Surface Drives on Pershing Yachts and also on the Itama 75’ (FERRETTI GROUP)
All Pershing yachts with the exception of the 140’ (water jet) are propelled by surface drives. People are often very surprised with this mode of propulsion that is completely different from all others. The propellers have an exceptional dimension and are designed for safe, high-speed performance. At full throttle, the propellers operate half in and half out of the water.
As they are directional, there are many adjustments to be made to achieve maximum performance and at the same time reduce fuel costs. Pershing has developed with manufacturers, an onboard computer that links trim tabs and drives and matches them with boat speed to ensure that the boat is trimmed safely and operating is at it’s highest efficiency.
Not only do surface drives achieve high-speed cruising effortlessly, having the propellers at surface level reduces drag, enables tight radius turns and reduces the yachts draft.
Following is a video showing the propellers 50% out of the water at full speed. These are Arneson surface drives on a 40’ boat. Click here for see the surface drive in action.
The Pershing 108’ is equipped with Arneson surface drives. The models 5X, 6X, 62’, 7X, 74’, 8X, 82’ and 9X, 92’ , 108 are equipped with Searex (ZF) or TOP SYSTEM surface drives .
Click here to see the Pershing 62 navigating.
So, if you see the famous jet at height (rooster-tail), it is probably because the boat is equipped with surface drive, see this video to understand this mode of operation.
The effect of the water in height behind the boat is however not exclusive to this mode of propulsion, it may also be a jet propulsion, it is easy to confuse its two modes of propulsion.
Should you have any questions, please do not hesitate to contact us.
The main manufacturers of this mode of propulsion are ARNESON, SEAREX (ZF) and TOP SYSTEM.
Following are a few Pershing Yachts pictures…
