POWER NEWS

POWERING AHEAD

SIMON EVERETT ROUNDS UP THIS MONTH’S ENGINE NEWS. EUROPEAN DEBUT OF V MAX SHO OUTBOARD LINE-UP I had hoped to have seen the new Yamaha range of V Max SHO outboards by now, but the wretched virus that is interfering in the status quo put paid to that plan.

To put you in the picture, 60 years of outboard manufacturing excellence has contributed and culminated in four new engines that wear the iconic model designation V MAX, which was reserved for the high output 2-stroke engines of yesteryear.

The new V MAX SHO outboards are 90hp, 115hp, 150hp and 175hp respectively and have been conceived to cater for the popular high speed, lightweight, sports angling and adventure boats.

Built on two engine block capacities, the 90 and 115 use an 1832cc while the two bigger motors are 2785cc. In a change from the ‘digital everything’ world, the new outboards are mechanically operated rather than ‘fly-by-wire’.

The increase from 90hp to 115hp from the 1832cc block is achieved by using a different head with a second camshaft that allows for higher revs, coupled to a long inlet tract for greater torque to give unprecedented holeshot.

The graphics hark back to the original V MAX outboards with a modern, stylish update that makes a statement on the cowling. www.yamaha-motor.eu

KAWASAKI JET-SKIS RETURN TO UK SHORES NEW GHOST TROLLING MOTORS

James Barke, managing director, Boats.co.uk, the exclusive UK distributor of Kawasaki’s new PWC range

WAY back in the early 1980s I can remember when jet-skis arrived into Britain. I first saw them at a dealer in Lee-on-Solent who was planning to rent them out from the beach, but was also doing demos for prospective buyers.

These were proper stand-up jet-skis and they needed a degree of skill to get the best out of them (I was not very good). Well, they are back.

For 2021 Boats.co.uk’s James Barke, the promotor of the last Earls Court Boat Show, has been granted an exclusive dealership for Kawasaki personal watercraft. It has been six years since the big, green K was a player in the UK PWC market, and these new models are certain to gain a rapid following.

Kawasaki is recognised as the maker of the first ‘Jet-Ski’, the JS400. The new Jet-Ski line up, fittingly, includes a high performance stand up machine, the SX-R, but the main range comprises multi-seat models with power outputs ranging from the normally aspirated 150hp through to the supercharged 300hp flagship, all boasting an all new, marine specific 4-cylinder 4-stroke engine.

Kawasaki’s 2021 new model line-up includes three models in the STX160 three-seater range, priced from £11,999; four Ultra craft fromKawasaki’s highest specification, multi-seat JetSki® watercraft priced from £12,899 and the flagship of the multi-seat fleet, the Ultra 310 supercharged range priced from £17,999.Kawasaki’s solo ‘stand up’ Jet-Ski®, the formidable SX-R, is priced from £10,899.

Here is a new range of sports craft for which there is a specialist Kawasaki made handling crane that can be supplied to make life easier aboard your superyacht. 2021 is shaping up to be an exciting year... www.kawasakiwatercraft.co.uk www.boats.co.uk Check out more PWC info on page 41!