Boating Innovations to Watch in 2011

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Pod Power
Innovation: Single-pod propulsion

How It Came to Be: Arguably the most significant recreational boating evolution in recent months debuted at the fort Lauderdale International Boat Show last October, when ZF Marine introduced a single-pod propulsion system in a SeaVee 34. It marked the first single-pod driveline ever in a pleasure boat. Is this something we’ll see more of? Likely, as consumer demand for joystick control persists. The boat had yet to be formally tested at press time, but SeaVee President Ariel Pared says he fished the boat, noting that the joystick maneuvering and absence of outboards made for a clean transom and easier fishing. The ZF system is comprised of a 2800 Series pod-drive, 185 AC bow thruster, SmartCommand controls with joystick and SteerCommand electrical steering system. SeaVee, of course, is one of the more forward-leaning center-console builders, having already constructed 15 39-footers with twin IPS drives and, recently, a 43 Express.

Why It’s Unique: It brings another option to the market for boats that traditionally would power with a single inboard or twin outboards.