In an exciting move that marks a potential milestone for the towed water sports industry, Supra Boats, the renowned premium towboat brand under Skiers Choice, Inc is announcing the groundbreaking collaboration with Volvo Penta, global leader in marine propulsion technology. This partnership introduces an innovative concept that brings Volvo Penta’s revolutionary Forward Drive technology to Supra’s flagship SE model, creating a bridge between familiar sterndrive handling and the superior performance of a dedicated towboat.
Breaking Down Barriers to Premium Towboats
For years, boaters accustomed to sterndrive and outboard platforms have been hesitant to make the transition to premium inboard towboats, despite their superior wakesurfing and wakeboarding capabilities. The different handling characteristics and unfamiliar feel have created a significant barrier to entry for this segment of the market.
“The purpose of the concept boat build was to explore solving the age-old problem of inboard boat handling intimidation for sterndrive boaters without sacrificing surf waves or wakeboard wake performance,” said Rob Loucks, R&D Project Manager at Skier’s Choice. “This was not an easy task and required us to develop new technologies which are patent pending.”
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This innovative collaboration was developed to create a concept boat that proves it is possible to solve these challenges. By integrating Volvo Penta’s Forward Drive technology into the Supra SE, the collaboration delivers the best of both worlds: the familiar, intuitive handling characteristics that sterndrive boaters know and love, combined with the exceptional wake performance and luxury that define Supra’s premium towboat lineup.
Revolutionary Technology Meets Premium Performance
Volvo Penta’s Forward Drive features forward-facing dual counter-rotating propellers positioned 26.5 inches ahead of traditional sterndrive propeller placement. This innovative configuration provides exceptional maneuverability, adjustable trim for improved cruising ride characteristics, overall top end speed, improved fuel efficiency, and quieter operation—all while delivering handling characteristics familiar to sterndrive boaters.
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When pairing Supra’s patented technologies and patent pending technologies combined with the flagship Supra SE model—the largest boat in the Supra lineup at 24.5 feet with a seating capacity of 18 and 4,700 pounds of ballast—the result is a compelling platform that opens the premium towboat market to an entirely new segment of boating enthusiasts.
“This partnership represents an exciting evolution in how we think about bringing new boaters into the premium towboat segment,” said Ryan Lewis, Product Manager for Supra. “The Volvo Forward Drive gives boaters the confidence to make the transition from sterndrive platforms while experiencing the superior wake performance that Supra is known for. We’re eliminating the intimidation factor and opening doors for more families to experience world-class towed water sports.”
Concept Debut at MRAA Dealer Week
The Supra SE Forward Drive concept will make its debut at MRAA Dealer Week in Tampa, Florida, December 7-10, 2025. This exclusive reveal will give marine retailers and industry professionals the first opportunity to experience this groundbreaking integration of Volvo Penta’s innovative propulsion technology with Supra’s premium towboat platform.
About Volvo Penta
Volvo Penta is a world-leading supplier of engines and complete power systems for marine and industrial applications. With a heritage of innovation spanning decades, Volvo Penta’s Forward Drive technology has revolutionized the sterndrive market by enabling safe wakesurfing and delivering superior performance, efficiency, and versatility on the water.
About Supra Boats
Supra Boats, a division of Skier’s Choice, has been at the forefront of premium water sports boats for years, known for its high quality, performance, and innovative design. With 20 consecutive Customer Satisfaction Index (CSI) Awards, Supra continues to push the boundaries of innovation and customer satisfaction, delivering exceptional experiences on the water. For more information, visit supraboats.com.
