In just a few years, Volvo Penta has introduced a completely new engine programme for sailing and displacement boats.

With eight engines ranging from 12 to 180hp, Volvo Penta claims it now has the market's most modern and complete engine range for displacement and semi-planing boats.

All engines in the new range have a maximum revolution speed of 2,700-3,200 rpm, which means they maintain less than 2,500 rpm at cruising speed.

The torque of the engines is high across the entire speed range. This, says VP, provides good manoeuvring qualities at low rpm and prevents the engine from losing power, for example, in choppy waters.

And as today's boats are equipped with an increasing range of electrical equipment, which places greater demands on the battery charging capacity, VP says its engines have a standard alternator of as much as 115amps, with a built-in charging sensor that guarantees the correct charging voltage to the battery (D3 engines have 140amp generators without charging sensors).

The high torque of the engines also create a more effective charge in idling speed.

Another new feature is that all engines are now also equipped with electrical stop, which enables the engine to be started and turned off easily with the ignition key. It also provides better comfort, since a traditional mechanical stop wire feeds noise and vibrations into the cockpit.

All the engines are equipped with freshwater cooling as a standard feature, which increases service life and provides opportunities to install warm water and/or heating onboard.

VP's saildrive is available for engines up to 75hp. A wide range of reverse gears with straight or down angle shafts make it easy for boatbuilders or the owner who repowers with a new engine to find the best transmission.

A complete range of VP's own propellers is on offer. The patented three and four-blade folding propellers for engines up to 120hp provide the best performance standards for yachtsmen, says the company.

The traction force is extremely high, even in reverse, while resistance under sail is minimal.

Volvo Penta's engine programme for sailing and displacement boats includes:

D1-13: 2 cylinders, 12 hp (new);

D1-20: 3 cylinders, 19 hp (new);

D1-30: 3 cylinders, 28 hp (new);

D2-40: 4 cylinders, 40 hp (new);

D2-55: 4 cylinders, 55 hp; D2-75:

4 cylinders, 75 hp; D3-110: 5 cylinders, 110 hp; D4-180: 4 cylinders, 180 hp (new).

All the engines comply with the emission requirements introduced in the EU and USA as from 2006 and the local requirements for Lake Constance (BSO).

Clive Dunsford, Volvo Penta T: 01923 228544. F: 01923 246700 E: clive.dunsford@volvo.com W: volvopenta.com