Civil engineer wins marine gearbox

Simon Alsop of York was the winner of a brand new, two-speed PRM StepDrive gearbox in a free-to-enter competition organised by Newage Transmissions earlier in the year. Alsop had his name drawn first from more than 200 entries to the StepDrive promotion, which was run by Newage to coincide with its participation at the London International Boat Show in January. Alsop, a 26-year-old civil engineer, intends to install his prise - along with another StepDrive unit - to his twin engined Fairline Targa 29 within the next few weeks.

'StepDrives have been designed specifically for use with the Volvo diesel engines in my boat, so I am particularly pleased to have won this competition', says Alsop.

'A friend of mine has another Fairline Targa, which is powered by twin V6 petrol engines'.

'This currently outperforms my boat by quite a margin, so I'm looking forward to being able to match his performance much more closely once my StepDrives are fitted'.

The novel two-speed automatic gearboxes significantly improve boat acceleration by providing a reduction ratio of around 25% in addition to their direct drive top gear.

They are installed entirely within the centre section of Duoprop units and are ideal for use with turbocharged engines such as Volvo Penta AD31 and 41 series; as well as supercharged units up to the KAD44.

'From the computer simulations we've run, we expect Simon's Fairline to show at least a 30% improvement in acceleration, enabling it to get onto the plane far quicker than at present', says Newage Marine Sales Manager Jamie Pratt.

'Simon's boat is berthed at Naburn Marina in York, and much of his cruising is done on inland waterways'.

'As a result, Stepdrive's other advantages, such as better low speed manoeuvrability, reduced emissions and noise, will also be extremely beneficial to him', he adds.

'I was seriously considering buying a pair of StepDrives for my boat anyway', continues Alsop: 'Their whole concept is very impressive'.

'What's more, Newage has ensured that they are extremely well designed - reflecting the company's pedigree of producing rugged and dependable gearboxes for boats with engines rated at up to 620hp'.