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Zeus Boat Handling
A key feature of Zeus is the ‘pod drive’ that works really well with twin-engine installations and delivers impressive performance. Zeus’ real gains in efficiency over traditional inboard shaft-drive engines result from a decrease in overall drag, the creation of horizontal thrust, and the use of counter-rotating propellers. The results are impressive. Zeus is 15 per cent faster at top speed, 15 per cent faster at cruise speed, and delivers a dramatic 30 per cent improved fuel economy. A few months ago I was lucky enough to be one of the first media people to test run the Zeus system in Australia. On Sydney Harbour we ran identical Sea Ray 44 Sundancers simultaneously on the water, the only difference being one was powered by twin Zeus QSB 5.9L, 425hp Cummins MerCruiser diesels and the other by twin-shaft-drive QSC 8.3L, 500hp Cummins MerCruiser diesels. The less powered Zeus system completely outmanoeuvred and outperformed the conventionally powered shaft driven Sea Ray and made handling and docking complete child's play. There is absolutely no doubt this is a system of the future. The conventional shaft-drive Sea Ray 44, although having 150hp more horsepower, didn’t come close to the performance of the Zeus system. The lower-powered Zeus system had the boat on the plane quicker, had higher top end speed and provided a much tighter turning arc at speed than the conventional shaft drive. Back at the dock, at the twist of a knob, the 44-footer rotated on its axis. At the flick of a button it sat perfectly stationary, in both direction and position, in strong current (Skyhook Electronic Anchor) and with the push of the joystick moved laterally or any direction the joystick was pushed. Paul Zeinert, Marketing and sales Manager for CMD, sensed my amazement and told me that at the recent Miami Boat Show, they had a 14-year-old girl demonstrating the system. Yep, it really is child's play. I would go as far to say Zeus actually makes the handling of a 40-foot cruiser easier than a trailerable 20-footer! A bonus of this design is CMD’s development of an automatic trim tab system. This is a simple ‘set-and-forget’ trim tab system that can be displayed on the SmartCraft monitor or simply forgotten! It allows the setting of the boat's trim and for that position to be held automatically regardless of conditions. As each of the Zeus pods are independently steerable, the full force of each pod’s thrust is directed independently to achieve much greater efficiency in manoeuvring. Because Zeus pods create horizontal thrust this allows the full power of the engines to drive the boat forward. In a normal shaft drive installation there’s a tendency to push the boat upward. Also of benefit, the hydrodynamic shape of the Zeus pod creates much less drag than a shaft, strut and rudder. Counter-rotating propellers eliminate rotational losses, produce no side forces and minimise cavitations. Additionally, the increased blade area allows for larger gear ratios. As a complete package – with integrated exhaust, engine and accessories, water system, trim tabs, steering, throttle and shift controls – the Zeus drive requires significantly less time to install than conventional inboards or comparable pod systems. Additionally, all materials in contact with seawater are either bronze or stainless steel for superior corrosion resistance. The industry is sure to see more of the Zeus system. And from all reports a number of boat manufacturers are looking at adopting this system for new production boats. And why not! Zeus gives you far easier boat handling, lowers installations and running costs and gives you far superior manoeuvrability. On all points Zeus is a pretty attractive proposition for today’s boating. Key advances of Zeus • Rear-facing, tunnel-mounted drive gives unsurpassed safety. • Dramatically improved high-speed handling and incredible low-speed manoeuvrability. • Automated, integral hydraulic trim tabs for optimum performance and visibility. • Better fuel economy, longer range and both higher cruise and top speeds. • Clean, quiet Quantum engines with thru-hub exhaust. • Zeus 3500 & 3800 offer more power options and greater power density (up to 550 hp). • Greatly reduced noise and vibration for a more pleasurable boating experience. • Intuitive joystick system for effortless docking. • Highly advanced Skyhook Electronic Anchor for station keeping. • SmartCraft technology that connects a boat’s diverse onboard systems into a single integrated system. • Easy installation and even easier maintenance through integrated components. Article Directory: http://www.articledashboard.com Andrew Galwey is a name having a huge experience in the field of boating. He writes various articles on boating and suggestion articles like boats for sale and where to buy boatwhen you are going to buy a boat, based on his personal experience. He has extensive knowledge about boats a boating. |
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