Forward is the only way - Forward drive surf boats

A way of life.

A propulsion system that sets a new standard for a variety of active, outdoor enthusiasts to enjoy surf, serenity, fun, family and more. Whether for thrills or relaxation – from lakes to coastal waters – get ready to ride the wave of endless potential.

The surf experience.

Power. Waves. People.

Volvo Penta invited professional wake surfer Parker Payne, along with professional surfers Alyssa Spencer and Tatiana Weston-Webb, to Lake Martin in Alabama to provide an introduction to Forward Drive. Parker shared wake surfing tips for the group with Volvo Penta’s Water Sports Control system at the helm on three innovative boat models – the Regal LS9 Surf, Cobalt R8 Surf and Paradigm Boats wakesurf deck boat.

 

This one-of-a-kind experience resulted in a series of episodes that demonstrate how the Volvo Penta Forward Drive is bringing versatility to the forefront and capturing a new demographic of boaters. Those who thrive with an active lifestyle and enjoy natural connection to the water.

With the Volvo Penta Forward Drive system, it really allows the boat to have the power to get you out of the water quickly and creates a great wave for surfing.
— Parker Payne, competitive wakesurfer

Three Boats

Episode 1

The LS9 Surf and Volvo Penta V8 with Forward Drive is designed for maximum surf performance, boasting an extensive range of features and cutting-edge technology. Its ergonomic layout and design ensure a comfortable ride, making it ideal for surfers seeking the ultimate wake-surfing experience.

Episode 2

The Damascus 296 Surf boat sports a high-performance wakesurf deck boat design. The solution combines Paradigm’s spacious fiberglass hull with Volvo Penta’s Forward Drive and V8-430 HP engine package, delivering a unique blend of luxury and comfort while maintaining the exceptional wave and wake performance characteristics of a top-tier wake.

Episode 3

The R8 from Cobalt with Volvo Penta Forward Drive and V8 (available in three power options) is the ultimate line of sport runabouts, designed with smooth, stylish lines to cast an aggressive stance in the water, and the nimble handling to perform, no matter the activity.

Three Surfers

Episode 4

Parker tells us why he enjoys spending as much time as possible on the water, where he got his inspiration for wakesurfing and how the Volvo Penta Forward Drive system helped to customized his favorite wave. See him accomplish his goal of hitting some big and impressive tricks.
Parker has been a true lake enthusiast from the age of 9. He hails from Richardson, Texas, and started his official wakesurfing journey at 11, receiving many accolades and awards since then in the competitive arena and captivating audiences with impressive feats like massive aerials, 540 and 720 Big Spins on a skim board, and 360 Shuv-Its on a surf-style board.

Episode 5

Tatiana discovers that wakesurfing is completely different than surfing, and she embraces the ability to ride an infinite wave. Beyond the wake, this Olympic surfer appreciates how accessible the sport is to more people, providing a great outdoor workout and amazing time with friends and family.
Now a celebrated Olympian in the world of professional surfing, Tatiana's journey to surfing stardom began in the Pacific Ocean. Born in Porto Alegre, Brazil, and raised on the pristine shores of Kauai, Hawaii, Tatiana demonstrated an innate connection to the waves at a young age.

Episode 6

Alyssa, new to the world of wakesurfing, learns how much fun it is to get creative on a wakeboard because, unlike surfing, you are always guaranteed to get another chance.
Alyssa Spencer, a rising star in the world of professional surfing from Encinitas, California, has a passion for riding the waves that ignited at a young age. She quickly made her mark in the competitive surf scene in the past five years, showcasing remarkable skill and determination.
wakesurfing footage shot on super 8 mm

A Vintage View

On our surf trip to Lake Martin, we wanted to show a different view when capturing the wakesurf thrills and bonding on the boats. With a real vintage, fully functional Kodak Super 8 camera, we share the essence of this trip through laid-back action, friends and fun. This is what Forward Drive is all about — bringing you the best and most memorable moments on the water, along with those you care about the most.
Volvo Penta Twin Forward Drive on V8 400 engines
1564_DPI-Duoprop-Props

Forward Drive Features and Benefits

Uniquely engineered with twin forward-facing, counter-rotating Duoprop propellers that bite hard, the Forward Drive pulls the boat through the water rather than pushing it, providing better top speed, superior low-speed and reverse handling when comparing to traditional V-drives.

Whether you’re a beginner or have been perfecting your surf like the pros, the Forward Drive has what it takes to take you to the next level.

Seamlessly blending performance and safety on the water, Forward Drive’s innovative design positions Duoprop propellers forward of the sterndrive, creating a safer environment for wakesurfing behind the boat. The unique placement minimizes the risk of surfer-boat interactions, ensuring a worry-free experience for both the rider and those on board.

Expect elevated comfort and a smooth ride with the Silent Shift feature, and the unique placement of the system underneath your boat also means you enjoy less noise and fresher air than a v-drive surf boat.

The Water Sport Control for Forward Drive engines lets you easily personalize your speed and trim, and fine-tune individual settings for the perfect wake. For the ultimate day on the water, create custom waves at the tap of a finger on the intuitive, easy-to-use display. Presets can be programmed for up to 20 surfers.

The V8 water sport engine is the latest in a lineup of all aluminum engines that incorporate an impressive combination of technical features and can’t be matched by any other marine gasoline engine in their horsepower range:

  • All-aluminum block for highest power-to-weight ratio
  • Direct fuel injection providing better low-end torque and fuel efficiency
  • Standard closed-loop fresh-water cooling with no internal parts exposed to raw or salt water
  • Wideband oxygen sensors to optimize the engine for varying fuel quality and reduce carbon monoxide emissions by 95 percent
  • Variable valve timing to optimize torque
Drain water from your boat swiftly without the need to disconnect water hoses or haul the boat out of the water. The system features an automatic anti-siphon vent, activated effortlessly with a single knob, and a secure locking pin to prevent unintended system openings during the drainage process. With the incorporation of closed-loop fresh-water cooling systems in all new-generation Volvo Penta gasoline engines, the engine block remains consistently safeguarded by antifreeze, facilitating the seamless draining of raw water from the entire system.
The Coastal Series is a complete corrosion protection package for Volvo Penta gasoline V8 Forward Drive. This optional package is comprised of a system of anti-corrosion coatings and sensors along with our all-aluminum engines with closed freshwater cooling that work together to provide peace of mind when boating in saltwater. Available for new boats only and exclusive for North America.
Coastal Series

Contact Sales

Discover the unbeatable performance and exceptional value of the Volvo Penta Twin Forward Drive package! Contact our dedicated sales team for further information on features and pricing.

Powerboat driving across a dark blue sea photographed from above

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