Pod Drives

There are no rope-cutters available for IPS due to how the props are mounted. As to protection of the drives, this has been covered on different threads before.

http://www.yachtforums.com/forums/technical-discussion/19745-zeus-ips-pod-drive-buzz-gone.html

The reason manufacturers are still offering shaft drives is cost and reliability. They cost far less and require far less maintenance. Repairs are also considerably more costly with pods, and you have far more mechanics and yards qualified to work on shafts. Like anything else, you pay a price for convenience. Pods are moving more and more into the mainstream though, and they're a pleasure to use, especially in a tight docking situation.
Most of my experience is with IPS. So I can't really comment on which is better. I'll only say that I've had no problems, and been very satisfied with IPS.

Pods do have their purpose. I prefer the Zues pods of the bunch. With the rear facing propellors, most of the stuff gets bumped off from the unit before it gets to the props if it does. As for fouling, all pods are less prone to catching floating ropes and such compared to shafts to begin with due to the way they're mounted in the hull (height above the V etc) and the smaller props that they have.

Marine fouling or growth, makes a much larger difference in efficiency on the pods over traditional props/shafts

I have put 400 hours on our IPS 500 powered Tiara over the last 2 seasons. It has been trouble free with the exception of a small bend in one of the propellers from a submerged log. I'm not sure if the result would have been any different with Zeus etc.

I have had the opportunity to spend a lot of time running a zeus powered 45' boat as well. In my opinion, there are pluses and minuses to both. I like that the Zeus joystick is engaged all of the time when the boat is in neutral. With the IPS you have to push the button and there is a small delay which you have to allow for. Secondly my IPS boat will make nearly .5kt in neutral due to all of the exhaust exiting through the pods. Not a bid deal but if you're single handing the boat bow in its something to be aware of. The IPS system seems to be more efficient and faster to plane. This is likely due to the pulling and clean water of forward facing propellers.

Lastly, Volvo does make a line cutters for the IPS System. It is Part #21686492. I have not used this and cannot comment on its effectiveness.

Max

Ips Rope cutters

This has changed, Volvo now has them.