Volvo Penta IPS700 with Twin D8 Engines: 700HP Pod Drive System for Yacht Agility
Harness forward-facing pods, twin-entry turbo surge, and EVC precision for effortless docking and 30% fuel savings on coastal or offshore runs.
At Wave Inboard Motors, we’ve completed over 55 Volvo Penta IPS700 installations in the last decade, evolving 45-65 foot yachts from shaft-bound traditions into responsive, economical performers navigating the Mediterranean and Atlantic circuits. As certified Volvo Penta partners, our technicians have synchronized twin D8 marine engines configurations—from turbo calibration for instant 1,665 Nm torque to DPS for drift-free holding—crafting the finesse that hallmarks premium voyaging. If a marine engine installation service beckons to integrate this prowess, our team ensures every detail with yacht-caliber precision. This 700hp aggregate system redefines yacht IPS propulsion, featuring counter-rotating props that minimize wake and maximize grip in beam seas.
The Volvo Penta IPS700 excels in 700hp pod drive system applications for mid-size planing yachts, where its common-rail D8 engines (350hp/257kW each) animate steerable pods for 360° thrust, tempering noise to 74 dB and achieving Tier 3 emissions. A prime marine pod drive upgrade from legacy inboards, it propels top speeds over 32 knots with curtailed consumption—tailored for owners chasing archipelagic leaps or compliant charters. Drawing from our boat repower consultation insights, these upgrades boost vessel dynamics and resale by 15-20%. Our expertise in marine pod drive upgrades guarantees compatibility, shortening refit time and elevating your yacht’s prestige with Volvo’s hallmark durability. For bespoke integrations, explore our custom superyacht propulsion solutions melding IPS with your onboard tech.
Technical Specifications
| Specification | Details |
|---|---|
| Model | IPS700 with Twin D8-350 |
| Engine Type | In-line 6-cylinder, 4-stroke, common-rail diesel with twin-entry turbo per engine |
| Displacement | 7.7 L (470 cu in) per engine; total 15.4 L |
| Max Output (HP/kW) | 350 HP / 257 kW per engine @ 3000 rpm; total 700 HP / 514 kW |
| Bore x Stroke | 110 mm x 135 mm (4.33 in x 5.31 in) per engine |
| Compression Ratio | 16.5:1 |
| Cooling System | Seawater-cooled heat exchanger with freshwater circuit |
| Starting System | Electric 24V per engine |
| Alternator Output | 24V – 80A per engine |
| Dry Weight | 950 kg (2,094 lbs) per pod unit; total ~1,900 kg for twin |
| Dimensions (L x W x H) | Engine: 1,261 x 702 x 478 mm (49.6 x 27.6 x 18.8 in) per unit; Pod: Variable with jackshaft |
| Gear Ratio | 1.853:1 (fixed pod transmission) |
Competitor Comparison
| Feature | Volvo Penta IPS700 Twin D8 (700 HP total) | Cummins Zeus 3800 Twin QSB6.7 (700 HP total) | Yanmar Twin 6LY-400 Pods (700 HP total) |
|---|---|---|---|
| Engine Type | Twin 6-cyl twin-turbo common-rail diesel | Twin 6.7L turbo diesel | Twin 6-cyl turbo diesel |
| Power | 350 HP per @ 3000 rpm | 350 HP per @ 2600 rpm | 350 HP per @ 3300 rpm |
| Fuel Efficiency | Excellent (30% better than shafts) | Good (25% efficiency gain) | Good (efficient cruise) |
| Weight (Dry, Twin) | 1,900 kg | 2,200 kg | 1,800 kg |
| Reliability | High (EVC/DPS integration) | High (Zeus joystick, robust) | High (Yanmar digital controls) |
| Parts Availability | Excellent (Volvo global network) | Good (Cummins marine dealers) | Excellent (Yanmar yacht specialists) |
Verdict: The Volvo Penta IPS700 twin D8 leads with its turbo responsiveness and EVC ecosystem for effortless yacht ops, outshining in fuel thrift for long hauls. Cummins Zeus offers rugged joystick for utility, and Yanmar 6LY-400 provides balanced sprint, but the IPS700’s pod precision and 30% wake reduction make it the elite yacht IPS propulsion for refined performance. As our superyacht propulsion systems guide explores, this balance drives 55% of our 2025 mid-size refits.
Replacement Options
| Factor | Keep Old Shaft Drive (Used) | Buy New Volvo Penta IPS700 Twin D8 | Closest Modern Equivalent: Cummins Zeus Twin QSB6.7 |
|---|---|---|---|
| Condition | Fair (drag, vibration) | Excellent (factory calibrated) | Excellent (updated joystick) |
| Warranty | None (expired) | 3 years full (extendable) | 2 years (extendable) |
| Power | 500-600 HP (degraded) | 700 HP total with turbo boost | 700 HP total (mid-rev power) |
| Noise/Vibration | Higher (shaft resonance) | Low (pods, 4 dB reduction) | Low (isolated twins) |
| Total Project Value | Low ($0 upfront, high ops) | High ($85,000-$105,000 incl. install) | Higher ($90,000-$110,000, utilitarian) |
Expert Recommendation: For 45-65 ft yacht owners, the Volvo Penta IPS700 twin D8 is the premier marine pod drive upgrade—its jackshaft modularity and EVC synergy with existing helms cut refit costs by 20% while unlocking joystick magic. Cummins Zeus shines for raw utility, but the IPS700’s efficiency and our Volvo-tuned service deliver unbeatable ROI. If your current setup falters, our replacing an old marine diesel engine guide flags the signs, often pointing straight to pod solutions like this.
Pros and Cons
| Pros | Cons |
|---|---|
| Exceptional joystick/DPS docking | Higher cost for pod refits ($85K+) |
| 30% fuel savings over traditional shafts | Hull mods required for jackshaft |
| Twin-turbo torque (1,665 Nm aggregate) for quick planing | Best for planing hulls up to 65 ft |
| Quiet operation (74 dB) and Tier 3 ready | Turbo needs clean fuel |
| Regen braking extends range 10% | Pods vulnerable in shallows |
As highlighted in our inboard vs outboard motors: 2025 buyer’s guide, the IPS700’s pod design bridges inboard stability and outboard agility perfectly.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) About the Volvo Penta IPS700 with Twin D8 Engines
We’ve compiled these FAQs based on the most common inquiries from our customers at Wave Inboard Motors, drawing from years of hands-on experience installing and servicing the Volvo Penta IPS700 twin D8 systems. Whether you’re planning a yacht pod drive upgrade or optimizing your current propulsion, these answers highlight the system’s yacht IPS propulsion excellence and real-world advantages.
What sets the Volvo Penta IPS700 twin D8 apart for 45-65 ft yachts?
The IPS700 pairs twin 350hp D8 engines with vectored pods for razor-sharp 360° control and 30% better economy, hitting 32+ knots with reduced wake—ideal for dynamic docking and stable high-speed runs.
Is the Volvo Penta IPS700 a straightforward marine pod drive upgrade from shaft drives?
Yes, its modular jackshaft and EVC compatibility often reuse existing beds with collar mounts, shortening install time. We’ve upgraded 30+ yachts—book a free pod assessment to confirm.
How does the twin D8 marine engines’ efficiency stack up against older inboards?
Twin-entry turbo delivers 1,665 Nm from idle, yielding 25-30% less fuel at cruise (1.1-1.7 L/h per engine at 24 knots), perfect for extended voyages without range worry.
What maintenance keeps the Volvo Penta IPS700’s 3-year warranty strong?
Bi-annual pod seal checks, annual turbo inspections, and EVC updates; diagnostics alert early. Our Volvo parts & maintenance kits target 5,500+ hours with ease.
Can the IPS700 integrate with yacht tech like DPS or automation?
Seamlessly—EVC links to Dynamic Positioning for hands-free holding and autopilot joystick. Tailor in custom superyacht propulsion solutions for your command setup.
Does the Volvo Penta IPS700 meet current emissions standards?
It complies with EPA Tier 3, EU RCD II, and IMO NOx via clean combustion—no aftertreatment needed. Zone-ready; explore paths in replacing an old marine diesel engine.
How does the IPS700’s noise and vibration compare to shaft competitors?
Pods and isolators drop cabin noise to 74 dB at cruise—4-7 dB quieter than shafts, with zero prop walk. Owners rave about the serenity; refine with twin D8 marine engines: turbo tuning tips.
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