The Twin Forward Facing Drive Revolution by Volvo Penta

Volvo Penta created the Forward Drive to provide a more efficient and safer stern drive platform to match the growing wake-surfing market.

The company has a demonstrated history of producing propulsion innovation for marine vessels. For over a century, the company has led the inboard/outboard industry, starting with the first sterndrive, followed by the saildrive, IPS and adding the duo propeller along the way.

The Twin Forward Facing Drives (TFFD) demonstrates Volvo Penta’s restless evolution and provides something special for bigger boats up to 39-40 feet.

Beyond handling and Horsepower advantages, the range of benefits is best experienced on the water. Boat & Sail was a guest of Volvo Penta onboard a 40-foot surf boat to test and experience what Twin Forward Drives can do. We were left very impressed.

What Are Volvo Penta Twin Forward Facing Drives?

Twin FFD technology is a sterndrive platform with propellers placed 26.5 inches ahead of where traditional props are in the water. With 760 Hp or 860 Hp, these V8 engines pull boats like modern propeller aircraft–rather than pushing them.

The design and engineering of these twin engines, combined with the electric vessel controls (EVC) that provide dynamic trim controls and joystick capabilities, make for a compelling argument in watersports and an amazing experience in general.

A helm-to-prop system of interfaces allows the driver to “sculpt” the wake for a rider, leveraging a harmony between software and hardware and creating a great boating experience.

Over 40 boat companies use forward drives on boats for towing, bowriders and cruisers. The Twin V8 system is designed specifically for bigger wake boats with its suite of trim configurations.

On the 38’8 surf boat we demoed, we got to experience how all the Twin FFD enhancements come together for a versatile package with a very compelling value.

The Benefits of Twin Forward Facing Drives

You can feel the acceleration and appreciate the response of the direct thrust controls at speed and for marina maneuvers.

There is a suite of software features beyond the vessel control programs that provide info and maintenance benefits. An Easy Connect app for Android and iPhone is part of this package of features.

We had a hard time keeping track of all the unique aspects, but here are some specific design elements and features:

Enhanced Performance and Efficiency

The forward-facing propellers create a smoother water flow, reducing drag and cavitation. That’s done because the props bite into “clean” water without any disruption. This translates to better fuel economy and faster acceleration for a more enjoyable boating experience.

A lot of tech goes into the electronic controls, too. Including the Interceptor System, which provides automatic trim for making sharp turns more stable and reducing drag for efficiency. It also brings the boat more quickly on a plane.

We experienced a quick start with and without the Interceptor System engaged and confirmed how well they work. Good for safety, great for gas savings.

Superior Maneuverability and Control

TFFD provides exceptional handling at low speeds and in tight spaces. The forward-facing propellers offer increased thrust and directional control, making docking and navigating a breeze.

According to Kyle Cook, Applications Engineer at Volvo Penta, part of the challenge of putting two outdrive units together is synchronization. He explained how the computer-controlled EVC system integrated into helm controls leverages all the advantages of the efficient TFFD design.

Optimal Handling in Reverse

The forward-facing propellers create a stronger pull, allowing for better control and faster acceleration in reverse. Similar to how pods on twin IPS propulsion swivel, the direct thrust works really well at low speeds, too.

While the 38 Surf stretches the definition of a bowrider at 38+ feet, the handling, together with Volvo’s Assisted Docking software provides another layer of safety at the dock.

Increased Safety:

The forward-facing propellers are positioned away from the swim platform, reducing the risk of injury for swimmers and watersport enthusiasts compared to traditional propellers.

This physical safety design is complimented by other software features. An Easy Drain program

Environmental Benefits

The improved efficiency of TFFD minimizes drag, reducing fuel consumption and emissions. Additionally, the forward-facing propellers operate quieter, which is appreciated early morning by any neighbors.

Increased Use of Aft Platform

Where two or three outboards take up more than half the beam width of a boat’s platform behind the transom, all sterndrive boats allow for the entirety of the space to be used for swimming, holding a towable or just sitting with your feet in the water.

Why Choose a Forward Drive?

With all the benefits listed above and testimonials out there–including ours–Forward Drives really shine in the surfing world. VP’s software can dynamically adjust the wake behind the boat, making watersports safer and more accessible.

Making the wake bigger and longer and adjusting one swell side or the other can be done by pushing a button at the helm. Additionally, the duo prop, FFDs bite into the water for an acceleration that skiers and wakeboarders appreciate.

Speed and efficiency are benefits for skiers and for cruising fun. Still, the electronic controls with programmable profiles to match specific individuals also illustrate the value of sensors and switches on this platform.

On the impressive Regal 38 Surf that we tried, we were able to cruise at 10 mph, which is great for doing tricks and for beginners. And the Powerplatform that sinks into the water offers another benefit.

So, the sterndrive has great acceleration and an open space for surfing or towing. That open space will also appeal to fishing enthusiasts.

Maintenance and Durability of Sterndrive

More than 10,000 sterndrive boats are bought and sold annually in the US. The growth in surfing and wakeboarding has contributed to this, but so has the serviceability of Volvo Penta engines.

Maintenance of stern drive engines has become more straightforward and less frequent due to design improvements. The closed freshwater cooling system is but one of them. Accessible service points are another one.

Besides design, another area of improvement is the materials used that cut down on weight and susceptibility to corrosion.

Transitioning from cast iron to aluminum for engines and manifolds, alongside the implementation of active corrosion protection measures and state-of-the-art titanium ceramic coatings, stern drives have become resilient against corrosive damage of the outdrive.

Worth It’s Wake in Gold

All the enhancements that go into the performance aspect of the Twin forward facing drive system on a longer boat are impressive enough to feel the difference. As far as stern drive technology goes, this V8 application continues Volvo Penta’s track record of innovation and, even, disruption in marine propulsion.

With the benefits listed above and experience that confirms it, the only concern would be worries about durability that applied to antiquated stern drive models of yesterday. Those worries are laid to rest by advancements in materials and design improvements.

Where once there was heavy cast-iron, there’s now titanium, aluminum and ceramics. It’s hard to decide what’s most interesting, the performance factor or the incredible array of software features that make every single part of owning a boat optimized, from trailer mode to trim and docking assist.

The Twin Forward Facing Drive by Volvo is not just a propulsion system. It’s the culmination of all innovation dreamed up so far.