Volvo Penta designed its new Ocean Series XDP Drive for the extreme conditions of salt water fishing. The case and gimbal ring of the sterndrive are built of a vinylester-matrix composite that offers lightweight strength in a hydrodynamic design that reduces drag, according to the manufacturer. The counter-rotating duoprop drive comes with a choice of stainless-steel props or composite props with replaceable blades. According to Volvo Penta, a jack-shaft version is in the offing, which would allow the engine to be placed amidships on a center console and open up the cockpit for fishing. In its first production year, the Ocean Series drives will be matched to 4.3- and 5-liter gasoline and 2.4-liter diesel Volvo Penta engines. Volvo Penta, Chesapeake, VA; (757) 436-2800; www.volvopenta.com.