A system dedicated to high-speed boats celebrates its 30th anniversary
France Hélices, a French specialist in propulsion systems, was founded in Cannes in 1977 by Paul Bezzi, an enthusiastic mechanic. Interested in surface propeller systems since the 1980s, and involved in inshore and offshore motorboat championships, he eventually developed his own system, christened SDS for Surface Drive System, in 1993. Over the past 30 years, the brand has gone from strength to strength, equipping more and more fast boats, winning the "Best surface drive supplier" award in 2021. Over 3,000 systems have been delivered worldwide in 30 years.
A high-performance system adaptable to a wide range of high-speed vessels
With its SDS, France Hélices can adapt to the needs of many boats in search of speed and performance. Surface propellers designed by France Hélices can propel boats from 25 knots up to 75 knots. They can be coupled with engines from 200 hp up to 3,000 hp. Compared with other propulsion systems for equivalent speeds, surface propellers are highly efficient. Ayoub Tébai, from the design office, emphasizes: "We control the whole chain, from the initial calculation, to mechanical and propeller design, to manufacturing."
Reliable products made in France
The SDS integrates all the necessary functions. Trimmable and directional, the SDS handles all the boat's steering. France Hélices supplies all the hydraulic and electrical equipment, with a plug-and-play system produced entirely in France.
Reliability and robustness are the watchwords. The 100% mechanical system reduces maintenance costs. By integrating the electrical and hydraulic components into the hull, only the mechanical parts are submerged, guaranteeing greater reliability. At the same time, France Hélices is constantly working on tools to make maintenance even easier.
