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. Pods cost more, period. The ZEUS ArcPods have hit the 2022 market. In fact, shafts and struts have been driven through the hull by groundings and collisions with floating debris. I liked the ZF right away. I worked on a boat with Zeus pods for about three years. Petzold said the most common problem he sees with pods is owners not maintaining the corrosion protection. Click to enable/disable _gid - Google Analytics Cookie. But who cares, really? You put it in sport fish, and it locks the pods in opposite directions. Pods require drive-oil changes every 250 hours or annually. 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. Richard Thiel, in February 2014. To use this website and make a purchase on this website: www.zeusarsenal.com, you both acknowledge and agree to follow our Terms of Use. Running the boat for too long on break-in oil can shorten the life of the pods innards. Many boatbuilders have installed Zeus in existing designs as we did with the Sabre 42 Express. Once offshore, I spun the boat in a complete 360-degree rotation on its own axis in less than 14 seconds. Re IPS: Volvo is well regarded for their innovations with IPS. Hes also found them to be extremely reliable. ZFs pod-drive includes a jackshafted transmission, which can mate to any diesel engine the owner prefers. Goes without saying: Its got ZF Smart Command 5000 drive-by-wire. Oh boy, the lids. Zeus ArcPods (Triple Pack)| TVape USA I see the cummins split from Zeus around here was not a good thing myself. Zeus Pods | Sabre Yachts Sabre Yachts, for example, first offered pods in 2008 as an option over straight shafts in the 42-foot express cruiser. Exhaust fumes are emitted into the prop wash. Imagine a 44-footer with three cabins, two heads, and inboards priced $20,000 less than an identical 44-footer with pods that, thanks to its aft-engine placement, has one more cabin or head. I simulated backing through a slalom course in reverse, moving faster than any angler could ever gain line. Then with the joystick, it directs the transmissions to pivot or swivel. Seaboard Marine delivers Guaranteed Better Than Factory Performance, Parts, Design, and Engineering for Cummins and other Marine Diesel applications. We created Lids for you to reuse your Aluminum ArcPods. The pod version of the 42 Sabre, for instance, adds a queen bed and more stowage to the guest stateroom, as well as the option for a washer and dryer. Over the years, Ive found online forums to be some of the most ready places for first-hand accounts of engine-related problems. Make sure to do this, and if buying a used boat, make certain the first owner did it, too. Volvo doesnt offer the option of in-water service. ZF also built far larger pods that could handle far more horsepower. Another benefit comes from counter-rotating props on the pods. From a long term maintenance perspective you are better off with a conventional drive line. All diesels need TLC, but pod systems need a bit more. What customers are choosing is maneuverability. Some pods require draining. Then realized it was a conversation which I figured was private so I reposted here. When a 42-foot pod boat can replace a 46-footer, savings add up fast. If I could afford em, Id get em. Fortunately the 42 Express cockpit is well laid out for Zeus . When you put a pod system in, you try to do more with less.. Disappointing, but then again whens the last time you worked on your car? Thats not chump change, but neither is it likely to produce heart palpitations in the owner of a million-dollar vessel. The new props dont ventilate, and their position alignment with the keel gave them a decided advantage by leveling the keel on the hole shot. If you refuse cookies we will remove all set cookies in our domain. The result is a perfectly consistent amount of dry herb in each of your ArcPods each and every time, meaning you get the same great results with every session. The transom stays clean and nobody is complaining of fumes.. Are they worth it? Zeus ArcPods (Triple Pack) - Pod Power | Zeus Cabos sport-fisher benefits from Cummins Mercruiser Diesels Zeus drive. Before, maneuvering required forethought, logic, coordination, and strategizing; after, it became mere intuition: Look where you want to go and point the joystick that way. While builders debated the benefits of the different pod designs, many new boaters were simply seduced by the joystick maneuvering system. Yes, BM, thanks for all the info and posting your actual experiences always adds a lot of value to any discussion. In that case, its not the pod; its our joystick-maneuvering system that does this, and we offer a joystick in a traditional shaft boat. pathfinder kingmaker river's justice . I had one of the first triple-outboard SeeVees made, but I was sick of buying the gas, and Ariel was gonna try the IPS. And if they dont want them, I cant talk them into it.. If you do not want that we track your visit to our site you can disable tracking in your browser here: We also use different external services like Google Webfonts, Google Maps, and external Video providers. Vessel Systems Considerations for Marine Repower, ZF Marine Propulsion Systems Miramar, LLC. But now that both Volvo Inboard Propulsion System and Cummins MerCruiser Zeus drives have been spinning beneath boats for more than five years, its time to assess the cost of ownership of pods versus conventional shafts. Our best guess is it will take a significant chunk of the market. 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. Prior to heading out with the boat, there was a lot of talk on the dock about whether the new drives would raise fish or scare them away. Each pod turns independently of the other, giving remarkable maneuverability. One benefit of pod drives is joystick maneuverability. Featuring a patented design that provides the simplest solution for vaping on the go with your Zeus 3rd generation vaporizer. 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. No more packing on the go, just pop in and enjoy. Pull into any port in the world, and theres probably a guy there who can fix it. ZF also built far larger pods that could handle far more horsepower. The Truth About Shafts and Pods - Power & Motoryacht To start with, Zeus and IPS boats have to be hauled after their first 25 engine-hours. Okay, the last bit is trueas if running over a submerged jetty or grounding hard on a shell bank wouldnt damage conventional props. They get people excited about buying a new boat.. Today, 250s are middle of the road: Triple and quad 300s are common, and 400s built for everyday use are available, too. Zeus Arc GTS Hub Review - The Third Generation of the Arc I liked the idea of being able to handle the boat from the helm seat instead of standing up all the time. Pods have more parts, both mechanical and electronic, and conventional wisdom says that means more problems. All told, figure $500 per engine annually, plus haul-out fees. Big-game fishing is a pursuit rife with tradition and time-proven tactics. 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. are zeus pods still being manufactured Zincs every year, costing a few bucks, a new Cutless bearing every once in a while, and a couple of brushfuls of paint for the struts and rudders. Its better to do it at haulout, when the oil can be drained by gravity, rather than sucking it out with a pump. Pods from all manufacturers have proven reliable and trouble-free, when maintained correctly. Thanks to all.just the practical advice I was looking for. (Volvo Penta soon followed suit.) are zeus pods still being manufactured - gbantoa.com Zeus propeller shafts use a double-lip seal. That could make billing a fish tough if you have to strain to reach the water. If you get to know these pods and keep regular checks on fluid levels, they will treat you well. Full details on shipping can be found here. . Discussion in 'Engines' started by JamCruiser, Jun 20, 2020. ZF Marine entered the pod fray when its exclusivity agreement with Zeus expired. But the rest? Parts for them now have to go through mercury. Youre going to ruin more with a straight shaft than with IPS.. The counter-rotating propellers and large rubber grommets the engine is mounted on means reduced vibration and engine noise. 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. And joystick piloting? Also, you dont know how often the shaft seals will need replacement. A Bonnier LLC Company. Todd Anderson recently ran a 50 Viking powered by ZF 4000 pods. Eager to fish with them, I was along with Ed Szilagyi, then Volvos boatbuilder installation liaison and company captain, on that same Tiara demo. This article originally appeared in the February 2014 issue of Power & Motoryacht magazine. In the past decade, high-tech pod drives have changed the face of powerboating, and for the better. Please be aware that this might heavily reduce the functionality and appearance of our site. Our drives are made to stand up to a light freshwater rinse, Fessenden said, but dont blast them with the hose. Fessenden suggests a light coating of Mercurys corrosion spray. The biggest thing marketed to promote the system was its efficiency compared to a regular shaft and prop system, as well as joystick maneuverability. Click on the different category headings to find out more. Dont compare them to stern drives. There arent many external mechanicals, no rubber bellows or other components to fail, he added. The bottom line is, while pods are difficult or in many cases impossible to retrofit, the boat really has to be designed for the pod from the beginning, although some V- and stern-drive boats can handle pods, too. But, the lids. are zeus pods still being manufactured. Will Pod-Drives Overtake Conventional Shafts and Struts? Check them just like you check zincs on a shaft, Petzold said: Swim down and have a look. How many buyers do you think reconsider upgrading to pods because of the extra maintenance cost? There support network is much better and to me is a better product. Cleaning also maximizes efficiency of the pods contrarotating propellers. Siebert removes all loose paint from the drive, sanding down to shiny metal with 100-grit sandpaper, and then applies primer and two thin coats of Trilux 33 or Pettit Vivid copper thiocyanate anti-fouling paint. SeaVee no longer builds inboard boats, but that was a neat one. And the Zeus pods also came with a joystick. How to Manage Boat Finances During a Recession, Gamefisherman 43 Express on the Drawing Board, Marlin Expeditions Offers Light-Tackle Paradise in Guatemala. 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. You get similar handling advantages to pods, but with less maintenanceand its easy to find a mechanic certified on Yamaha, Evinrude, Mercury, and other brands. Plus factors and quiet fuel efficient. Reproduction in whole or in part without permission is prohibited. But now thats all gone away. Zeus ArcPods - The 3rd Generation of Vaporizers is Here! I am looking for one that has been treated well and run as close to the ideal as possible. Inboards require sacrificial-anode replacement, prop adjustment, cutless bearing repair, shaft alignment, and a method of controlling marine growth. Copyright 2023 Marlin Magazine. 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. If that aint enough, Seven Marine builds a 557- or 627-horsepower small-block V-8 configured as an outboard motor. Finger pointing is worse in any situation when it is out of warranty, then you are left on a deserted island. These cookies collect information that is used either in aggregate form to help us understand how our website is being used or how effective our marketing campaigns are, or to help us . International service is also a concern for pods. In the beginning of pod development, there was a huge surge of interest. Zirk fittings require grease in U-joints and at both ends of jack shafts that connect engines to drives. Most new boats developed in the 35- to 45-foot class were pods. 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. The lids are essential and for one-time use only. The Zeus system propellers are on the back of the pods, as opposed to the Volvo IPS, which are on the front. 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. Pods also increase fuel economy and decrease vibration. I did some work on them but really didnt have the time to become efficient. For nearly a decade, pod propulsion looked like it would render inboards obsolete. Using a fresh arcpod lid enables you to visibly see which one of your pods is used and which ones have been depleted. Great contribution Blue Magnolia..that rings true and honest. The boat had a set of outriggers, and fishing out of Beaufort, North Carolina, we caught the first billfish ever with an IPS drive system. Zeus ArcPods - The 3rd Generation of Vaporizers is Here! More interior room? Check the status of an existing order here. If you arent happy with the local dealer, you can call the concierge and get a tech in Tennessee. are zeus pods still being manufactured - quantashares.com Most studies show that maximum rpm only accounts for about 10 percent of the total running cycle of most boats and engines. Pod drives have been widely available only since 2007, yet they have the market awhirl. The pod-drive boats were clearly more maneuverable and accelerated more quickly than strut, shaft and -prop-drive inboards. Care should be taken prior to using a vaporizer, as vaporizing will not necessarily eliminate any and all toxins found in vaporized blends. Marlin Magazine may receive financial compensation for products purchased through this site. 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. Viking offers four versions of its 42, all with pods, and according to company director of communications Peter Frederiksen, they sell well. There are many reasons why everyones not on the pod bandwagon. Plan on replacing the anodes at least annually, using the correct alloy: Most pods use aluminum anodes, not zinc. Copyright 2023 Marlin Magazine. Otherwise you will be prompted again when opening a new browser window or new a tab. Those anodes shouldnt dissolve like zincs do, but both systems should be checked annually. Best of the old and the new.maybe. 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. Cummins QSC 8.3 Zeus pods long term support - Engines | YachtForums: We When checking transmission oil level, give it a sniff. Please note that to purchase a vaporizer from this website you must abide by local laws and be a minimum of 19 years of age. And if you have to ask about price, you really dont need one. Nor did I want to. With IPS Ill run out to the Corner and fish the tide for wahoo, then head over to Gingerbread and get some yelloweye before heading home. How to Manage Boat Finances During a Recession, Gamefisherman 43 Express on the Drawing Board, Marlin Expeditions Offers Light-Tackle Paradise in Guatemala. Nevertheless, pods are making inroads. The store will not work correctly in the case when cookies are disabled. 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. But then outboards are more powerful and more economical than ever. Inboard props slip in both forward and reverse. You get a little cavitation but nothing close to the noise from shaft-drives, he says. Regardless of prop orientation, the first drives were a far cry from the watchlike beauties brought forth by Volvo Penta and, later, Zeus and ZF Marine. That means a haulout to remove the break-in lube and replace it with the normal lubricant. Click to enable/disable _gat_* - Google Analytics Cookie. Richard estimated an average annual cost of about $2,500 for scheduled maintenance on twin pod drives. Today electronics are inextricably entwined with every aspect of our lives, and whether its commercial jet engines, cars, home appliances, or chartplotters, we expect and receive virtually bulletproof reliability. Robin Buckley captains a SeeVee 39 with IPS 600s, named Kimbuktu. We may request cookies to be set on your device. Read the owners manual.) Volvo doesn't offer the option of in-water service. Somewhere in between the cost of straightening conventional shafts and rudders, and possibly even repairing transmissions, the advantage shifts back to pods. Most pods also require periodic removal and inspection of prop sets and seals, and re-greasing of the propshaftsfigure $250 per pod. With it, fingertip operation of any vessel became possible. The downside is that a boat with less horsepower is more easily burdened by loading the boat. Dont cheap out on anodes, Petzold advised. If one engine vibrates in gear and the other doesnt, its probably caused by fouled or damaged props. Due to security reasons we are not able to show or modify cookies from other domains. 2023 Active Interest Media All Rights Reserved. You can check these in your browser security settings. I am after some of Seaboards famous frank and honest advice: should I run away from pod drives.or go for them if they have a solid maintenance track record which I need to commit to maintaining.or go for them without hesitation because they really are the better technology? Although pod housings are built of corrosion-resistant bronze rather than the aluminum alloy used for stern drives, its still critical to maintain the anodes. 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. Whats another three grand, compared to the cost of a boat big enough and upscale enough for pod drives? Are there particular production years that performed better than others. We are not early adopters. If your zincs are gone, your warranty might be gone too, Siebert said, so all his clients boats with pods are cleaned and checked monthly by a diver. 1980 - 2023 Seaboard Marine - All Rights Reserved, Viewing 9 replies - 1 through 9 (of 9 total), Complete Seawater Circuit Maintenance Kits, Cummins Graphite Turbo Charger to Exhaust Gasket & Bolt Kit, Aftercooler & Heat Exchanger Maintenance Kits, Early 6BTA 5.9 Diamond Hoses (1.5 Raw Water Hoses), 6CTA 8.3 430/450/480CE Diamond Engine Hoses, USCG Approved Engine & Gear Hydraulic Hoses, USCG Approved High Pressure Hydraulic Oil Lines, EnviroVent Crankcase Ventilation (CCV) Kits, Marine Silicone Exhaust 6 x 8 Reducing Hump Hose, Custom Marine Exhaust Design & Fabrication, Marine 316L SS 4 inch Pipe (4.5" OD) 90 Degree Elbow, Marine 316L Stainless Steel 4 inch Exhaust Pipe (4.5 OD), SMX Custom Stainless Steel Exhaust Mixer Kit, 90 Degree Exhaust Elbow Wrap (Long Radius), SMX Mechanical Engine Digital Display Kit, SMX J1939 SeaView Double Digital Display Kit, Glendinning Throttle & Shift Control Systems, ZF220A & ZF220V Shift Valve Lever Repair Kit, SMX Custom Exhaust Flange Kit for Cummins Engines, Borg Warner Velvet Drive to Cummins 5.9 HD Adapter Kit, Commercial Marine Hydraulic Pumps & Equipment, PetroWrap Anti-Corrosion Tape (2 in. I love these things, they are super convenient to load, insert, and clean. And often, they are recoverable and repairable. 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What if you do hit something? he says. How much of the additional initial cost will you get back at trade-in time? Grant Bentley captains Home Run, a 60-foot Spencer. 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. Todd pauses thoughtfully before answering: We didnt run into that problem., While nobody can predict the ultimate size of the pod market, as more and more people experience them, the polarity between love and hate is apt to change. Some captains claim that the pods are too tall, requiring a higher deck to cover them. But pod-drive engines use counter-rotating props. 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. A very hard grounding is also likely to cost less with pods, since theyre meant to shear off and then go right back onto the boat with just a thorough service and new bolts. Sounds like another good option to me. Thats not me talkingits Bob Petzold, who has as much experience as almost anybody selling, servicing, and repairing pod drives. Use of Cookies: ZF Friedrichshafen AG uses cookies to continuously improve the website and optimize its design. Pods have been pretty darn foolproof, he said. These come with various engine configurations but commonly, with QSB 425s which can be either shaft-drive or Zeus pods. All rights reserved. Boat will operate 75% of the time in displacement/9kt mode, if that is relevant. The other issue was when the owner sold the boat they did a oil sample and found water and both lower units had to be resealed and a main shaft had to be changed. are zeus pods still being manufactured - diamondalmirah.in I had SeaVee owner Ariel Pared with me when we pulled away from the dock sideways, crabbing away briskly from our side-to moor. I was always an outboard guy, he says. Hes also got a lot of applications engineering in his background. Drive Pirates The maneuverability of the boat is what sells it, especially in close quarters, he says. (Power & Motoryacht once had a company boat powered by inboards with which the publisher at the time rammed a sunken fuel barge at a healthy clip. If you seem to be going through zincs quickly, call an electrician, Fessenden warned. The drive can be simultaneously connected to electric propulsion too. I am on the East Coast. It gets all the bubbles out of the wake, he says. To start with, Zeus and IPS boats have to be hauled after their first 25 engine-hours. For more information and/or quote, please complete the contact form below. Click to enable/disable _ga - Google Analytics Cookie. Zeus Disposable Pods | Zeus Juice UK are zeus pods still being manufactured. Pods have taken certain segments of the cruising-boat market by storm, and now big-game charter captains who were once fixed-shaft aficionados are embracing this new technology. Pods are robust.. 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 most remarkable performance advantage was one that sent every propulsion and boatbuilding engineer to the drawing board to imitate: the joystick control system. A racing motor with a warranty? Spencer Yachts was one of the first to embrace pod-drives, including Volvo Pentas IPS and ZF Marines pod-drive system with Caterpillar engines.
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