Volvo Penta and Southport Boats of Maine have partnered to produce a sleek new version of the boat builder’s 30-foot center console model, with a focus on versatility to accommodate the boating interests of everyone onboard.
VOLVO PENTA — A new version of the Southport 30 FE has made its debut at the Miami International Boat Show 2023. The 30-foot center console, built as a collaboration between Southport Boats and Volvo Penta, will now be offered with Volvo Penta’s fully integrated propulsion system with D6 440 Aquamatic DPI inboards for unbeatable performance and a boating experience catered to endless adventures at sea.
“With Volvo Penta’s propulsion package, you get a totally unobstructed transom that gives families or charter guests an experience closer to the water,” said George Menezes, COO and Managing Partner, Southport Boats. “It’s also a system that delivers longer range, meaning less time at the dock and more time enjoying life on the water.”
Impressive Performance
The performance benefits of the D6 DPI and Duoprop propellers will allow the Southport 30 FE to get approximately 2.5 miles to the gallon. With 170 gallons of fuel on board, and traveling at 42 mph, the vessel is estimated to have an impressive range of nearly 400 miles. Not only does this mean more time boating, but it also offers the added benefit of efficiency.
Smooth control
A key feature of the Southport 30 FE is Volvo Penta’s joystick docking system for single diesel Aquamatic sterndrive installations.
The vessel is the first in the US to offer this new system, which demonstrates the company’s commitment to providing boaters with a premium experience through technology that increases enjoyment when driving a boat. The captain simply engages the Docking button on the base of the joystick control, and boat maneuvering features – steering, gear control, bow thruster, throttle – are controlled easily with just one hand. This feature holds the boat’s speed and heading at the press of a button. The boat’s steering is then controlled easily and conveniently through the fingertip control of the joystick.
“It’s more fun and relaxing to use our joystick control, and it gives boaters more confidence on board,” notes Jens Bering, Vice President of Marine Sales, Volvo Penta North America. “This intuitive, easy-to-learn operation means less chance of mistakes and a better overall experience.”
Multiple choice
With this new boat model offered together with Volvo Penta, Southport sees strong appeal for tenders used with larger yachts. “We believe there’s a market here for Southport vessels, and to serve that segment we need to work with the best companies in the world, which is why we selected Volvo Penta,” notes George Menezes.
The company also expects strong interest from the wider market, with the open DPI design offering more appeal for fishing, swimming, entertaining and more. With an unobstructed transom, boaters have more space to do what they enjoy with easier access to the water and a more comfortable and versatile boating experience.
“Our experience working with Volvo Penta and our local dealer, Power Products Systems, has been excellent,” said George Menezes. “We’ve collaborated in the past and so we had no concerns about starting this latest project, and it’s all come together perfectly. We’re excited to start deliveries of the Volvo Penta-equipped Southport 30 FE later this year.”
Total performance
Volvo Penta’s propulsion system for the 30 FE, the D6 440 DPI, is a package designed to deliver exceptional performance with low emissions. It consists of a 6-cylinder, 5.5-liter common rail engine with double overhead camshafts, turbo and supercharger.
The D6 also uses DPI polished stainless-steel Duoprop propellers, which are perfectly matched counter-rotating propellers manufactured and tested together to produce high top speeds, efficient fuel usage and a long service life. The DPI hydraulic transmission allows smooth, quiet shifting and a low speed/trolling functionality not available with other propulsion systems.
The new Southport 30 FE with Volvo Penta D6 440 Aquamatic DPI inboards is anticipated as a 2024 model with deliveries beginning late in calendar 2023.
Learn more about Southport Boats by visiting southportboats.com.
