Cummins vs Volvo pods

Sadly the relationship between Cummins and Mercruiser has fallen apart and they are no longer on talking terms. If you have a serious issue with a Merc pod, Cummins aren't very interested and vice-versa.

Stick with the Volvos, a service engineer only has to come to your yard once a year, not a biggie for a good workshop to organize.

Here in south Georgia, the local Cummins shop could not figure out (in 6 months) a sinc problem in the joystic. Every now and then the pods would point in different directions when moving forward.
A gas pump jockey in south fl told the customer it was a known problem, it's the joystick. Owner replaced it him self and problems went away.
I luv my Cummins shop (only one around), but they goofed on that one. The big Cummins/Merc boat yard here didn't have a clue either.
Now that Merc has split from Cummins, I don't see much more support than what I have witnessed.
AND that SmartCrap (no relation) junk, is still having problems.

However, My Volvo shop (Fordham Marine) travels everywhere and no bugs or complaints from my customers.
I'd lean to the ISPs for now.

Slightly oblique comment: FWIW, I've read thrusters and engines on straight shafts all tied into a Yacht Controller (or similar) system could be equally single-handing-friendly.

-Chris

The Zeus pod was made designed by ZF Italia and then sold licensed back in the 2006/7 to Mercury with exclusive rights for five years.
Since a few years (2012) the ZF Zeus pod is also independent hence its availability for Caterpillar, Yanmar, and FPT engines.

Running Cummins Zeus.
No issues.
Maintenance by me and my local marine engine shop is great. Regardless of the mercruiser/Zeus split, the shop knows mercruiser drives and Cummins Engines so no worries there.
I came from sailboat and I like to park with the throttles as much as possible, I use the joystick as needed like I used to use thrusters.
Use skyhook responsibly at fueling, Bridge lifts and anchor preparation.
I love it.
The space savings in the ER and aft stateroom are super.

Real drivers don't need no stinking thrusters..
Just need a running start. Everybody else will get out of the way.

One key reason we chose Volvo IPS was that the entire system from helm deck to prop was from a single vendor. And now with the Glass Cockpit, even the chartplotter is covered under the Volvo warranty. Too many friends of ours with Zeus had finger pointing issues between the engine manufacturer and the pod company. That kind of problem drives me nuts (short drive I am told).

Brunswick doesn't own Cummins, Inc. They just own the partnership that was developed for Zeus.

Cummins is a much bigger corporation than Brunswick, they have bigger fish to fry than the Zeus pod sales can provide.

My personal feeling from what I have observed; Cummins would rather not admit they ever worked with Brunswick.
IMO; I don't blame them..
Ford (gas engine deal long ago) felt the same way.

Partially true. They're still trying to sell Zeus to builders.

Define They? Cummins? Merc?
I assume Merc..

Merc is in bed now with another diesel engine supplier. They still have to push the Zues drive.
As we have mentioned here many times, the Z drive (stern, I/O) is a dying product line. Merc inboards have never been a big product to bet on.
If they want to compete with the mid craft power supplier; It's Zuse or their dead.

Cummins could not care less; They have a product to sell without Merc.

Cummins. They're trying to pick up more boat brands now that the partnership is gone. Trying to sell Cummins/Zeus combination.

I think they are glad it's over (Zuse). Cummins will always be fine in the inboard market. No need for a Zues or any extra drive package.
Now, If they could ever wash their hands of the Smart Crap (no relation) junk.