POWER TALK

Participating in the 50th anniversary Speed Week, held at Coniston Water in Cumbria, Cox Marine achieved the industry’s fi rst ever Diesel Outboard World* Speed Record.

The Cox Marine team, and their vessel Pegasus, surpassed their own three prior speed records, recorded earlier in the week, to clinch a coveted World Record title after achieving an average speed of 62.27mph.

Measured across a kilometre long course Pegasus, a 21ft Hallett Vector piloted by powerboat racer Adam Brown, was required to travel the course in both directions within an hour to minimise any potential wind advantage. Both time and speed in both directions were recorded and then averaged over the two runs constituting the fi nal speed.

It was fi tting that Adam achieved the record as his father, Robin Brown, was chairman of Records Week for several decades, as well as being instrumental in bringing the event to Coniston in 2005.

Adam said: “It is a great honour to be able to set a new record. There may be future diesel outboard powered record attempts, but Cox Marine will always be the fi rst. 62.27mph is a great time for a 300hp engine which is straight off the production line and has not been optimised for powerboat racing.” 2023 will see the 51st annual Power Boat Record Week take place on Coniston Water between 30 October and 3 November.

*The record is awaiting full offi cial ratifi cation by Union Internationale Motornautique

After starting production of outboard motors in 1965, Suzuki has now produced four million units. The four millionth outboard motor was the new model DF350AMD, which started production at the company’s Kosai Plant in October.

Toshihiro Suzuki, president of Suzuki, said: “Since the start of production Suzuki has strived to introduce new technologies, aimed to produce outboard motors marked by uniqueness, and this has led to the four million accumulated production. We are sincerely grateful to all the fans of Suzuki outboard motors. We will continue to provide marine products and services that are needed by the people and society, through our marine business activities.”

Fischer Panda UK’s ePanda Series 8.0, comprising a new 5kW electric shaft drive, made its world debut at METSTRADE last month.

Comprising the ePanda Drive, the ePanda Power Unit and the ePanda Control Unit, the Series 8.0 will be the fi rst product to hit the recreational marine market and includes the newly developed 5kW shaft drive.

The air-cooled drive, which forms a fi xed unit with the inverter, is brushless, sensorless and features permanent magnet technology. This makes it a low-maintenance, extremely effi cient drive, weighing only 22kg.

Chris Fower, sales and marketing director at Fischer Panda UK, said: “In response to the growing demand for complete electric solutions from recreation boat builders, the new ePanda series is derived from many years of experience and will be a driver of future technology in this arena.” Fischer Panda UK offers ready-to-install solutions supported by a range of battery management systems from well-known brands such as Mastervolt, which specifi cally support the requirements of the UK marine market.

ePropulsion was shortlisted for a DAME Design Award for its innovative I-20 Electric Inboard Motor alongside 48 other products in the Machinery, Propulsion, Mechanical and Electrical Systems and Fitting category.

Launched in 1991, the DAME Awards recognise the best-designed marine products, with a particular emphasis on design, functionality, easeof-use, originality and innovation. Refl ecting global sentiment and the need to transform to net zero, the awards now place greater importance on the environmental impact of products and how they improve sustainability.

Clean, quiet and environmentally friendly, the I-20 is suitable for both individual and commercial users. It is highly integrated and compact, featuring fi ve modules (motor, gearbox, motor controller, system control unit and cooling system) in one core power module. Drawing design inspiration from the whale in terms of shape, strength and connection to the marine environment, the I-20 is designed to be lightweight and easy to install and maintain.

“The I-20 effortlessly combines iconic design with practical, real-world use and we are thrilled it has been recognised in these prestigious awards,” said Danny Tao, co-founder and CEO of ePropulsion.

“We have incorporated intelligent features and connectivity within the I-20 aesthetic design that, when combined with its effi ciency and performance, are better for the planet and quieter for both passengers and the aquatic environment. We are passionate about making boating more sustainable so that it can continue to be enjoyed for generations to come.”