And often, pods do have less torque than shaft-driven boats. And if they dont want them, I cant talk them into it.. The most remarkable performance advantage was one that sent every propulsion and boatbuilding engineer to the drawing board to imitate: the joystick control system. Im all about new technology. Thats opened up more opportunities and options for OEMS.. How many buyers do you think reconsider upgrading to pods because of the extra maintenance cost? Are there particular production years that performed better than others. Cummins uses aluminum-gallium anodes to best protect bronze drives. He gives even higher praise to the Clean Wake exhaust feature. vs. 0.8 nmg pods @ 16.2 kts.). While Buckley gets an impressive 50 mph with his pods, quad outboards would likely get another 5 to 10 mph. The transmission and steering units are quite robust and I dont expect any serviceability issues from them. Eager to fish with them, I was along with Ed Szilagyi, then Volvos boatbuilder installation liaison and company captain, on that same Tiara demo. But how do you compare boats? Use Volvo or Cummins zincs too, which arent zinc at all. But not many boat owners ponied up the cash to switch to pods. Theyre the cleanest-burning motors Ive experienced. We do a lot of high-speed trolling for wahoo at around 16 knots, and all the exhaust is under the water, so you dont smell diesel fumes.. At the 2005 Miami Boat Show Volvo Penta introduced its Inboard Performance System (IPS) and changed forever not only the way we run our boats but the way we think about running them. Featuring a patented design that provides the simplest solution for vaping on the go with your Zeus 3rd generation vaporizer. One issue that early pod adopters discovered, usually to their financial surprise, was the necessity of checking the shaft seals regularly, and replacing them on a scheduled basisevery five years is about right for most folks. Part of that comes as a side effect to the benefits of the props angle of attack. Dont compare them to stern drives. There arent many external mechanicals, no rubber bellows or other components to fail, he added. And with good reasonthese propulsion systems offer several major-league advantages over traditional inboard power, so once a few savvy boaters got their hands on 'em . Many boatbuilders have installed Zeus in existing designs as we did with the Sabre 42 Express. Thats the environment marine propulsion engineers entered when they envisioned a new pod-drive system, a form of propulsion for boats that could change the way anglers pursue big game. Also demanding periodic attention are hydraulic steering, transmission, and lower-unit oils. Initially, I too was surprised at the lack of trained techs in my area but once I realized you can use Mercury techs that have been to Mercury Diesel school, more options opened up. I have personally ruled out any boat with PODS, IPS or ZEUS, for those 2 main reasons. The bill to undo the resulting carnage came to $46,000, a figure that couldnt have been much worse if pods had been involved.). Its important to maintain good antifouling. Pods have water intakes, exhausts and other places that are inviting to marine critters, and keeping them out is important. Like most everything, making the decision to go conventional or pod is a personal choice. Four different fluids just to service them. I simulated backing through a slalom course in reverse, moving faster than any angler could ever gain line. Its fun. Warranty concerns may shorten the list of service providers. It seems like this new tech gadgetry would have been off-putting to the salty captains, and it was, particularly among the sport-fisher crowds, who already had their docking and fish-fighting skills well honed. Inboard fans argue that the pod-drives lack torque. This article originally appeared in the February 2014 issue of Power & Motoryacht magazine. They dont cavitate and they dont ventilate. To me the unit as a whole is way to complex than it needs to be. Over the years, Ive found online forums to be some of the most ready places for first-hand accounts of engine-related problems. If you refuse cookies we will remove all set cookies in our domain. When I troll, I can turn it on and the exhaust bypasses the pod and comes out just above the water. What does a shaft-type propulsion system really need? Mark their location any way you can, with a waypoint or a buoy, said Steve Little, president ofTowBoatU.S. Its also hard to put a price on joystick control, which completely changes dockside handling. All with a simple push or twist of the joystick. I guess you could say I'm a power user that vapes around 1-2 grams a day and after almost a week of use, I'm still on my first ArcPod. Volvo Pentas IPS drive features patented forward-facing props, which lets them bite into clean water. Also, you dont know how often the shaft seals will need replacement. Can anyone speak to when there were evolutionary changes in the Zeus pods? Reply To: Cummins QSB Low Battery ECM Voltage, Marine Age the REAL age of a Marine Diesel Engine, Propellers Move Boats, Engines Just Turn Them, Everything you Need to Know About Marine Exhaust Systems, Continuous Duty A Different Perspective, This topic has 9 replies, 6 voices, and was last updated. Although there are claims of 30 percent efficiency gains in cruise and top-end speed as well as fuel savings, the results vary from boat to boat when compared to straight shaft and prop configurations. What if you do hit something? he says. Here at TVAPE we offer free shipping on every order above $100.00 inside Canada and USA. Controlled at low speeds by a joystick rather than wheel, shifts, and throttles, pods take most of the angst, the apprehension, and, sometimes, the sheer terror out of close-quarters maneuvering. How much of the additional initial cost will you get back at trade-in time? Ten years ago, many old-timers predicted that complex pod systems, with their computer-managed guidance, fly-by-wire controls, and inaccessible drive units tucked under the hull, would need constant repair and maintenance. The counter-rotating propellers and large rubber grommets the engine is mounted on means reduced vibration and engine noise. Long term cost of ownership based on 5- 10+ years of use, cruising long distances at economical wine & cheese hull speeds, ease of service (or just getting service or support) any time/any place. Sabre Yachts, for example, first offered pods in 2008 as an option over straight shafts in the 42-foot express cruiser. Nor did I want to. Weve been serving local Ventura County, California since 1980 as a custom boat builder, repower specialist, designer, and supplier of equipment to builders, commercial fishermen, and recreational users. If that aint enough, Seven Marine builds a 557- or 627-horsepower small-block V-8 configured as an outboard motor. Volvo Penta has 16,000 pod-drive boats in the marketplace right now. Its the joystick maneuvering system that sells it. In addition, I enjoy the added efficiencies Tony mentions above. The tank has a 24mm diameter (0.94 inches) and measures 50.5mm tall (2 inches tall). Then realized it was a conversation which I figured was private so I reposted here. And, if you preferred to stand, Viking built the helm so you could control the pods with traditional dual levers.. ZF also built far larger pods that could handle far more horsepower. Click to enable/disable essential site cookies. The downside is that a boat with less horsepower is more easily burdened by loading the boat. The Zeus ArcPods are the convenient method of preparing, loading, and transporting your dry herb for use with your Zeus Arc GTS or Arc S vaporizer. Estimating the yearly cost isnt easy either, since yard rates vary and some pods need more upkeep than others. Watch on Description Patented and designed for use with 3rd generation vaporizers such as the Zeus Arc GTS and Arc S, Zeus ArcPods make it easier and more convenient than ever to take your vaporizer and herb with you. For nearly a decade, pod propulsion looked like it would render inboards obsolete. The pod-drives gave us the ability to manage the narrow locks and small marinas along that route without a bow thruster. Discussion in 'Engines' started by JamCruiser, Jun 20, 2020. But pod-drive engines use counter-rotating props. Some could be rotated 180 degrees and run adequately facing either fore or aft. We only go around once anyway, so pay the money, grab the joystick, and have some angst-free enjoyment. All told, figure $500 per engine annually, plus haul-out fees. A failed shaft seal lets water into the pod, with unfortunate and expensive results. I am looking for a larger boat in the same size range as you. Zirk fittings require grease in U-joints and at both ends of jack shafts that connect engines to drives. They tasked ZF Marine to bring them a transmission that would mate with their Zeus pod, electronic controls and joystick steering. For more information and/or quote, please complete the contact form below. With the pods, there is only a very slight, nearly unnoticeable change in the amount of flavor in the vapor, but it's a very small trade-off for the level of convenience that they deliver. Were still trying to sort through the answer to that one. Volvo includes neither a water alarm nor a clear reservoir, so check the single transmission and gear oil dipstick for signs of water. Check the status of an existing order here. Is there some X Factor or Factors that negates the pods proven advantages? Our mentality could be considered the opposite of todays kids in relation to new technology. are zeus pods still being manufactured. Cleaning also maximizes efficiency of the pods contrarotating propellers. The company didnt invent them, but it made pod a household word among boaters. Just add a bracket and bolt them on, install the digital controls and joystick and youre set. Sea Ray sells the 460 Sundancer with twin 550-horsepower Cummins diesels, with either V-drive or Zeus drives; the Zeus option adds $113,333 to the $1,004,768 price, according to Sea Ray. Thats a hard question to answer, due to the past 15 months, Meissner says, referring to the economic recession. (I know you're supposed to replace each use for both the other companies, but it is possible to get more than one sesh out of each pod). In short, I love my Cummins 6.7 units and I am getting happier each day with the Zeus pods as I learn them and how to care for them. So the fact that pod systems are loaded with electronics actually makes them less prone to failureand unfortunately an unfathomable mystery to most mechanics. Here are both performance charts. We need 2 cookies to store this setting. Corrosion can cause expensive damage, and quickly, too. The ZEUS ArcPods have hit the 2022 market. Pod performance has inspired outboard and stern-drive builders to develop similar control systems that can be retrofitted to existing boats, something not practical with pods. Yes they are neat and intriguing as to handling, fuel economy and socialability but all at the price of a steep servicing regiment, a potential for high costs and high stress trying to get the proper qualified servicing or repairs and more computer technology to troubleshoot and stay on top of as to firmware updates, gremlins, etc. Oh, and if youre a do-it-yourselfer, youll discover that a lot of pod maintenance requires specialized tools and training. For the best experience on our site, be sure to turn on Javascript in your browser. There is definitely more maintenance with pods, said John Siebert. Each IPS has anodes as well, one up inside the exhaust tunnel (the other is on the transom); both Zeus anodes are on the trim tabs where theyre easy to reach. But this will always prompt you to accept/refuse cookies when revisiting our site. Skip to the beginning of the images gallery, Zeus ArcPods are finally here! Parts for them now have to go through mercury. If you lose oil or get water in the lower unit, an alarm will sound before the problem becomes catastrophic, Fessenden said of Cummins drives. And while its hard to nail down the amount of that fuel-efficiency edge, everyone agrees it does exist and can compensate you for at least some of the additional maintenance costs. Shafts, Props and a good ole thruster or 2 can have you handling your boat like a POD boat. In sum, with todays technology, the best combination might be a shaft boat, bow and stern thrusters, and the Cummins power plant with electronic joy stick controls. You are free to opt out any time or opt in for other cookies to get a better experience. Looking at other online sources, people seem to be in Love or Hate camps.what are the facts please? All told, figure $500 per engine annually, plus haul-out fees. You cant take the grate off to clean or paint in there. His solution is to spray Interlux Trilux 33 or Pettit Alumaspray Plus from aerosol cans inside the seawater intakes. Especially if you plan on going on extended trips Pretty much wherever you ventured you would have always found someone to get you out of trouble with your 6BTA 370s and conventional drive line but if things go wrong your odds of getting the help you need and having anything left in your wallet (or hairs left in your head) could be less than favorable. More interior room? As you will find by reading the articles on this forum about prop load and engine life, the resulting need to swap out your props with the Pods is expensive when compared to regular shafts and props. The biggest thing marketed to promote the system was its efficiency compared to a regular shaft and prop system, as well as joystick maneuverability. You need go no farther than your marina to hear a list of suspects. When pods shear off, their recovery might cost a huge percentage of their value. At that time, the company boat was a 38-foot express cruiser with a pair of Volvo D6 370 hp diesels matched to IPS 500 series drives. I have a 2013 Sabre 42 with the Cummins/Zeus pod units. Yes, BM, thanks for all the info and posting your actual experiences always adds a lot of value to any discussion. Fashioned out of high quality aluminum, the Zeus ArcPods are designed to hold up to 0.3 grams of dry herb and work perfectly with the Zeus Xtruder which directly connects to, fills up, and automatically ejects the pod once the optimal amount of dry herb has been loaded. If we have to go searching or put divers in the water, thats another story. To prevent later claims of piracy, come to an agreement beforehand, Little said. They get people excited about buying a new boat.. Zeus ArcPods - The 3rd Generation of Vaporizers is Here! Zeus ArcPods Lid pack filled with 50 paper lids for the Zeus ArcPods (sold separately). are zeus pods still being manufactured how did lesley sharp lose weight julho 1, 2022. jack the ripper documentary bbc . If you get to know these pods and keep regular checks on fluid levels, they will treat you well. cable tension calculator; neptune east coast reservation. With a shaft and strut inboard, you can pretty much pull up to any marina in the world and get it serviced. You must be logged in to reply to this topic. Oh boy, the lids. (Volvo Penta soon followed suit.). Click to enable/disable _ga - Google Analytics Cookie. On the other hand, touching bottom only hard enough to bend the propellers will likely cost more on pods, because they have two props to repair on each drive. But in that case, its the ability to point and shoot that gives them comfort level. Cummins QSC 8.3 Zeus pods long term support, https://www.yachtforums.com/converszeus-pods-long-term-support.17232/#navigation, https://www.sabreyachts.com/motor-yachts/fly-bridge-sedan-48/fly-bridge-48-performance-data, (You must log in or sign up to reply here.). Short term fun, handling / high end features, and higher speeds vs. shaft drives at the same total (no too heavy) weight Mostly yes to these parameters, ZEUS would come in 1st. On the other hand, pod boats typically dont have bow thrusters. The lower units (gear housing) will need to be resealed and I expect to have to do this every 5 years or so. Fuel savings can be weighed against additional maintenance, but economy varies with each boat and depends on how its used. First, hull efficiency was enhanced, because the props were always aligned with the direction of motion in the boat. Yet the pod makers are quickly closing that gap, and captains who have run them for several years indicate that the reliability has been very good. Nevertheless, pods are making inroads. Cabos sport-fisher benefits from Cummins Mercruiser Diesels Zeus drive. Inboards require sacrificial-anode replacement, prop adjustment, cutless bearing repair, shaft alignment, and a method of controlling marine growth. The maneuverability of the boat is what sells it, especially in close quarters, he says. His company, Siebert Yacht Management commissions and maintains most new Sabre boats delivered to Palm Beach County, Florida, giving him considerable experience with Volvo IPS drives on Sabres 38- and 54-foot models and with Cummins Zeus drives on Sabres 42- and 48-footers, as well as those same hulls with conventional shafts. Inboards props are angled downward, diminishing the power directed toward forward motion. You can also change some of your preferences. Pods from all manufacturers have proven reliable and trouble-free, when maintained correctly. Outboards give you the pod advantage, but without the esoteric technology. Most pods also require periodic removal and inspection of prop sets and seals, and re-greasing of the propshaftsfigure $250 per pod. Finger pointing is worse in any situation when it is out of warranty, then you are left on a deserted island. Plan on replacing the anodes at least annually, using the correct alloy: Most pods use aluminum anodes, not zinc. That said, the pods are a bit more in annual maintenance. We created Lids for you to reuse your Aluminum ArcPods. The pods combine transmission, steering, and propulsion that would otherwise entail separate trans, shaft/prop, thrusters, and rudders. Featuring a patented design that provides the simplest solution for vaping on the go with your Zeus 3rd generation vaporizer. That could make billing a fish tough if you have to strain to reach the water. Simply pop in a pod and enjoy your herbs. Zeus and ZF have only a few thousand pods in use. Charleston. Volvo uses only one oil, while Cummins uses three different ones in Zeus drives. While the maintenance schedule varies somewhat among pod builders, its essentially the same. Alas, the fact that electronics dont respond well to brute force may mean some service challenges, at least in the short term, which is why long-distance cruisers have, as a group, been wary of pods. Pivoting a boat is simply accomplished by twisting a joystick. Richard Thiel, in February 2014. A racing motor with a warranty? And hitting something hard at speed would strip the pods off the bottom as neat as you please. However, the patent on forward-facing props a feature that Volvo Penta claims gives its drives better traction by letting the broad blades and narrow hubs of their counter-rotating props turn in clean water well below the surface was not utilized. Yes, pods have sheared off upon striking something immovable (as theyre designed to do), leaving the hull intact and the owner with a five-figure repair bill. The drive can be simultaneously connected to electric propulsion too. Zeus service includes changing 0w30 SAE transmission oil, hydraulic steering oil and filters inside the hull as well as 90-weight gear oil outside the hull. Partly because of their angle of attack and partly because of their slightly forward position under the hull, pods gave more speed, better acceleration and more miles per gallon on the same horsepower. maritime ships for sale near vienna; octagon mirror feng shui; does zwift work with proform In the past decade, high-tech pod drives have changed the face of powerboating, and for the better. The Zeus ArcPods are the convenient method of preparing, loading, and transporting your dry herb for use with your Zeus Arc GTS or Arc S vaporizer. The inboard has simplicity and ubiquity. are zeus pods still being manufacturedbest air quality cities in arizona 27 avril 2022. are zeus pods still being manufacturedaluminum upright bass for sale 16 avril 2022; are zeus pods still being manufacturedwooden postcard postage 24 mars 2022; They have the only tech here that will work on them. Hang around a boatyard, and youll hear at least one horror story about some unfortunate soul who was stranded, or worse, because his pods failed. To start with, Zeus and IPS boats have to be hauled after their first 25 engine-hours. JavaScript seems to be disabled in your browser. Great contribution Blue Magnolia..that rings true and honest. Inboard props slip in both forward and reverse. Exhaust fumes are emitted into the prop wash. We didnt have to touch it until we got back to San Diego.). These versatile drive systems are not as popular as once thought. Pods are robust.. I agree with Rob. On the Cummins side, only two Cummins dealers on the Chesapeake have been to Pod school. Changes will take effect once you reload the page. And once the numbers are crunched, are pods worth it? Spencer Yachts builds an 87-footer with ZF pods, and Smith was integral to the development process. The Arc GTS is no . Sorry, but as an ex-Cummins and Merc dealer, I've lost all faith in the Zeus system. Most new boats developed in the 35- to 45-foot class were pods. Instead, Zeus pods came with traditional aft-facing props and the traditional exhaust-through-hub design. Each pod turns independently of the other, giving remarkable maneuverability. (And when the struts rip out, they can take parts of the hull with them, something that probably wont happen with pods.) I had the opportunity to run several different boats at Volvos test center in Gothenburg, Sweden, during the companys international press launch, and there is no doubt I was intrigued by the system. The biggest fear boaters have is not about running out in the open water. I had SeaVee owner Ariel Pared with me when we pulled away from the dock sideways, crabbing away briskly from our side-to moor. Other than checking anodes, Petzold said the most important thing to do is change the fluids per the maintenance schedule, and use the recommended gear oil, or oils. Will Pod-Drives Overtake Conventional Shafts and Struts? The counter-rotating propellers and large rubber grommets the engine is mounted on means reduced vibration and engine noise. Siebert prefers Boeshield T-9. While it is possible to reuse lids to reduce your consumption cost, they will impact the flavor negatively, same way as a disposable cup will impact the flavour of your coffee negatively if reused. Superior to bow thrusters, which can drain your battery and leave you stranded - Zeus Joystick Piloting for Pods is integrated with the pod drives, without relying on battery power. There are many factors that go into all of this, not the least of which are service and technical expertise to repair the systems, parts availability and costs for purchase and maintenance. The owner of the boat spent almost 40k on the drives themselves and they were just under 8 years old. Savings on a long haul might disappear when slowing to navigate a tricky channel or speeding up to avoid a storm. Instead of having to jog throttles and shift levers to effect a maneuver, simply push, pull or twist the joystick and the boat follows the -directions, pivoting in place or crabbing sideways say, into a slip thats just long enough to fit your vessel. It gets all the bubbles out of the wake, he says. Outboards are easy. Today, 250s are middle of the road: Triple and quad 300s are common, and 400s built for everyday use are available, too. A Bonnier LLC Company. If you seem to be going through zincs quickly, call an electrician, Fessenden warned. Pods also increase fuel economy and decrease vibration. Big-game fishing is a pursuit rife with tradition and time-proven tactics. No thrusters are required, saving more cash. by | Jul 3, 2022 | small rosary tattoo | Jul 3, 2022 | small rosary tattoo The New York State Canal is just one of the many great scenic boat trips North America has to offer, and the numerous locks create a lot of tight-quarters maneuvering. "Cummins says you don't have to haul, but it takes a lot more time to suck that heavy oil out than to just drain it from the bottom," Siebert said. Rob makes a very good point about service network and availability of skill in your intended cruising area. The lids are essential and for one-time use only. They have shafts, they have props, and they can get more if they need them. Joystick control? You can check these in your browser security settings. Its a whole new world of boathandling out there, one all of us can enjoy. By using a vaporizer, you understand that inhalation is inadvisable as it may be harmful, and use of a vaporizer is done at your own risk. Pods require drive-oil changes every 250 hours or annually. One described his skepticism like this: Its just too good to be true. Volvo doesn't offer the option of in-water service. If one engine vibrates in gear and the other doesnt, its probably caused by fouled or damaged props. You must be at least 19 years from Canada and 21 years from USA to buy and/or use this website. I was surprised by how light and long lasting these were. The vaporizers displayed on this website are not intended for or made to prevent, treat or diagnose any illness. Bottom Line. Most pod boats burn roughly the same per mile through a wide range of cruising speeds; conventional shaft boats typically have a narrow sweet spot. Over time, fishing line will damage the seal, and it can score the shaft, too. Comfort Onboard comfort is improved too. Volvo Penta officially introduced IPS (Inboard Performance System) pod drives at the 2005 Miami Boat Show; Cummins and ZF Marine followed, one and four years later, with their own versions. Finally theres antifoulant for the drive. Outboards are, in my opinion, the most interesting. We may request cookies to be set on your device. Volvo Penta introduced the first pod-drive system in 2004. Arrogant factory leadership, poor parts fill, and high parts prices scared me off. Pods are comprised of some very costly components, but theoretically, their modular design should yield some countervailing savings in labor costs. These come with various engine configurations but commonly, with QSB 425s which can be either shaft-drive or Zeus pods. Its hard to tell if sport fishermen will take to it. The pod-drive boats were clearly more maneuverable and accelerated more quickly than strut, shaft and -prop-drive inboards. You get a little cavitation but nothing close to the noise from shaft-drives, he says. If we can go straight to them and safely lift them into the boat, most tow boat operators are going to charge an hourly fee or a flat fee, and not claim salvage. Please be aware that this might heavily reduce the functionality and appearance of our site. They said it was so easy a child could do it, and sure enough, it wasnt long before a lad barely out of kindergarten deftly maneuvered a 40-footer into a slip all by himself. Pods require drive-oil changes every 250 hours or annually. are zeus pods still being manufactured. They also dont have cutlass bearings or shaft seals to monitor and replace, nor separate rudders and steering systems to maintain, saving money on those items over the long haul. Ask to see the service records for the boats first year. (Volvo Penta soon followed suit.) For those first 25 hours, we use a break-in lube, said David Fessenden, a marine applications engineer with Cummins Atlantic. Zeus propeller shafts use a double-lip seal. Pod drives, including the Volvo Penta IPS, Cummins Zeus, ZF Marine POD 4000, and CAT Three60 POD 650 have taken the recreational boat market by storm during the recent past.