03-07-2013, 03:41 PM
Tim,
The 3500 Sovran is a great boat. I have sold a few of them and have spent many hours behind wheel. IPS is a great system when maintained properly. It is a complex system and with complexity comes more expense to maintain it. I feel the benefits of increased maneuverability(high and low speed) and lower fuel burn are worth the added complexity.
1) When you had the survey performed, did you hire a separate engine/drive surveyor that is familiar with IPS? Most hull surveyors will go over the general components of the diesel engines and drives, but they normally do not include a detailed report. I would personally recommend hiring an engine surveyor well versed in VOLVO diesels and the IPS system.
2) Are you planning on keeping the vessel in the water or on a lift? An IPS boat kept in the water is going to require more maintenance and you are also going to have to keep a closer eye on things such as electrolysis, sacrificial anodes, marine growth and engine room corrosion of components.
I'm not a diesel mechanic or an IPS specialist, but I have sold dozens of IPS vessels and dealt with many issues with clients that have arisen over the years. In other words, I know just enough to be dangerous.
The first thing you should know is that the IPS system is completely computer controlled. The steering and shifting are controlled electronically. This means that a laptop is just as important when servicing and maintaining the IPS system as a set of wrenches.
The IPS system acts as transmission, muffler, raw water intakes, drive system and steering all-in-one. So yes, IPS will be more expensive to maintain than a traditional transmission/inboard set up.
The IPS is electrically steered via the computer. A high voltage (400 volts?) electric motor steers the drives. High voltage, water and metal can be a recipe for disaster if done incorrectly and not maintained properly. Volvo did an excellent job when designing the system, but care must be taken to maintain it properly. There are special sacrificial anodes mounted on the transom below the waterline just for the IPS drive units. They are not made of zinc like traditional anodes, but rather they are made of aluminum and magnesium. Rather than wear away and get smaller, they get lighter in weight while maintaining their shape and size. They must be replaced from time to time with the correct approved anodes. Their life span depends on the electrical currents in the water where you keep the vessel. They may have to be replaced yearly, biannually or quarterly. Failure to monitor and replace these anodes when necessary can lead to damage of the drive and propellers and if neglected long enough could lead to complete failure and necessitate replacement of the drives. Note: Only hire licensed professionals when installing electronics or electrical components. A bad wiring job in the engine room can cause severe electrolysis of the engines and drive units (Yes I have seen this in person - repair was over $25,000.00).
The drives contain gears, bearings and seals. Special oil is used internally to keep everything internally working properly. This oil should be checked regularly for proper level and should be changed at the recommended intervals by a certified technician.
The drives are not connected by tie bars, instead they are completely independent of each other. This allows for the amazing handling around the dock via the joystick and also allows for progressive steering at high speeds for increased performance. This also means that the alignment needs to be checked from time to time (every drive service). If you strike a submerged object or run aground, you will need to have the vessel hauled and checked for damage and alignment.
IPS uses smaller diameter props than traditional inboards. In order to compensate for the lack of diameter, the props spin at a much higher RPM than their inboard counterparts. Lower diameter and higher RPMs means that the props are much more sensitive to marine growth and also to vessel load. Just a tiny bit of growth can lead to substantial losses of speed. Overloading the vessel and/or towing tenders can also lead to substantial losses of performance and fuel economy. The good news is products like Prop/Speed (or equivalent) can be used to coat the props and keep the growth at bay. Traditional bottom paint will not stick to low RPM inboard props much less high RPM IPS props. Use the proper coatings.
Overloading and or towing: IPS drives work great when properly loaded. If you do tend to carry more weight aboard than typical or if you tow a tender, you may need to do two things. First you may need to change the props to handle the increased load and you may need to add IPS drive coolers to keep the drive oil temperatures in the proper range. Overloading can cause drive damage and engine damage.
The Volvo diesels are great engines. They run great, they are economical and they a great history of dependability. Keep them maintained and you should have many years of trouble free boating. FYI - Diesels need good oil, clean cooling system and clean fuel system. Watch your service intervals closely and you will be golden!
As for the boat, Tiara builds a really great high quality boat. Do all the maintenance and keep the boat clean and dry and you should be good to go. If you have specific questions, feel free to contact me.
The 3500 Sovran is a great boat. I have sold a few of them and have spent many hours behind wheel. IPS is a great system when maintained properly. It is a complex system and with complexity comes more expense to maintain it. I feel the benefits of increased maneuverability(high and low speed) and lower fuel burn are worth the added complexity.
1) When you had the survey performed, did you hire a separate engine/drive surveyor that is familiar with IPS? Most hull surveyors will go over the general components of the diesel engines and drives, but they normally do not include a detailed report. I would personally recommend hiring an engine surveyor well versed in VOLVO diesels and the IPS system.
2) Are you planning on keeping the vessel in the water or on a lift? An IPS boat kept in the water is going to require more maintenance and you are also going to have to keep a closer eye on things such as electrolysis, sacrificial anodes, marine growth and engine room corrosion of components.
I'm not a diesel mechanic or an IPS specialist, but I have sold dozens of IPS vessels and dealt with many issues with clients that have arisen over the years. In other words, I know just enough to be dangerous.
The first thing you should know is that the IPS system is completely computer controlled. The steering and shifting are controlled electronically. This means that a laptop is just as important when servicing and maintaining the IPS system as a set of wrenches.
The IPS system acts as transmission, muffler, raw water intakes, drive system and steering all-in-one. So yes, IPS will be more expensive to maintain than a traditional transmission/inboard set up.
The IPS is electrically steered via the computer. A high voltage (400 volts?) electric motor steers the drives. High voltage, water and metal can be a recipe for disaster if done incorrectly and not maintained properly. Volvo did an excellent job when designing the system, but care must be taken to maintain it properly. There are special sacrificial anodes mounted on the transom below the waterline just for the IPS drive units. They are not made of zinc like traditional anodes, but rather they are made of aluminum and magnesium. Rather than wear away and get smaller, they get lighter in weight while maintaining their shape and size. They must be replaced from time to time with the correct approved anodes. Their life span depends on the electrical currents in the water where you keep the vessel. They may have to be replaced yearly, biannually or quarterly. Failure to monitor and replace these anodes when necessary can lead to damage of the drive and propellers and if neglected long enough could lead to complete failure and necessitate replacement of the drives. Note: Only hire licensed professionals when installing electronics or electrical components. A bad wiring job in the engine room can cause severe electrolysis of the engines and drive units (Yes I have seen this in person - repair was over $25,000.00).
The drives contain gears, bearings and seals. Special oil is used internally to keep everything internally working properly. This oil should be checked regularly for proper level and should be changed at the recommended intervals by a certified technician.
The drives are not connected by tie bars, instead they are completely independent of each other. This allows for the amazing handling around the dock via the joystick and also allows for progressive steering at high speeds for increased performance. This also means that the alignment needs to be checked from time to time (every drive service). If you strike a submerged object or run aground, you will need to have the vessel hauled and checked for damage and alignment.
IPS uses smaller diameter props than traditional inboards. In order to compensate for the lack of diameter, the props spin at a much higher RPM than their inboard counterparts. Lower diameter and higher RPMs means that the props are much more sensitive to marine growth and also to vessel load. Just a tiny bit of growth can lead to substantial losses of speed. Overloading the vessel and/or towing tenders can also lead to substantial losses of performance and fuel economy. The good news is products like Prop/Speed (or equivalent) can be used to coat the props and keep the growth at bay. Traditional bottom paint will not stick to low RPM inboard props much less high RPM IPS props. Use the proper coatings.
Overloading and or towing: IPS drives work great when properly loaded. If you do tend to carry more weight aboard than typical or if you tow a tender, you may need to do two things. First you may need to change the props to handle the increased load and you may need to add IPS drive coolers to keep the drive oil temperatures in the proper range. Overloading can cause drive damage and engine damage.
The Volvo diesels are great engines. They run great, they are economical and they a great history of dependability. Keep them maintained and you should have many years of trouble free boating. FYI - Diesels need good oil, clean cooling system and clean fuel system. Watch your service intervals closely and you will be golden!
As for the boat, Tiara builds a really great high quality boat. Do all the maintenance and keep the boat clean and dry and you should be good to go. If you have specific questions, feel free to contact me.
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