American shipyard Summit Motoryachts, a part of the Kadey-Krogen Group, was founded in 2006 to build high performance cruising motoryachts. A combination of skilled craftsmanship and attention to detail alongside the design skills of naval architect Michael Peters, have expanded the company’s product range. The new models of Summit 54 Motoryacht have the option of using Volvo Penta IPS system – a higher performing alternative to traditional line shaft engines.

Currently under construction, the first unit represents the completion of one of Summit’s long-term objectives. “With the shipyard’s first vessel – notes Fran Morey, production manager for the Kadey-Krogen Group – we wanted to offer Volvo IPS alongside traditional line shaft propulsion. Now we can offer superior propulsion, created for those owners who want efficiency and optimal performance.”

The optional engine package of the Summit 54 Motoryacht includes two Volvo Penta IPS 800 and 600 HP engines, allowing the boat to reach maximum speeds of over 20 knots, while the standard option continues using a pair of Cummins QSB 6.7 542 HP diesel engines. Both solutions can be controlled using the joystick and allow for an optional additional driving position in the cockpit.

The new Summit 54 with IPS technology includes a Volvo Glass Cockpit with Garmin electronics and a Volvo Interceptor trim-tab system, for the perfect integration of system and engine data during navigation. The tanks and engine room remain the same, no matter which option is chosen, while, in order to keep the weight distribution balanced at midship, the shipyard will add bespoke stabilisers along the power train from the aft engines to the pod drives.

“The vessel has been completely redesigned from scratch – explains Fran Morey – to provide an excellent navigational experience using either the traditional or IPS systems, adjusting the power in an absolutely fluid manner. The work done by our team and Michael Peters, in partnership with Volvo, has fully satisfied the essential structural requirements for the installation of an IPS system, avoiding any negative repercussions on the layout of the Summit 54 Motoryacht, the hull design, or fuel tank capacity.” The shipyard also plans to install the same IPS package in the 54 Coupe model, which is expected for 2025.