Brunswick Corporation
11.01.2006
Project Zeus: A Marine Propulsion System of Mythic Proportions
One of the Company’s latest projects – Project Zeus – promises to make captaining a boat, well, easy. Project Zeus enables boaters to maintain a position despite wind and tide, turn 360 degrees on a dime, dock a vessel using joystick control navigation, and check systems and engines and monitor entertainment options from one screen.
Project Zeus combines nearly 15 years of research conducted by Mercury Marine, Cummins MerCruiser Diesel and MotoTron. “The tremendous range of technical expertise at Brunswick allows a seamless approach to propulsion technology, marine electronics, and on board information management,” said Dusty McCoy, Brunswick Chairman and Chief Executive Officer. “The Project Zeus technology was developed with a goal of simplifying the boating experience while delivering unparalleled safety, performance and control.”
At the heart of the latest propulsion system is an innovative pod drive. For decades pod drives have been used in commercial applications to increase efficiency and maneuverability. Recognizing the benefits to the recreational boater, the project team specially engineered a drive that, in concert with Mercury Marine engines and SmartCraft™ technology – which connects a boat’s diverse onboard systems onto a single integrated system – would make boating more enjoyable than ever.
Safer by Design
The Project Zeus pod drive is designed to deflect floating objects away from the propellers. Should the unit come into contact with a substantial object a portion of the drive is designed to detach, minimizing potentially costly damage to the drive. In the event of a catastrophic collision, the entire device is designed to detach and remain water tight, so as not to puncture a hole in the boat.
Superior Efficiency…Superior Power
The pod drive also is designed to optimize the full power of its engines. The compact design reduces drag in the water, resulting in seven percent faster top speed and a 30 percent increase in fuel economy at a higher cruise speed. No other system can match Project Zeus’ efficiency.
A New Level of Boating Enjoyment
Project Zeus is built on the foundation of an already quiet and clean-running engine; however, the pod drive significantly reduces gear noise and vibration for a quiet and comfortable ride. In addition, the already-low engine exhaust is nearly eliminated because the pod drive vents emission through the propeller hubs where the water flow takes them far back into the wake. And with SmartCraft™ connectivity throughout the vessel, drivers have the ability to monitor and control engine performance, generators, navigation, air conditioning, movies and more using touch screens located throughout the vessel.
Enhanced Maneuverability
Boats outfitted with this propulsion system will perform more like a luxury sports car than the typical yacht, according to McCoy. Project Zeus allows for greater turning efficiency and responsiveness and smoother shifting. An advanced joystick control system enables captains to deliver precise turning and tight maneuvering. The highly advanced system is incredibly intuitive and can be easily operated with a simple turn of the wrist.
Project Zeus also uses a highly advanced autopilot system that, with the touch of a button, can keep a vessel in a tight area, even in strong currents and windy conditions. Envision having the ability to pull up to a busy fuel dock and while waiting in the channel, ready the bumpers and lines without tending to controls to stay in place.
Simple Installation
Because Project Zeus is one complete package, it requires significantly less time to install than conventional inboards or comparable pod systems.
Boat builders will begin offering the leading propulsion technology in select models during 2007, with widespread integration beginning with the 2008 model-year releases.
