Marine propulsion efficiency under the spotlight - Australian MarineBusinessWorld.com newsletter
by Peter Rendle 28 Jan 2021 14:00 PST
Yamaha V6 engine © Yamaha
With carbon emission reductions being one of the major factors facing world leaders it is no wonder that propulsion in all its forms is under scrutiny. The boating industry is no exception and engine manufacturers are constantly striving for more efficiency.
Yamaha Marine kicks off 2021 with brand new product offerings including updated V6 Offshore outboards that combine new benefits with a reliable performance legacy. The new F250 and F300 V6 Offshore Digital Electronic Control (DEC) models boast built-in Digital Electric Steering (DES), Thrust Enhancing Reverse Exhaust (TERE) and other XTO Offshore®-inspired features.
"The new, updated F300 and F250 4.2-liter V6 Offshore outboards now have many of the benefits previously only available on the XTO Offshore. Combining a high performance, big block V6 engine featuring outstanding power and fuel efficiency, Yamaha brings new levels of convenience and control to a proven performer," said Ben Speciale, President, Yamaha U.S. Marine Business Unit. "The introduction of these outboards in addition to a new flush, side-mount DEC for Helm Master EX and Saltwater Series II HP propellers allows Yamaha to start the year with new innovative products that meet customer demand."
Meanwhile British diesel outboard specialist, Cox Powertrain has announced a new generation of mobile boating technology with the launch of its Coxswain™ app - a powerful new engine management application that enables customers to access aftersales support for their Cox diesel outboards at the touch of a button. The Coxswain™ app is the first of its kind in the marine industry and has been developed as part of Cox Powertrain's drive to deliver unrivalled aftersales service for its customers, supported by an exemplary global distributor and dealer network. The mobile app provides a unique and personally tailored experience for Cox customers, detailing images of their vessel, along with information relating to each outboard, such as warranty, service records, serial numbers, and maintenance information - all managed in real-time. The Coxswain™ app is exceptionally user-friendly, easy to navigate, and is designed to ensure customers get help when they need it, wherever they are in the world, making it an invaluable tool for swift aftersales support.
Onboard assistance continues to develop. With ship data consumption doubling during 2020, an increasing number of superyacht owners and managers are among those benefiting from Inmarsat's high-speed service with its fast-growing ecosystem of digital applications and value-added services. Inmarsat has completed its 10,000th Fleet Xpress vessel installation. Fleet Xpress clients now include a growing number of yachts, passenger ships and fishing boats with access to the platform's reliable, seamless connectivity, bringing significant gains for guest and crew experience, operations, yacht management efficiency, crew welfare and effective cyber security.
People news this week includes the appointment of Gavin Ward who has joined Windcraft. Windcraft are expanding their sales and service support in Queensland and Gavin's passion for yachting, impressive professional background and friendly personality makes him a perfect fit for the Windcraft team. Gavin is always enthusiastic to share his experience and enthusiasm so if you have any questions about any aspect of Windcraft or their range of Sailing and Power yachts he would be happy to hear from you. He can be reached on 0418 402 809 and gavin.ward@windcraftyachts.com
Overseas French-based Wichard Groupe announced Kevin Coughlin as Vice President of Sales and Marketing. A marine industry veteran, Coughlin brings extensive experience to the position and will focus on expanding Wichard's already strong brand recognition and sales throughout North America.
Also, from France, Beneteau announced "Project E" and presented the mock-up of the owner's cabin of it during last year's boot Düsseldorf; this new powerboat range for long-distance cruises with exquisite comfort and luxury has growingly raised public expectations. The latest range is called the Grand Trawler, expanding the scope of the brand's iconic Swift Trawler line, and the first model of the collection, the Grand Trawler 62, has taken shape. The Grand Trawler 62 is built in the state-of-the-art Monfalcone plant in Italy. Beneteau is organizing a VIP weekend for factory tours with the assistance of Premium Service Team at the end of January. Customer sea trials are expected to be open in Mid-April in Italy.
Back home in Australia, Riviera has welcomed a record intake of new apprentices for a second consecutive year as the company heads into 2021 with the largest future orders in the company's 41 years of operation. A total of 41 new apprentices joined the Riviera team at the company's Gold Coast boatbuilding facility this week following an extensive recruitment program during the year. Riviera welcomed 33 new apprentices this time last year. The latest intake has increased apprentices working with the 600-strong team to 89. Riviera's Safety and Training Manager, Adam Houlahan, said more apprentices were being recruited to meet continued growth.
And finally, we can proudly announce that during the past 30 days our Sail-World websites globally have been accessed by over 600,000 unique visitors according to the third-party Google Analytic reports. These numbers auger very well for any industry organisation that wants to expand its brand exposure and product range to a highly targeted audience either within Australia or on a global basis. Contact peter.rendle@marinebusinessworld.com for details.
Stay Safe,
Peter Rendle