Sydney International Boat Show 2006

Swedish industrial giant Volvo Penta has long been recognised for its marine industry innovations.

The 2006 Sydney International Boat Show (Darling Harbour, August 3- 8) will see Volvo Penta's first NSW release of its astonishing IPS (Inboard Performance System) drive units, which, the company claims, makes boats faster, stronger, more comfortable, more fuel efficient and as easy to steer as the family sedan.

Sounds incredible?

Check it out for yourself at the largest and most important recreational boating exhibition in the Southern Hemisphere, the Sydney International Boat Show.

More than 350 exhibitors will join Volvo Penta in displaying the latest in goods and services to an estimated visitor attendance 'nudging' 100,000.

All six halls of the vast Darling Harbour Exhibition Centre will be packed to the proverbial rafters with many millions of dollars worth of boats, engines, marine electronics, fishing tackle, water ski and scuba gear and general boating accessories.

On the quiet waters of adjoining Cockle Bay, an all-time Sydney show record, more than 300 vessels, will present one of the show's most spectacular highlights.

Looking for a reason to make attendance worthwhile?

There are so many attractions when discussing the Sydney International Boat Show that it's hard to know where to begin.

How about the educational, informative and often amusing Yamaha Fishing Clinic?

Maybe the chance to see an exciting array of memorabilia made famous in the 007 James Bond Movies is your go, or the daily fashion parades presented by Musto and showcasing the latest in nautically-inspired sportswear for all the family.

There really is something of interest at every turn for those six exciting days at Darling Harbour.

Strictly Sail, the Discover Sailing Centre, Better Boating Workshops, the opportunity to renew boat licences and registration, talk finance and insurance, perhaps arrange a charter boat holiday, a water ski or scuba diving expedition, it's all at one's fingertips at the Sydney International Boat Show.

With its introduction of the innovative IPS, there would seem little doubt that the Volvo Penta stand will attract a fair share of boating enthusiasts.

This new system, designed primarily for dual-engine vessels with planing hulls capable of top speed in the 25-45 knot region, is offered in two variants, IPS 400 (310hp) and IPS 500 (370hp).

IPS is a complete package and includes everything from the steering wheel, controls and instrumentation to the engines, propulsion units and propellers.

How does it work?

Basically, the engines are coupled to steerable propulsion units and a pair of forward facing propellers.

The propulsion units are mounted on the boat's underside, slightly forward of the transom, in specially-designed holes integrated in the hull structure.

It's a system which, Volvo Penta claims, results in extremely high efficiency.

The propellers face forward and propeller backwash is absolutely parallel with the bottom of the boat, so that all the developed power drives the boat forward.

At the same time, the twin-propeller concept with counter-rotating propellers cancels out rotation losses.

Even with only one engine functioning, an IPS boat still retains 70 percent of its steering capacity and remains easily manoeuvrable, a factor often translating into improved safety in emergency situations.

It probably goes without saying that IPS sets totally new standards in terms of noise, vibration levels, emissions and fuel economy.

Be among the first to check out this amazing system on the Volvo Penta display.

Where?

At the 2006 Sydney International Boat Show, the Australian boating industry's number one exhibition.

Proudly sponsored by Club Marine Insurance and NSW Maritime, the Sydney International Boat Show will trade daily, 10am to 8pm (halls and marina).

Admission charges are $17 (single adult), $40 (family ticket admitting two adults and up to three children aged 6-17 years), $15 (Seniors Card holders), $11 (Pensioners) and $9 (children aged 6-17 years).

Children under 5-uears admitted free.

Ask yourself - can you afford to miss the greatest boat show south of the equator?

We think not!

For further information visit the show website, www.sydneyboatshow.com.au