POWER-VENT is a patented marine surface drive system designed for high performance boats of any size. Its uniqueness is that it can position high efficiency surfacing propeller technology under the hull of a vessel with more conventional marine hardware and no transom projections. It accomplishes this with POWER-VENT hull and propeller vent configurations shown.

 

   POWER-VENT has been produced in boats from model sizes up to 51 ft. in length. Performance is comparable to the best surface drive installations of any manufacturer without the problems and limitations. Once the bottom configurations are established for a particular boat, substantially improved handling and midrange are achieved without continuous drive adjustment required by other drives.

Characteristics and Comparisons

General:

  • High Speed
  • Shallow water capability
  • Simplicity
  • No horse power limit


Specific: Handling

    A POWER-VENT drive system has the low speed and docking maneuverability like that of a good handling inboard craft, including excellent reverse authority. POWER-VENT drive system has high-speed steering response that is crisp and quick, tantamount to a high performance craft.

Mechanical Considerations:

  1. Steering system is balanced, power steering is recommended but not required
  2. Straight shaft installation allows for unlimited horse power applications

Performance:

  • Performance is similar to high performance surface drives.
  • Preplane stability and making way at any speed in heavy seas, no other surface drive can display (similar to standard inboard)
  • Ability to get on plane in shallower water than other surface drives, because the propeller is not forced down as boat rotates


Advantages:

  • Shallow shaft angle (performance-draft-installation)
  • Proven reliability (long term, low maintenance)
  • Simple installation (cost effect manufacturing)
  • Easy and simple maintenance (field repairable)
  • Unobstructed transom (allows for stern boarding and accessories)
  • Quiet Operation (exhaust exits under vessel)
  • Transom Area: is usable deck space (transom is free of engine box or steering gear)
  • Transom Options: Removable, fold down or swing in or out doors for rapid deployment
  • Low Radar Profile (no rooster tail)
  • Minimal IR Signature (exhaust gasses mixed with propeller wash)
  • Come Home Capabilities: Single engine on step running. Manual steering via tiller at any speed, even if console is destroyed.

Not Required:

  • External trim system
  • External steering cylinders
  • External U joints
  • External rubber bellows
  • External seals
  • External oil filled housings
  • External features to cover up drive system

Patent Numbers:

Country Patent Number Issue Date
USA 4,689,026 August 25, 1987
Canada 1288007 August 27, 1991
Australia 587084 December 14, 1989
Germany P 3676808.1 September 1, 1991
United Kingdom EP 0238649 September 1, 1991
Sweden EP 0238649 September 1, 1991
Italy EP 0238649 September 1, 1991
USA 6,045,420 April 4, 2000
USA 6,213,824 April 10, 2001
USA 6,193,573 February 27, 2001