Reverse Engineering the Boat Propeller

Reading through Men's Journal on the way to Boston in the car. Came across an amazing photo of a boat with the engine facing the wrong way. Volvo-Penta has come up with a revolutionary way to improve fuel efficiency, by facing the prop 'backwards." Accelleration is increased 15%, top speed bumps up 20%, and all in all it comes down to : Why didn't we think of this until now?


Volvo's newest reverse direction boat engine. 

"The entire system can also turn like a rudder, enabling both high speed turns and precision parking. Prices start at about $300,000 for the large inboards."