Boating Industry has selected Volvo Penta’s Forward Drive (FWD) as one of the top products of the year. 

The 2015 list of the 50 top boating products appeared in the May issue of the magazine. The products were chosen by the editors from hundreds of nominations, based on their impact on the industry, innovation and how they advanced their category.

“Designed with water sports in mind, the Volvo Penta FWD begins with forward-facing dual counter-rotating props with an adjustable-trim drive,” wrote the editors of Boating Industry. “This patented design pulls the boat through the water rather than pushing, with an undisturbed water flow to the propellers. Drivers will also be able to customize the wake for different ability levels and the forward-facing DuoProp, with counter-rotating propellers, offers an industry-first symmetrical wakeboarding wake and equally shaped wakesurfing wave.”

The Volvo Penta FWD significantly reduces noise and vibration and virtually eliminates annoying fumes on deck, since engine exhaust is expelled underwater beneath the boat. It also delivers superior responsiveness, acceleration, fuel economy and versatility, allowing for an array of activities behind the boat, including wakesurfing and wakeboarding.

The FWD was also awarded the National Marine Manufacturers Association Innovation Award for Alternate Drive Technology at the 2015 Miami International Boat Show when it was unveiled to the public for the first time.

“The Boating Industry Top Products selection is an honor for our team who have developed this latest advance in marine propulsion,” said Ron Huibers, president of Volvo Penta of the Americas. “It’s the culmination of many years of innovation from Volvo Penta. We pioneered the first sterndrive, the first DuoProp and the first forward-facing props with IPS. Now we have taken all three of those technologies and combined them into another breakthrough innovation.”