Gearbox steps up Penta performance

StepDrive is a new two-speed automatic gearbox that dramatically improves the performance of boats equipped with standard Volvo Penta diesel engines.

StepDrive is a new two-speed automatic gearbox that dramatically improves the performance of boats equipped with standard Volvo Penta diesel engines.

The new gearbox will form the centrepiece of the Newage Transmissions presentation on Stand S2502 at the London International Boat Show in January 2004.

Now available from six approved installation centres throughout the UK, the all-new Newage StepDrive units have consistently exceeded the company's claimed 25% increase in boat acceleration and ability to get onto the plane 20% faster than before, when timed during exhaustive sea trials earlier this year.

By providing a reduction ratio of around 25% in addition to its direct drive top gear, StepDrive not only significantly improves boat performance, but also reduces creep speed, emissions and noise when manoeuvring in busy marinas or restricted waterways.

The two-speed StepDrive has been developed specifically by Newage as a retrofit product for the Volvo Penta Duoprop 290 drive leg.

It fits entirely within the centre section of the Volvo unit and, when operating in top gear, does not affect the leg's overall reduction ratio.

The change from low to high gear occurs automatically at a pre-determined engine speed, which is optimised to the individual boat and engine combination.

During deceleration, low ratio is engaged as the engine speed falls below 1500rev/min.

The unit's reduction gearing increases propeller efficiency at slow speeds and during accelerating, making StepDrive ideal for marginally powered diesel-engined boats, as well as for enhancing performance if owners switch from petrol to diesel units.

Additionally, the gearbox's ability to closely match engine torque and power curves frequently allows boats to be re-propped to achieve higher top speeds.

In operation, StepDrive provides extremely smooth changes between ratios, as well as noticeable improvements to both low and high speed running.

The new unit also substantially reduces the characteristic "clunk" as drive is engaged at low speed, with a corresponding reduction in wear to the drive's cone clutch.

As a result, the engine operates more smoothly, under less stress and will return improved fuel economy.

A twin StepDrive installation can normally be completed in around a day, with further in-water commissioning required to set the optimum gear change point.

All units carry a two-year warranty and are available nationwide through the following six regional installations centres: DB Marine of Cookham, BA Peters in Chichester, Maldon-based Volspec, Marine Engineering Looe of East Looe, Southampton-based RK Marine, and Abersoch Land and Sea in Pwllheli.

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