YANMAR RECREATIONAL BOATS VX30B

Yanmar products have been well known in our waters, both here in New Zealand and Australia for many years now – mostly for their reliable diesel engines, that are fitted into tens of thousands of boats on both sides of the Tasman.

Now, coming from this famous engine manufacturer we are about to see Yanmar Boats hit our shores. Yanmar Recreational Boats have been part of the boating industry in Japan for more than 50 years, supplying high-end fishing cruisers, they are now ready to take the new challenge of bringing Japanese fishing and leisure craft to New Zealand and Australian waters. One that took our eye at the Sanctuary Cove Boat Show was the VX30B. The Yanmar VX30B fishing cruiser made its debut in the Australian market, launching at the Sanctuary Cove International Boat Show just one week after the Hutchwilco Boat Show where they launched the VF23AZ (Reviewed in our May/June issue). The Yanmar VX30B could be an option for Australian and Kiwi boaters looking for a compact and manoeuvrable vessel, offering a comfortable boating experience. With its sleek design and many advanced features, Yanmar believe the boat will suit exploring Australasian waterways, whether fishing, cruising or simply soaking up the sun on the broad water.

Yanmar feel, one of the standout features of the Yanmar VX30B, is its powerful and efficient engine. Powered by the ever reliable Yanmar 8LV-350 diesel engine offers reliability and performance, the VX30B is reported to be very fuel-efficient, allowing more time on the water and not at the pumps. The VX30B comes equipped with a bow thruster, making it easy to navigate even the most challenging waterways. Second helm station* (Optional) could also be installed on the aft deck to helps you to navigate the boat while fishing outside without having to run back and forth inside the cabin. The vessel features a spacious cockpit and cabin, with ample seating and storage for all your gear. The cabin is also fully air-conditioned, providing a comfortable retreat from the heat on those hot summer days.

Yanmar believe the VX30B Boat to be an excellent choice for anyone looking for a versatile, high-performance, and comfortable vessel. Whether you're an avid fisherman, a weekend cruiser, or a water sports enthusiast, this boat is said to exceed your expectations.

HONDA REVEALS FIRST-EVER 350 HORSEPOWER V8 OUTBOARD

With the upcoming IBEX show starting October 3rd in Tampa, Florida, Honda is unveiling an all-new V8 four-stroke BF350 platform. The new engine will mark a significant step-up from their previous flagship BF250 and will be their first commercially available V8 powerhead. The sleek BF350 will target boats in the 25-foot and larger range by offering a broader, flatter torque curve. The company also says the engine will have smoother power delivery throughout the engine’s operating range, improved ergonomic controls, excellent fuel efficiency, greater reliability, and improved ease-of-use, maintenance and ownership.

It will be available in two colours -- Aquamarine Silver and Grand Prix White -- and is intended to run on regular gas, not premium fuel. Each engine will carry a dry weight of 347-352 kg depending on shaft length.

Other standout features include Trim Support (trim can operate automatically based on engine or boat speed with available presets), automatic tilt, cruise control, and idle charging -- at idle the engine automatically increases RPM by 100 to produce an additional 9 amps for charging devices and preventing battery drain.

The entire platform will also utilize several standard Honda electronic features including VTEC (Variable Valve Timing & Lift Electronic Control), BLAST (Boosted Low Speed Torque) System, Programmed Fuel Injection (PGM-FI), and Honda's well-known Intelligent Shift & Throttle (iST) command and control system. Another key feature will be the BF350's availability with an immobilizer ignition system that requires a remote transponder key to start the engine. The theft-deterrent system is designed to prevent the engine from being started without the owner’s smart key. If an attempt is made to start the engine without the smart key, the immobilizer disables the engine.

Honda Marine has stated that availability and on-sale date and pricing for the BF350 will be available in early 2024. It will be offered with a true 5-year non-declining factory warranty.

HONDAMARINE.CO.NZ

Volvo Penta Joystick Driving Wins Ibex Innovation Award

The prestigious program recognizes manufacturers and suppliers who deliver genuine innovation to the marine market. Volvo Penta’s Joystick Driving technology integrates shift, steering and throttle into a single joystick control, delivering a premium experience to boat drivers, centred on ease of use and precision.

Launched in May, Volvo Penta’s ground-breaking technology integrates shift, steering and throttle into a single joystick control, allowing smoother manoeuvres with the use of just one hand, for easier operations, more precise control, and a premium experience.

The award winners were announced on October 3, 2023 in Tampa, Florida, on the opening day of the International Boat Builders Exhibition & Conference (IBEX). Volvo Penta Joystick Driving won its award for showing clear leadership in its category, including an ability to advance the marine industry through better user experience, and enabling boaters to build a stronger connection with the environment around them.

“Since its launch earlier in the year, Joystick Driving has received universally positive feedback and we are extremely honoured to win an IBEX award for one of our hero innovations. This recognition symbolizes the market’s appreciation for our continuous focus on ease.” said Anders Thorin, marine electronics product planner at Volvo Penta.

Volvo Penta Joystick Driving can be used in all sizes and kinds of vessels, including commercial ships. The solution can be conveniently installed on the armrest of the driver’s seat, ensuring an ergonomic driving posture. The joystick is simply pushed forward to engage a gear, speed up or slow down, and released to remain at a certain speed. The acceleration is proportional to the angle of the joystick. When the joystick is pulled back, the throttle reduces, and the boat stops. To further enhance the driving experience, electronic gear shifting enables smooth acceleration and deceleration.

VOLPOWER.CO.NZ

EPROPULSION NAVY 6.0 ELECTRIC OUTBOARD MOTOR

The exceptional quiet ePropulsion Navy 6.0 Electric Outboard Motor has a durable 6 kW electric brushless engine – producing the same equivalent performance as a 9.9hp outboard. With its efficient design, the engine is ideal for a tender, fishing and other activities. On a single charge, you can travel up to 64km, or fish all day long at trolling speeds. It features an advanced closed loop liquid cooling system, ready for any water challenge. The Navy series is the only direct-drive electric outboard at this power range, made with fewer moving parts and no gearbox required. This means less vibration, noise free and high reliability. Like all other ePropulsion products, the Navy 6.0 Evo is ultra-low maintenance, super quiet, and harmless to health and environment.

EVOCEAN.CO.NZ