Volvo Penta's Forward Drive system has long been popular among sterndrive enthusiasts, but could it be the key to drawing those same boaters into the world of premium wakeboats? A new concept from Supra Boats and Volvo Penta is putting that idea to the test.
The two companies have joined forces to integrate Volvo Penta's Forward Drive technology into the Supra SE, a pairing believed to represent the first time a Forward Drive unit has been fitted to a dedicated wakeboat. The goal is both straightforward and ambitious: give sterndrive converts the helm confidence they already possess, while delivering the surf waves and wake performance that define today's premium towboat category.
"The purpose of the concept boat build was to explore solving the age old problem of inboard boat handling intimidation for sterndrive boaters without sacrificing surf waves or wakeboard wake performance," said Rob Loucks, R&D Project Manager at Skier's Choice.
To appreciate what makes this concept significant, it helps to understand why conventional sterndrives have always struggled in this space. The most pressing issue is wakesurfing. A sterndrive mounts its propeller right at the transom, putting a surfer riding in the boat's wash dangerously close to spinning blades. Wakeboarding is less hazardous given the tow rope distance involved, but hull geometry and weight distribution on typical sterndrive platforms tend to cap wake quality well below what dedicated towboats produce. Pronounced bow rise on acceleration and less refined speed control compound the shortcomings for anyone accustomed to purpose-built inboard performance.
Forward Drive addresses these issues by relocating the propellers 26.5 inches forward and orienting them to face beneath the hull. The twin counter-rotating DuoProp configuration improves grip on the water, reduces cavitation, and keeps all running gear well clear of anyone surfing in the wash. The system also preserves the trim control, manoeuvrability, and efficiency that sterndrive owners already know, making the move to a towboat considerably less daunting.
The Supra SE was a deliberate choice as the platform for this concept. The largest model in the Supra lineup, it stretches to 24.5 feet, accommodates up to 18 passengers, and carries 4,700 pounds of ballast. Supra's patented and patent-pending wake technologies remain fully intact within the package, so the concept does not ask buyers to trade surf performance for sterndrive familiarity. The aim is a genuine crossover platform, not a machine that does two things adequately but neither thing well.
"We're eliminating the intimidation factor and opening doors for more families to experience world class towed water sports," said Ryan Lewis, Product Manager for Supra.
The Supra SE Forward Drive concept points toward a future where propulsion innovation lowers the barrier to entry into premium towboating, welcoming experienced sterndrive boaters without asking them to start over at the helm.
