Match Race
As title sponsor of the 2025 Bermuda Women's Match Racing Regatta The Royal Bermuda Yacht Club and World Match Racing Tour has announced the return of leading speciality insurer and re-insurer ASPEN as title sponsor of the 2025 Bermuda Women's Match Racing Regatta to be held from 21-26 October. Posted on 20 Jun
Burling "excited' by Italian move
In a media statement issued by his Media Team, Burling says he remains fully committed to his role w In a media statement issued by his Media Team, Burling says he remains fully committed to his role with Black Foils, the New Zealand SailGP Team. Posted on 20 Jun
Switch One DesignSea Sure 2025Exposure Marine