The propulsion system installed in your boat has a huge impact on how your boat performs, from speed and fuel efficiency to handling, maintenance and long-term reliability. It affects the way your boat feels on the water, how easily you can manoeuvre in tight spaces, and how confidently you can navigate different conditions.
That’s why it’s important to think about how you will use your boat, or your next boat. Offshore cruising, long runs, regular marina docking, or relaxed weekend trips all put different demands on a propulsion system, and each setup comes with its own benefits.
Here are the two systems we’ll be comparing:
Volvo Penta IPS: a modern pod-drive system built for performance, efficiency and effortless joystick control.
Shaft Drive: a traditional, trusted system valued for its durability, simplicity and ease of servicing.
What is a shaft drive?
This is the traditional propulsion system most boaters are familiar with. In this system the engine sits inside the boat and connects to a long metal shaft. That shaft spins the propeller, which pushes the boat forward. The rudder, positioned behind the propeller, handles the steering.
Because it’s been around for so long, most boats have historically been designed around shaft drives. They work with fewer moving parts, strong mechanical connection, and predictable performance.
Let’s talk about the Volvo Penta IPS
The Volvo Penta IPS system is a modern IPS marine propulsion system. It’s efficient and shows comfort in handling. The IPS uses pod-drives mounted beneath the hull, where the propellers face forward, pulling the boat through the water rather than pushing it.
This design has a big impact on performance. With the propellers running in clean, undisturbed water, the system delivers more power, smoother handling and better efficiency.
One of the greatest features of the Volvo Penta IPS system is the joystick control, which allows for simple sideways movement, pivoting and effortless docking. This system provides engine + pod drive + steering + joystick, all integrated into one coordinated system.
Performance comparison
So what offers the best performance, IPS or shaft drive? The answer depends on what you value. Here’s the key differences:
Speed and acceleration:
- IPS: Generally delivers higher top speeds and faster acceleration thanks to forward-facing props and efficient hydrodynamics. Boats often feel lighter and quicker to respond.
- Shaft drive: Offers strong, reliable torque and solid push, especially on heavier hulls.
Fuel efficiency:
- IPS: Commonly provides 20–30% better fuel economy in many hull designs.
- Note: Real-world results vary based on weight, speed, sea state and hull shape — sometimes the gap between IPS and shaft drives is smaller.
Handling and manoeuvrability
- Shaft drive: Predictable, steady handling at cruising speeds with strong directional stability.
- IPS: Excellent in tight spaces. Joystick control makes docking, pivoting and low-speed manoeuvring extremely user-friendly.
Onboard with IPS and shaft drive
There’s less vibration with IPS systems because the pods sit outside the hull and run more efficiently. Boats with these systems often feel smoother and quieter. Another benefit is space, IPS installations can free up extra room inside the boat, especially in the engine room and mid-cabin areas. Traditional shaft drives may transmit more vibration depending on hull design, though modern builds have improved a lot.
Maintenance and longevity
Understanding the advantages and disadvantages makes it easier to choose the right system for how you use your boat. IPS offers modern technology and great handling, but repairs and servicing can cost a little more. Shaft drives, on the other hand, are much simpler. Parts are easy to find, most mechanics can work on them, and troubleshooting is straightforward.
The advantages of IPS
From a technical perspective, the Volvo Penta IPS (Inboard Performance System) delivers several engineering and design benefits that set it apart from traditional shaft-drive propulsion:
More flexible vessel design
Because IPS pods sit further aft and take up less internal space than a shaft-drive layout, boat builders can redesign the lower deck more efficiently. This often allows:
Additional cabin space
- Improved layout versatility
- Better weight distribution and balance
Advanced control and manoeuvrability
IPS offers a suite of integrated technologies designed to make handling easier and more precise:
- Digital Positioning System (DPS): Holds the vessel’s exact position and heading at the push of a button, great for waiting at fuel docks, bridges or when prepping lines.
- Assisted docking: Helps compensate for wind, current and operator input. If the skipper releases the controls, the system keeps the boat steady in position.
Joystick integration – with a key distinction
While joystick control is often associated with IPS, it’s important to note:
- Volvo Penta shaft-drive engines can also have joystick docking via Volvo Penta Electric Steering.
- With IPS, the joystick is paired with steerable forward-facing pods, enabling exceptionally intuitive sideways, diagonal and rotational movement.
This combination of efficient layout, advanced stabilising systems and superior low-speed manoeuvrability is what makes IPS appealing for many vessel types.
IPS is the right choice if you enjoy:
- Coastal cruising
- Spending time in and out of marinas
- Regular docking
- Simple, intuitive joystick manoeuvring
- Better fuel efficiency and higher speeds
- Smoother, quieter running
When shaft drive Is the better choice
A shaft drive makes sense if you:
- Cruise offshore or in remote regions
- Want low-maintenance mechanics
- Prefer traditional strength and simplicity
- Own a boat designed for shaft drive geometry
- Want easier access to worldwide servicing
Key questions to help you decide
Choosing between IPS vs shaft drive depends on how and where you use your boat. Here are a few simple questions to guide your decision:
- Where do you usually boat — coastal, offshore, remote?
- Do you often dock in marinas or tight spaces?
- How important is fuel efficiency to you?
- Is IPS servicing accessible in your region?
- Do you want advanced tech or mechanical simplicity?
- Do you prioritise speed or reliability?
Learn more about our Marine Leisure products
Which marine propulsion system is right for you?
Here is a summary of the main differences between IPS and traditional shaft drives:
IPS offers fuel efficiency, higher speed, comfort and incredible manoeuvrability. Shaft drive delivers durability, simplicity and easy servicing anywhere in the world.
There’s no single “best” propulsion system, only the best match for your boating style and the boat design. If you enjoy marinas, easy docking and smooth performance, IPS may be the standout choice. If you cruise remotely or want low-maintenance reliability, shaft drive is often the better fit.
In the end, choosing the right system comes down to where you boat, how you boat, and what kind of ownership experience you prefer. If you’d like assistance, talk to the team at Oceania Power today.