A division of Volvo Group, Volvo Penta is a global manufacturer of engines and complete power systems for boats, vessels and industrial applications, and has about 3500 dealers in more than 130 countries. Their engine program comprises diesel and gasoline engines with power outputs of between 10 and 1000 hp.

First, Volvo Penta introduced their next generation D4 and D6 propulsion packages. These marine packages have a comprehensive helm-to-prop update, delivering more power and reliability, while operating costs are cut by a third.

The D4/D6 package is designed exclusively for marine applications, the 3.7 litre D4 and 5.5 litre D6 deliver Volvo Penta's efficiently delivers maximum power to the propellers and into the water, across the whole speed range. While the exteriors look generally unchanged, the majority of components inside have been re-engineered.

The D4 and D6 deliver performance outputs of between 150 to 480 hp. In top specification the D4 now has a maximum output of 320 hp, while the D6 in top spec boasts 480 hp. These new engines are able to deliver 10 per cent more power across the range, and are up to 7 per cent more fuel efficient.

The list of upgrades is long, including a new engine management system, fuel injection system, turbo charger and supercharger. The cylinder head, pistons and valves are also new, to cope with the increased performance, and the crankshaft is stronger to handle the bigger loads.

These engines will also cost less to maintain, with longer service intervals and fewer service items. All this adds up to annual savings in fuel, parts and servicing.

They are available in three different variants: Volvo Penta IPS, Inboard and Aquamatic sterndrive.

Volvo Penta Inboard Performance System (IPS), launched in 2005, is getting an upgrade to offer more power and enhanced capabilities. The system's design has forward-facing, twin counter-rotating propellers.

The IPS package provides up to 30 per cent lower fuel consumption compared with inboard shaft installations, up to 15 per cent faster acceleration and 20 per cent higher top speeds. Noise and vibration levels are also reduced, by up to 50 per cent.

Improvements to the design mean filters and oil can now be accessed easily from inside the hull and the oil needs changing only every second year. The new oil exchange concept is a major time saver and the boat can stay in the water during the operation. Sensors reading the differential oil pressure over the filters are added in order to identify clogging of filters quickly and accurately. Also a water in oil sensor is added to detect any ingress of water in an early state, preventing damages to the transmission.

Updates to the Aquamatic sterndrive include the new hydraulic clutch, allowing silent and smooth shifting. It also enables slipping at low engine speeds, resulting in greater manoeuvrability and higher comfort at low boat speeds.

Newcastle-based yacht maintenance software company Seahub has collected three awards at the 2019 Australian Superyacht, Marine Export and Commercial Marine Industry awards on the Gold Coast. The awards celebrated outstanding achievers and bring together Australia's leading marine businesses and stakeholders.

The digitalised maintenance management system was built by two University of Newcastle roommates and graduates, Sam Wheaton and Matt Hyde. The Seahub team picked up Best Marine Industry Export Performance, Best Marine Industry Export Marketing Strategy and Exporter of the Year awards.

The system which provides alerts to crew member on what maintenance tasks are due. "The key has been to develop a system which can be picked up and understood quickly" says Sam Wheaton, Commercial Director of Seahub.

Whittley Marine has launched two cruiser models, the Cruiser CR 2080 and CR 2180. The CR 2080 is 6.2 metres in length and 2.2 metres in beam and features the latest CAD designed 19-degree deadrise hull. It is the ideal family pocket cruiser, featuring standard cabin headlining and a unique removable rear seating arrangement for two, to maximize cockpit space for fishing.

The CR 2180 is a family sports cruiser that can be towed behind most mid-sized vehicles. It comes with hydraulic steering and full camper covers, and also features full walk around side decks.