UK
Luxury houseboat manufacturer Bravada Yachts, Arizona, USA, selected Volvo Penta as the propulsion provider of choice for its new Atlas V Series 80 x 22 custom lake houseboat, “Invictus.” The choice was driven by the impressive maneuverability of Volvo Penta’s Aquamatic sterndrive, which gives customers peace of mind when navigating in tight spots like the canyons of Lake Powell.
Bravada Yachts’ Invictus marks several important “firsts” for Volvo Penta. The impressive luxury houseboat is the first Bravada houseboat to be powered by Volvo Penta and the largest boat in the region to be powered by a Volvo Penta Aquamatic sterndrive.
“Team Bravada wanted a propulsion system that would continue the Bravada legacy of changing the houseboat industry and we found it in Volvo Penta,” said Robert Gutierrez, Principal at Bravada Yachts. “We found the Volvo Penta propulsion package very easy to install and service. Additionally, we were impressed by the throttle response, rapid acceleration, and maneuverability with integrated electric steering. Another plus was the quiet and smooth shifting.”
The unique Volvo Penta DPI sterndrive is what enables silent and smooth shifting and boasts high engine torque for easier maneuvering. The integrated propulsion system also offers longer service intervals, fewer service items, and propeller seals designed for longer life, as well as industry-leading fuel efficiency and low CO2 emissions. The fully Electronic Vessel Control provides improved diagnostics and monitoring of system health.
Martin Bjuve, president of Volvo Penta of the Americas, commented, “The team at Bravada does not shy away from venturing toward uncharted waters, and this is a mindset we fully embrace at Volvo Penta. We see strong synergies between our organizations and are confident our solutions will serve as a cornerstone in Bravada’s efforts to define the future of the houseboat industry.”
The installation and system integration of the propulsion package was overseen by Helmut’s Marine Service, Volvo Penta’s Power Center servicing Arizona, California, Hawaii, Nevada, and Guam.
“This collaboration with Bravada demonstrates just how versatile the propulsion package from Volvo Penta is,” says Nadine Urciuoli, vice president of Helmut’s Marine Service. “The power, performance, and fuel-efficiency of the system makes it suitable for a wide range of applications.”
With its massive aquarium-style floor-to-ceiling glass windows and doors, the Invictus features a host of luxury amenities for lake cruising and entertaining in style. The boat has five staterooms, two baths, and two cuddy cabins. There are a fire pit and waterslide on the top deck, stainless-steel appliances and quartz countertops in the kitchen, 10 flat-screen satellite TVs, surround sound, and other custom features for the most discerning owners.
“We curate an experience for our customer,” said Aaron Browning, Principal at Bravada Yachts. “We consider every detail, to bring comfort and ease to our customers. Volvo Penta’s Aquamatic sterndrive plays into this narrative of enhancing and contributing to the onboard experience – making our luxury houseboats drive with ease, elegance, and efficiency.”
About Bravada Yachts
A company built on performance and style, Bravada Yachts is an Arizona-based yacht and houseboat manufacturer that produces a series of cutting-edge vessels. Founded in 2010, the company is headquartered in Tolleson, Arizona, and serves lake-lovers locally and across the country. Bravada was acquired in 2017 by a new dynamic executive team and employs a dedicated and experienced crew of yacht builders and fabricators.