A futuristic fiberglass floating structure. with a total surface of 314 sq. m and spanning twenty meters in diameter, the luxurious houseboat is coming straight out from another galaxy.

U.F.O 2.0 is composed of a central shell divided into three different levels: the main living area (80 sq m) with kitchen, storage and bathroom; the sub level (50 sq m) with a seabed view bedroom and large bathroom with a 50 sq.m terrace as an upper deck/floor to control the vehicle.

The possibilities of usage and layouts are unlimited for this proposed model; the U.F.O 2.0 can be used for a number of purposes including hotel reception, gym or a floating restaurant. furthermore, the external deck can be customized into garden platforms and teak can be installed instead of panels.

The UFO 2 is equipped with 2 x 80 hp electric engines able to move the floating object with an estimated maximum speed of 9 knots. Inside the disk 16 Batteries are installed and with solar panels, wind and water turbines, the autonomy is unlimited. A kickstarter campaign will start in the next weeks with the possibility to reserve already your first night and day in the UFO !

Volvo Penta has been recognized at the German boat show - boot Dusseldorf. Presented at the prestigious Flagship Night within the category of European Powerboat of the Year 2020, the award recognizes the industry-leading features of Volvo Penta’s all-new aquamatic sterndrive. Introduced during 2019 as part of the company’s next generation D4/D6 propulsion system, the DPI drive further enhances Volvo Penta’s trademark easy boating experience.

Technology behind the DPI

The DPI drive has been designed to deliver enhanced performance, easier maintenance and greater reliability for boat owners. The new hydraulic clutch ensures a silent and smooth shifting, as well as slipping at low engine speeds, resulting in added maneuverability and higher comfort at slower boat speeds. The hydraulic clutch, together with electric steering – which is now standard for DPI – gives an improved joystick docking function. The DPI driveline now also comes with Dynamic Positioning System, which automatically maintains a boat’s heading and position, even during strong currents or windy conditions – ideal when preparing for docking.

“Once again, Volvo Penta has set new benchmarks in drive technology. The hydraulic clutch of the DPI drive enables silent, low-wear shifting. In addition, the electric steering unit provides greater convenience and safety in practice,” explains BOOTE’s editor-in-chief Torsten Moench, summarizing the jury’s motivation for the award.

Having an efficient driveline is an essential part of delivering outstanding boat performance, and necessary to provide an integrated ‘easy boating’ experience. Continuous innovation in driveline technology is a factor that Volvo Penta has taken to heart across its innovations over the years – with the new DPI driveline as the latest example.

“This recognition reinforces our longstanding commitment to innovation in the boating industry,” says Johan Inden, President of Volvo Penta Region Europe. “We are in a technology revolution, and our innovation focus is to use the new technologies to further enhance the easy boating experience. At the same time, delivering power into the water in an efficient way continues to be a basic need for boating. Our new, future focused DPI delivers a winning combination of innovation and efficiency to enhance the experience for both present and future boaters.”

This highly innovative long distance cruising yacht is notable for being the first superyacht to be fitted with a transverse Dynamic Stability System foil, designed to reduce heel angle, increase speed and dampen pitching to improve comfort.

She is also fitted with a sophisticated diesel electric propulsion and hydro-generating system reducing the use of fossil fuel and enabling the yacht to be used for long periods in ‘silent’ mode.

Vibration and noise levels are further reduced by using an electric propulsion motor powered by lithium ion batteries charged by a combination of traditional generators and propeller driven hydro-generation.

Canova is designed to sail quickly, comfortably and efficiently and in addition her owner wants to be able to maintain and service the yacht without the need for specialist shipyard help in remote parts of the world.

The combination of her large deck saloon, which forms the focal point of her accommodation, and her large, well-appointed cockpit which is protected by a long solid bimini, provides a superb living space while sailing.

An impressive package of new technology will make her a genuinely remarkable project, underlining the company’s position as the world’s leading builder of super-sailing yachts.

DSS FOIL

Early results using DSS in medium and stronger winds have exceeded expectations. On a beam reach in 14 knots of true wind, measurements show heeling reduced by some 34 per cent. Upwind in 24 knots of wind heeling is reduced by an impressive 28 per cent and pitching by more than 40 per cent.

In order to achieve the same reduction in pitching an additional 33,000kg would be required in the keel bulb.
A reduction in leeway also results in increased velocity made good (VMG). Further findings will be made available as more research is carried out.

Read more: Baltic Yachts