:: 43059 Zeus :: In the Water!!!

It has been a very busy and exciting week here at Mikelson. After breaking all records for the fastest first installation of the Zeus drives (according to Cummins) Mikelson launched the Mikelson 43 Zeus today. We conducted initial sea trials with the Cummins 480 QSB Series, 5.9 liter engines. The propellers will require some typical adjustments but the ride was exceptional in the following areas:

- Smooth and quiet (even smoother and quieter than the Mikelson 43’s with 8.3L Cummins)
- Maneuverable (the jogstick allows for tight quarters maneuvering without the stress)
- Faster (Top speed was 31 knots WOT with a light boat)
- Maneuverable (the ability of the drives to thrust directionally makes the boat more responsive)
- Better fuel economy (fuel savings of about 10gph in the 25 knot speed area)

These features are in addition to the other Zeus advantages:
- Power steering
- Auto Pilot loaded with features
- Skyhook (will hold position and heading with the push of a button!)
- Electronic controls
- Trolling valves
- Virtual bow thruster
- 3” lower cockpit deck for improved gunnel height
- Decreased draft to almost 3’
- More engine-room open space

Some notable speeds and fuel burns per the Zeus Smartcraft displays:

- 4.5 kts @ 1.7gph total
- 9.0 kts @ 7.4gph total
- 24.5 kts @ 34gph total
- 31.1 kts @ WOT

Next, we will be adjusting ECM parameters (altering the computer program) and getting new propellers next week and we hope to improve on these already amazing performance figures! Stay tuned to the blog for more pictures and updates...