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OUTBOARD BREAKTHROUGHS TAKE BOATING TO NEW HEIGHTS
Sunday, February 3, 2008
OUTBOARD BREAKTHROUGHS TAKE BOATING TO NEW HEIGHTS
Both Yamaha and Evinrude have rocked the boating world with outboard engine developments that are nothing short of astounding.
Yamaha has launched the industry’s first V8 5.3-liter four-stroke outboard that can power boats to 40 feet, which makes it a high choice for offshore boaters who seek more outboard power and thrust.
Thomas Mackie, South Harbor Marine, Waretown, NJ, said, “Producing 350 prop-shaft rated horsepower, the F350 is designed to provide massive thrust for the heaviest off-shore outboard-powered boats. At the same time, displacement means the engine makes 350 horsepower without the strain and internal pressures found in high-output, small displacement engines.”
Some new technology further enhances the F350’s appeal. For example, ionic combustion sensors that constantly monitor combustion conditions and adjust spark timing; a dimpled outer cylinder sleeve to reduce oil consumption; the new Enhanced Ultimate Corrosion Protection System with additional sacrificial anodes; an innovative internal paint process and new-generation head gaskets; and Yamaha’s Command Link Digital Electronic Control system with redundant electronic engine control, automatic multi-engine synchronization and electronic throttle and shift.
Noting again that the Yamaha F350 was designed from the beginning to power off-shore boats, Mackie said, “The engine also uses an ‘Ultra-Tough’ gear case with dual water inlets for improved cooling. Inside the lower unit are hardened gears and enhanced bearings and surfaces for greater off-shore durability. Forged motor mounts and an oversized mounting bracket also add to the F350’s portfolio of toughness.”
There’s more to the Yamaha story, however. Richard Ketchow, Gateway Marina, Belford, NJ, explained that the F350 was developed through Yamaha’s relationships with a diverse group of independent U.S. boat builders.
"The idea for the F350 took shape several years ago,” said Ketchow, “when a group of boat builders met with Yamaha engineers because big boats were becoming more popular and manufacturers needed a very powerful outboard, something with about 350 horsepower.
Ketchow said the Pursuit Boat division of S2 Yachts is now developing a 36-foot outboard-powered boat while Edgewater Boats will a 38-foot outboard-powered boat that has all the functionality of a larger boat in a smaller, more efficient package.
In addition to Pursuit and Edgewater, several other Yamaha partners are planning F350-class outboard boats. Last year, Grady-White introduced a 36-foot outboard-powered boat, the Express 360, a certain candidate for Yamaha F350 power.
Meanwhile, Evinrude announced its largest, most powerful outboard yet – the 250-hp High Output. With 3.4 liters of displacement, the additional power and low weight of the 250 H.O. allows boaters to plane heavy loads, make faster hole shots and increase top speed on a variety of recreational uses.
About this new Evinrude Jim Bry, Bry's Marine, Neptune, NJ, said, “Like all Evinrude E-TEC outboards, the 250 H.O. is compact and lightweight – an amazing 128 pounds lighter than competitive engines at the same horsepower. With less weight comes improved fuel efficiency, less draft and improved boat handling, superior visibility while planing the boat quicker, and less stress on the boat transom.”
Bry added that the 250 H.O. tops-off the Evinrude E-TEC line-up in horsepower and advanced innovative features including the high-speed, nose cone Lightning gear case, manufactured from the toughest grade metals and alloys for increased strength and performance.
But there’s more from Evinrude. Bry said the E-TEC expansion includes nine models in the 40- through 60-hp range of in-line two cylinder engines; three models in the 75- through 90-hp range of in-line three cylinder engines; one new model in each of the 115-hp V4 60-degree and 150-hp V6 60-degree engines; two models in the 200- through 250-hp V6 90-degree platform; and two models in 250 H.O.
Oh, yes, outboard power and options do take boaters to new heights by offering amazing choices for either repowering or equipping that new boat.
[Back to New Jersey Boat Show Press]
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