Grand Banks Yachts today announced plans to release an
extraordinary new addition to its trawler-style Heritage Series in
Summer 2008. The Grand Banks
41 Heritage EU displays the same timeless lines and distinctive
"Europa" styling that have made
earlier models popular around the world for decades. But innovative
approaches to design,
production, and on-board technology make the 41EU a standout among its
GB predecessors and
new competitors alike.

The two-stateroom 41EU will be the first Grand Banks to utilize the
Zeus Propulsion System from
Cummins MerCruiser Diesel, a revolutionary new propulsion system
launched in 2006. The twin
Zeus pods, mounted in tunnels in the hull, are steerable and use
independent vectoring for
dramatically improved high-speed handling and easier docking. Cruising
speeds with twin
Cummins QSB5.9 diesels are estimated at 14 to 16 knots, with estimated
top speeds of 22 to 24
knots based on engine size.

The Zeus pod system provides two other important benefits: greater
fuel efficiency - with an
estimated 30% increased fuel economy at a higher cruising speed - and
more living space, with
the pods requiring less area devoted to the engine room than
traditional shaft drive systems.

"We have devoted considerable time and research to making the new 41EU
a top performer in all
respects, from handling and speed and fuel economy, to reliability and
seaworthiness, style and
comfort," Said Rob Livingston, President of Grand Banks Yachts. "We
were very impressed by
the Zeus drive, Cummins' Quantum engine technology, and their approach
to systems
integration. It opened up all kinds of opportunities to make this an
ideal boat for both new and
current GB owners."

Featuring an advanced joystick control system, Zeus also delivers
precise turning and closequarters
maneuvering, with a unique station-keeping feature that uses GPS
technology to keep
the 41EU firmly in place. It also maintains a fixed heading within a
tight area, even in strong
currents.

The 41 Heritage EU will be the first boat of her kind to utilize the
new Zeus system.

Grand Banks Yachts is bringing other advancements to the design and
construction of the 41EU.
Three different modified deep-V hull forms were exhaustively tank-
tested to optimize the design
for efficiency at both high and low speeds. The lines of the deckhouse
add contemporary
nuances to the iconic GB profile. And interior layouts continue the
company's recent trend toward
a more sophisticated, stylish living spaces.

Not to be overlooked, the new model's 41-foot size is itself of
notable importance. Since the
retirement of the best-selling 42 Heritage model in 2005, demand for a
new Grand Banks
Heritage Series model in the 40-foot range has grown strong among
consumers worldwide.

"Boaters will be amazed and impressed by what we have been able to
accomplish in a 41-foot
vessel," said Livingston. "With less space required for the engine
room, accommodations and
living areas are what you would expect from a much larger boat. There
really is nothing else like it
in her size."

Grand Banks will promote the 41EU throughout the fall boat show
season, and provide many
opportunities for interested boaters to learn more about this ground-
breaking new model before
its launch in Summer 2008.

Chuck Gould wrote:
Grand Banks Yachts today announced plans to release an
extraordinary new addition

The two-stateroom 41EU will be the first Grand Banks to utilize the
Zeus Propulsion System from
Cummins MerCruiser Diesel, a revolutionary new propulsion system
launched in 2006.


Wow...reposting of an entire commercial PR release. Is this that idiotic
forward facing prop system?

HK wrote:
Chuck Gould wrote:
Grand Banks Yachts today announced plans to release an
extraordinary new addition
The two-stateroom 41EU will be the first Grand Banks to utilize the
Zeus Propulsion System from
Cummins MerCruiser Diesel, a revolutionary new propulsion system
launched in 2006.


Wow...reposting of an entire commercial PR release. Is this that idiotic
forward facing prop system?


You mean posting the item in its entirety is worse than posting an
edited version of an item and being caught doing so?

BAR wrote:
HK wrote:
Chuck Gould wrote:
Grand Banks Yachts today announced plans to release an
extraordinary new addition
The two-stateroom 41EU will be the first Grand Banks to utilize the
Zeus Propulsion System from
Cummins MerCruiser Diesel, a revolutionary new propulsion system
launched in 2006.


Wow...reposting of an entire commercial PR release. Is this that
idiotic forward facing prop system?


You mean posting the item in its entirety is worse than posting an
edited version of an item and being caught doing so?

I forgot to say being caught over and over.

HK wrote:
Chuck Gould wrote:
Grand Banks Yachts today announced plans to release an
extraordinary new addition
The two-stateroom 41EU will be the first Grand Banks to utilize the
Zeus Propulsion System from
Cummins MerCruiser Diesel, a revolutionary new propulsion system
launched in 2006.


Wow...reposting of an entire commercial PR release. Is this that idiotic
forward facing prop system?


Wow, the audacity of someone who uses a post in rec.boats to cut and
paste a boating related PR release.

He could have just as easily cut and pasted a political news article
that everyone can read on any news site.

What was Chuck thinking! If he keeps that up someone might actually
comment on one of his PR releases and then a damn boating discussion
might result. I know you hate it when rec.boats becomes cluttered with
damn boating discussions.

What was he thinking of.

On Aug 28, 3:25?am, HK wrote:
Chuck Gould wrote:
Grand Banks Yachts today announced plans to release an
extraordinary new addition

The two-stateroom 41EU will be the first Grand Banks to utilize the
Zeus Propulsion System from
Cummins MerCruiser Diesel, a revolutionary new propulsion system
launched in 2006.

Wow...reposting of an entire commercial PR release. Is this that idiotic
forward facing prop system?

Relax, Harry.

This doesn't concern you- it's something that people who actually use
a boat or may be buying an inboard boat in the future might find
interesting.

No, it has nothing to do with the Volvo IPS system. (Which is far from
idiotic). Zeus drives face aft. They incorporate counter rotating
props, and each of the two pods can be vectored independently. Because
the thrust can be directed, there is no need for a rudder- just like
an outboard or an I/O. Lack of the drag associated with a rudder helps
improve speed and efficiency. Because each drive pod vectors
independently, there are some fancy new tricks that can be utilized
for bringing a boat to the dock. You could literally steer the boat
with a joystick, select an angle and the boat will go in that
direction.

Zeus drives can be electronically coupled to a GPS and used for anchor
watch. Want to stay put in exactly the same spot, without drifiting
with wind or current? The Zeus drives will monitor the GPS readings
and keep the boat in the originally requested position.

Commercial vessels have used this sort of drive for a long time. The
cuirse ship we took to AK last June had either 5 or 7 of these drive
units (don't recall which) and was steered by a joystick. Of course
the
pods were many multiples larger and heavier than will be used on the
2008 GB.

Sorry to disrupt your world. When I decide to post about gluing a rod
holder to a styrofoam ice chest, I'm sure that will meet with your
approval (although I could give a ratz arse either way).

Chuck Gould wrote:
On Aug 28, 3:25?am, HK wrote:
Chuck Gould wrote:
Grand Banks Yachts today announced plans to release an
extraordinary new addition
The two-stateroom 41EU will be the first Grand Banks to utilize the
Zeus Propulsion System from
Cummins MerCruiser Diesel, a revolutionary new propulsion system
launched in 2006.
Wow...reposting of an entire commercial PR release. Is this that idiotic
forward facing prop system?

Relax, Harry.

This doesn't concern you- it's something that people who actually use
a boat or may be buying an inboard boat in the future might find
interesting.

No, it has nothing to do with the Volvo IPS system. (Which is far from
idiotic). Zeus drives face aft. They incorporate counter rotating
props, and each of the two pods can be vectored independently.


That's the plastic boat I want, the one with two huge chunks of metal
full of gears and complicated machinery hanging down from the bottom,
where you can't see any part of it. Now, on a steel-hulled displacement
boat built to commercial standards, and where divers and competent
maintenance is available at shipyards, and where money is no real
object, well, maybe.

It's one thing to ding the bottom or even a reef with a standard
inboard...you might get get away unscathed, or you might damage a prop
blade or, well, sure, worse things can happen. But the kinds of repair
bills "Zeus" will enable...whoooo-hoooooo.

On Aug 28, 7:42?am, HK wrote:
Chuck Gould wrote:
On Aug 28, 3:25?am, HK wrote:
Chuck Gould wrote:
Grand Banks Yachts today announced plans to release an
extraordinary new addition
The two-stateroom 41EU will be the first Grand Banks to utilize the
Zeus Propulsion System from
Cummins MerCruiser Diesel, a revolutionary new propulsion system
launched in 2006.
Wow...reposting of an entire commercial PR release. Is this that idiotic
forward facing prop system?

Relax, Harry.

This doesn't concern you- it's something that people who actually use
a boat or may be buying an inboard boat in the future might find
interesting.

No, it has nothing to do with the Volvo IPS system. (Which is far from
idiotic). Zeus drives face aft. They incorporate counter rotating
props, and each of the two pods can be vectored independently.

That's the plastic boat I want, the one with two huge chunks of metal
full of gears and complicated machinery hanging down from the bottom,
where you can't see any part of it. Now, on a steel-hulled displacement
boat built to commercial standards, and where divers and competent
maintenance is available at shipyards, and where money is no real
object, well, maybe.

It's one thing to ding the bottom or even a reef with a standard
inboard...you might get get away unscathed, or you might damage a prop
blade or, well, sure, worse things can happen. But the kinds of repair
bills "Zeus" will enable...whoooo-hoooooo.- Hide quoted text -

- Show quoted text -

I know you're not really familiar with the architecture of anything
larger than your fishing skiff, but if you would read before you react
you would learn from the press release that the props and pods are
protected in two different ways. First, there is a skeg on each that
should prevent serious damage from a soft grounding. Second, pods
mount in prop tunnels, additionally reducing the amount of exposed
surface.

A couple of other things to know, that aren't included in the release:
Cummins *recommends* mounting the pods in tunnels or depressions so
the forward facing tips extend no deeper than the keel of the vessel-
and that will allow the keel to help protect the props. The skeg is
designed to sheer, if necessary.

Most twin engine inboards will have for more running gear exposed,
considering struts, shafts, etc, than is exposed with the Zeus pod.
When striking a swamped container, deadhead, etc at high speed with a
traditonal twin engine inboard there is a risk of taking out a strut
and opening a hole of maybe a square foot or more below the waterline.
(Mayday!) The Zeus pod, like Volvo's IPS, is designed to sheer cleanly
in the event of an extremely serious impact. You will lose your
$20,000 drive but maybe save your $2,000,000 boat.

Chuck Gould wrote:
On Aug 28, 7:42?am, HK wrote:
Chuck Gould wrote:
On Aug 28, 3:25?am, HK wrote:
Chuck Gould wrote:
Grand Banks Yachts today announced plans to release an
extraordinary new addition
The two-stateroom 41EU will be the first Grand Banks to utilize the
Zeus Propulsion System from
Cummins MerCruiser Diesel, a revolutionary new propulsion system
launched in 2006.
Wow...reposting of an entire commercial PR release. Is this that idiotic
forward facing prop system?
Relax, Harry.
This doesn't concern you- it's something that people who actually use
a boat or may be buying an inboard boat in the future might find
interesting.
No, it has nothing to do with the Volvo IPS system. (Which is far from
idiotic). Zeus drives face aft. They incorporate counter rotating
props, and each of the two pods can be vectored independently.
That's the plastic boat I want, the one with two huge chunks of metal
full of gears and complicated machinery hanging down from the bottom,
where you can't see any part of it. Now, on a steel-hulled displacement
boat built to commercial standards, and where divers and competent
maintenance is available at shipyards, and where money is no real
object, well, maybe.

It's one thing to ding the bottom or even a reef with a standard
inboard...you might get get away unscathed, or you might damage a prop
blade or, well, sure, worse things can happen. But the kinds of repair
bills "Zeus" will enable...whoooo-hoooooo.- Hide quoted text -

- Show quoted text -

I know you're not really familiar with the architecture of anything
larger than your fishing skiff, but if you would read before you react
you would learn from the press release that the props and pods are
protected in two different ways. First, there is a skeg on each that
should prevent serious damage from a soft grounding. Second, pods
mount in prop tunnels, additionally reducing the amount of exposed
surface.


Yeah, Chuck, I know. I looked at a number of renderings and schematics
of "Zeus." Your problem here is that you actually believe these news
releases.

It's one thing to ding the bottom or even a reef with a standard
inboard...you might get get away unscathed, or you might damage a prop
blade or, well, sure, worse things can happen. But the kinds of repair
bills "Zeus" will enable...whoooo-hoooooo.

And yet two years into deployment and there are no reported failures of the
IPS systems.

So much for luddites like you Harry.

Better efficiency, better manueverability and better engine room layout.
Sounds like a great idea.