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ALL AT SEA FEBRUARY 2021
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…
Changing Tiers Previously this time of year has traditionally been awash with news and product launches across the marine spectrum, many being showcased at the once annual London Boat Show. As Bob Dylan wrote: “the times, they are a changin’”. There is a storm brewing in the marine power industry. It is following a similar path to that of the automotive industry, with calls for decarbonisation and finger wagging at internal combustion engine users. While the effect of this is a couple of years away for leisure users, commercial operations are already starting to feel the effects of the new directives. All new keels laid from 1 January 2021 must have power installations that conform to Tier III emission standards, and the requirement also includes repowers, unless the engine can be replaced with an exact exchange unit. This is causing problems
for some engines, with a direct replacement that conforms to the Tier III requirement unavailable and the old engine no longer being made, or available. On top of these difficulties the vessels themselves are proving problematic, especially smaller launches, where they simply do not have sufficient room in the engine bay for the bulkier, modern replacement. It is a conundrum. The difference between the current Tier II NOX levels
Image: Robert Biedermann / Shutterstock
and those required to meet Tier III requirements amounts to a reduction of some 70 per cent, so it is a huge ask of the engineering departments. Cummins are addressing the situation with their current application of the SCR (Selective Catalytic Regeneration) unit, which is a low back pressure system. Cummins are backing it with a two year warranty. I expect news of other developments as the year develops and Tier III is now upon us. Of course, the other option is to rebuild your existing engine, provided spare parts are available, or used parts can be sourced. However, even spare parts are proving problematic in some quarters, with distribution chains disrupted thanks to staffing shortages throughout the entire chain, from manufacturing through shipping to customs and the stock holders themselves, all thanks to the pandemic.
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UK OMAX DISTRIBUTOR That leads me neatly on to the next snippet of news. Specialist Small Craft have been appointed exclusive distributor for the British Isles of OMAX spare parts for marine engines across the spectrum, including PWCs. This is a very interesting development for anyone, private, commercial, dealer or independent mechanic, who services their engine and ancillary equipment. OMAX branded products come in their own special packaging, complete with confidence inspiring holographic security labels to avoid illicit counterfeits and ensure customers receive original OMAX parts. Why this is such good news for everyone is that OMAX source their parts from the original factories. They have tracked down more than 50 manufacturers of OEM parts across the globe, from the USA to Japan and Indonesia. Whilst the OMAX name might be new to boaters in Britain, they are well known and highly regarded in much of the rest of the world as the items are, in most cases, identical to the original part and produced by the same factory on the same line, with only the branding changed. Mark Pullinger, director of Specialist Small Craft, said: “Use of genuine OMAX marine parts offers peace of mind to customers, together with competitive pricing due to a shortened supply chain. Genuine OMAX parts can help keep outboard motors operational when replacement OEM parts are either not cost effective or not immediately available.”
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Unrivalled support for boat owners for 50 years With yards located at Swanwick and Warsash RK Marine offers outstanding facilities and services for owners of both sailboats and motorboats. We provide lifting, storage, berthing and servicing, and our dedicated workshops offer a wide range of engineering or fabrication work. There’s also a well stocked Parts Store for across-the-counter service. So call us or call in and tell us what service you need.
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• Motor Boat Lifting (Swanwick) up to 60ft / 40 tons • Yacht Lifting (Warsash) for up to 35ft / 15 tons • Hard Standing, Covered Storage and Pontoon Berthing • Engine Sales & Servicing • Experienced Service Engineers • Well stocked Parts Store
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Hamble River Boat Yard, Bridge Road, Swanwick, Southampton SO31 7EB Unit 6, Stone Pier Boat Yard, Warsash, SO31 9FR
Carburettor units are available for various fitments across a range of engines
Volvo Penta deal for Mylor Yacht Harbour Volvo Penta has appointed Mylor Yacht Harbour as an authorised UK service and sales dealership, placing the Cornish yacht harbour within a global network of dealers and distributors.
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The range covers electrical, mechanical and cooling system components. Marine professionals are already singing the praises of the OMAX parts, with Duncan Bradford of S.W. Marine Store in Salcombe saying: “The OMAX parts are great value for money and offer customers a cost effective option with no compromise on quality.” Parts are available to private customers and trade alike through the Specialist Small Craft website: www.specialistsmallcraft.co.uk.
Nathan Percival, Mylor Yacht Harbour’s engineering manager, said: “We have worked extremely hard to ensure we meet Volvo Penta’s exacting standards and we are looking forward to being able to provide this additional service to our customers in 2021.” The appointment means that Mylor’s Marine Team are fully equipped and trained to be able to supply and fit the latest marine engines, generators, parts and
accessories and provide specialist diagnostic, repair, servicing and repower facilities for all Volvo Penta marine leisure and commercial customers in Cornwall and beyond. Graham Pretty, Volvo Penta’s dealer business manager for UK and Ireland, said: “We welcome all the Team at Mylor Yacht Harbour Ltd to the Volvo Penta family. With Mylor’s impressive facilities and extensive skill sets, they will be able to provide assistance and advice to all our customers and be sure to enhance their ‘on water’ experience.” www.mylor.com www.volvopenta.com/marine/leisure-solutions
