15
ALL AT SEA FEBRUARY 2022
POWER TALK
Simon Everett is the man in the know when it comes to what is being launched and the latest technologies emerging in marine engines. Get the inside scoop right here…
YAMAHA’S HARMO Electric propulsion has been part of the Yamaha electric engineering expertise portfolio for many years, in the form of trolling motors, golf carts, wheelchairs, electric assisted bicycles and a host of other electric propulsion platforms. HARMO is a brand new, integrated propulsion and steering control system. Taking smart technology to the next level the system provides more efficient electric propulsion than other systems with a similar sized propeller by utilising rim drive to increase the thrust at slower speed. It can therefore be used to power larger boats with less power consumption than traditional equivalents. Currently the system has been tested on boats up to 21ft and has provided vibration free, ultra-quiet running. The steering system is based upon the proven Helmaster joystick control normally only found on the top end of conventional outboards. HARMO is fitted in a similar way to an outboard motor, utilising a transom bracket and features a trim and tilt function that allows the propeller to be lifted clear of the water for beaching or for when moored for any length of time. HARMO goes through the same rigorous testing procedure as every Yamaha outboard motor and demonstrates the possibility and capability of electric propulsion in suitable marine sectors.
This will fuel the used market and the prices of second hand engines will remain high, as demand is definitely outstripping supply. The component supply chain is also being affected, so get your engine serviced sooner rather than later.
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RK Marine offers outstanding facilities and services for owners of both sailboats and motorboats.
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We provide lifting, storage, berthing and servicing, and our dedicated workshops offer a wide range of engineering work. There is also a ICE TOStore well stockedRParts B for quick and EV helpful across-the-counter service. So call us or call in and tell us what service you need.
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The availability situation has not changed for the better and back orders are slowly being filled, but the delivery of new engines has slowed to a trickle as Japan has only just come out of Covid lockdown. It is not just the outboard manufacturers that are behind, but the component manufacturers as well. If you want a parallel, look at the car manufacturers and how they are struggling for certain components. Because of this situation my inkling is that the theft of outboards will become even more prevalent and you should increase your security. Having insurance is not going to be enough to keep you boating as you may well get your payout, but if there are no engines available you will have to join the back of the queue to get your replacement which, if your engine was stolen now, might be months away.
“demand is definitely outstripping supply”
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MOTOR ACADEMY As we gradually come to live with the disruptive virus and a new season is heralded, thoughts turn to matters of a boating nature. With the popularity of using a small inflatable taking the marine industry by storm and increasing the demand for outboards, we have received news from Yamaha about their Motor Academy. When we, as customers, go into a dealer we rightly expect high quality service, both in terms of technical ability and a personal experience.
To enhance these aspects of their entire dealer network, Yamaha have rolled out a futuristic training programme that will focus on the five founding values of the institute: motivation, care, knowledge, passion and satisfaction. The aim is to set Yamaha dealers as the example to aspire to and to improve the business through customer satisfaction. Give them time though, they have 2,800 dealers around the world to train.
