What's a POD Drive?

[Thudpucker]

Anybody have photos of one? What does it do that an I/O wont do?

 

[Radioactive]

Here is a link to a nice, brief explanation.

The short answer though, is that it ( Azipod ) is not ready for "small" recreational vessels.

There is also a Volvo version that is direct drive ( vs diesel/electric ) that is more a[ppropriate for "smaller vessels".

Still, I am not convinced that it is what I want on a thirty-footer...

 

[stmbtwle]

Mercury version: Link

To be honest, I think they're not much different than an improved outdrive. They don't retract though so wouldn't be suitable for trailer-boats.

 

[Thudpucker]

Terminology. We created a little log herder for the Timber Industry that was a little Tug, with a P&H Four cyl Diesel powering it through a POD drive. I cannot think of what they called it back then though.
It was a 360 steering, powerful, stable and tough little bugger that the timber companies took logs out of the giant Log Jam's in Puget sound and herded them up to the pickers for processing.
It was a good job for a kid! And that was in 57-58. So them POD drives have been around for awhile.
Thanks for the EX guys.

 

[oldfishboat]

I doubt this is what you be talking about as in POD drive.

But I belive these are what Thud is thinking of.

I always get a kick outa these little units.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=xpQTJpx2sXI&NR=1

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=aZV8VpzqjtA&feature=related

http://www.boatered.com/forum/topic.asp?TOPIC_ID=143569

 

[stmbtwle]

The same type of drive has been around in a "tractor tug" for quite some time. http://www.marinelog.com/DOCS/NEWSMMV/2005jul0061.html

 

[rbmitchell]

POD is short for azipod and is a lot like an outdrive which can rotate 360°. Cruise ships have run them for many years. Walt disney World in Orlando runs them on their "Freedom" launches that run on Bay Lake and Seven Seas Lagoon. The manoeverability is incredible.

Volvo and Zeus make them. Cummins was involved with Zeus for a while. I have not seen them on boats smaller that 45 feet long. The hull has to be made to accomodate the PODs.

There are claims for major improvements in efficiency but I think a lot depends on the exact manner in which the vessel is operated.

 

[David M]

Volvo has just cracked the retrofit market. Originally, the hull had to be designed around the pod. Lazarra is all over them. It's not uncommon for one of their 70+ footers to have 4 pods pulling it through the water. The economy and space savings are tremendous.

However, Twin Disc has just launched a computer controlled transmission that is supposed to rival the pod at a fraction of the cost.