IPS vs. Straight Shaft | Galeon 325 GTO | 10 Tips for Green Boating - 05/03/22

Test Video

Palm Beach 70

Straight Shafts vs. IPS

The crew at Palm Beach has tested its PB70 flagship with three different engine packages, all using the Volvo Penta D-13 engine. The 900-hp IPS pod drives come standard. The 1,000-hp IPS drives and 1,000-hp straight shaft systems are optional. Since no one drives at top speed and best cruising speed depends on the conditions, look at range at 21 knots, which is a reasonable compromise between range and speed. 

The PB70 has a 1,585 gal. (6,000 L) fuel capacity. At 21 knots, the PB70 has a range of 840 nautical miles with the 900-hp IPS and the straight-shaft 1,000-hp D-13 engines, according to the builder. At 21 knots, she covers 969 NM with the 1,000-hp IPS, says Palm Beach. All ranges are given with a 10% fuel reserve built-in. The 1,000-hp IPS also goes the fastest at 34.4 knots, compared to 33 knots for the other two systems. 

The twin 1,000-hp Volvo Penta inboards with a Twin Disc joystick that linked control of the engines with the bow and stern thrusters give the boat the same maneuverability as the pod drives. Palm Beach CEO Mark Richards tells us that the pods actually cost more than the engines themselves. We should add that the repair costs after a severe grounding should be far less with straight shafts and it is easier to carry a set of spare props. 

To see our test of the Palm Beach 70, click here...

Features Video

Galeon 325 GTO

Day Boat w/Expandable Layout

The 325 GTO is the smallest boat in the Galeon line. She is a crossover bowrider that sleeps four and she's a fully functional day boat with numerous entertaining features. The most noteworthy features of the boat are its fold-down port gunwale and its reversible transom seat that makes the stern a good place to launch watersports. With this vessel, Galeon — which primarily builds express and flybridge cruisers — is reaching down into the domain of traditional bowriders and bringing with it a big-boat feel. More...

Water Activities

Nautical Ventures

The World's Largest Aqua Toy Store

For people who like to stay active when they’re on the water, the good news is that there are more options than ever. Even better, Nautical Ventures, one of the most popular dealerships throughout South Florida, has the largest selection of water toys available and they can be rented or purchased at its seven locations. More...

Pre-Owned Yacht

2021 Cruisers Yachts 390 Sport Coupe

Lady Rasha

This low-hours freshwater 390 Sport Coupe has been kept in a covered slip. All services are up to date and custom and factory options make her worthy of consideration. She’s powered by twin 430-hp MerCruiser 8.2 MAG sterndrives. Her helm includes Raymarine premium electronics including 4kW open-array radar, joystick and autopilot. She also comes with a 7.5 kW Westerbeke generator. Among the options from the factory are twin stern umbrellas that broaden her appeal by providing protection from the elements. More...

Alternative Propulsion

Torqeedo Partners with Hydrogen Fuel Cell Maker

Torqeedo’s Deep Blue is available as an inboard or outboard electric boat engine.

Electric-boat propulsion pioneer Torqeedo has announced that it’s partnering with another German company, Proton Motor Fuel Cell GmbH to integrate hydrogen fuel-cell charging into Torqeedo’s propulsion systems for boats. The two Bavaria-based companies will collaborate on a marine hydrogen hybrid that combines Torqeedo’s Deep-Blue battery-driven propulsion system and Proton Motor’s fuel-cell technology. More...

Propellers

Basic Rules of Prop Selection

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Environmental Awareness

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Electric Propulsion

New Retractable Electric Motor

Simplifies Hybrid-Power Conversion

The retractable electric motors are self-contained and can be installed in multiple applications.

The new BlueNav BlueSpin system could be a solution for an owner that wants to add part-time electric propulsion without having to do major modifications to his/her boat. BlueSpin is a self-contained retractable electric motor that can be added to many boats with little or no structural work required. Once installed, it lets the pilot switch from fossil fuel to electric propulsion at the touch of a button. More...

Sovereign Boat Club

Tell Her About It!

Florida’s coastlines are no longer a secret. Why not enjoy what Florida living really has to offer by joining the Sovereign Boat Club? Memberships are more affordable than boat ownership and there is none of the responsibility or hassle. Learn more... 

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