Over one hundred select individuals from the boating industry were awarded the first glimpse of a revolutionary new innovation on February 11 with Volvo Penta in Key Biscayne, Florida during the kickoff of the Miami International Boat Show.

Ron Huibers, president of Volvo Penta of the Americas, unveiled the industry’s first Forward Drive unit, which includes two, counter-rotating propellers facing forward, positioned over two feet further ahead compared to a traditional sterndrive.

This configuration allows for undisturbed water flow to Volvo Penta’s Duoprop system, delivering increased efficiency, maneuverability and versatility for a wide range of water sports including the ability to create customizable wakesurfing waves, which are better than ever before.

"We were absolutely thrilled to unveil Forward Drive to this select group of enthusiastic supporters," Huibers said. "And the beautiful weather set the scene for an incredible afternoon with great people on the water. I am so proud of our talented, cross-functional team for delivering this innovation, and we will remain focused on improving the end result by delivering technology you can feel."

Following the presentation, the media members and industry gurus headed out on the water to experience the “FWD” system firsthand, with four boats readily equipped with the new drive system from Bryant, Regal, Four Winns and Chapparal.

#LookingFWDtoSummer was the theme of this sunny afternoon, and the group also had the opportunity to experience two new engines for their on-water debut. Announced last fall, Volvo Penta’s V6-200 and -240 are now recognized as the cleanest, most efficient engines ever produced. More here: http://www.volvopenta.com/SiteCollectionDocuments/VPA/47706169_V6-200_240-C_EN.pdf

Symbolically, Forward Drive was introduced exactly ten years after Volvo Penta’s IPS unit was revealed at the 2005 Miami Boat Show. IPS was the industry’s first forward facing inboard propeller system used by yachts and utility vessels from 30-100 feet in length. To date, IPS has delivered over 17,000 units and counting.

Get more information at volvopentaforwarddrive.com.