16
ALL AT SEA MARCH 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…
Question of Supply Whitsun is traditionally the time of year when the UK boating scene gets into gear. The new boating season is when many new boat orders are timed for delivery and hand over. After so long being couped up it is likely to be a busy weekend this year. However, news on the grapevine is that the supply chain is suffering. Boat dealers and builders are telling me that engine supplies are already under extreme pressure,
especially at the upper end of the scale. One particular badge is citing July at the earliest for the next shipment of 200hp and above. Part of the problem is the backlog of containers. There are so many piled up on the docks, empty, there is no room for offloading and ships are being delayed. Also, instead of coming to Southampton and offloading, then going to Felixstowe and on to Rotterdam, many are going straight to Rotterdam.
The huge demand on shipping has already seen a five-fold increase in the cost of a container from the far east. All this points to an ever growing demand on what stock there is. Smaller engines are not quite so affected, by all accounts, but when things become sought after two things happen: the price goes up and so does theft. If you want to avoid disappointment, get your order in early and make sure you have good security in place.
The backlog of containers is impacting some engine supplies. Image: Ian Stewart / Shutterstock
New ideas from Yamaha With the roll out of vaccines and the infection rate plummeting there is optimism in the air again. Speaking to numerous people, the consensus seems to be that this is going to be a good spring for boating, with plenty of activity on the water.
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I sincerely hope so, as do Yamaha, who have unveiled their new secret weapon, Digital Electronic Steering, or DAS. Everything has to have an acronym nowadays. On top of the new steering system, the V6 range of outboards, from F225 upwards, have been given a bit of a refresh to incorporate some new ideas that will be of benefit to any boat owners. The 2021 model year F300 and F250 V6 4.2 litre offshore outboards will benefit from several features that were exclusive to the flagship XTO Offshore. There are several stages of options for the DEC models (Digital Electronic Control): built-in Digital Electronic Steering (DES), or retro-fittable, external DES or standard hydraulic steering with DEC only. The DES significantly simplifies the rigging
requirements and provides a much tidier and cleaner installation, without the need for a hydraulic pump, oil reservoir and hydraulic oil lines. Maintenance is simplified without the requirement to flush or bleed hydraulic systems. Other enhancements include the Thrust Enhancing Reverse Exhaust system, which excludes the exhaust from the propeller below 2,500RPM and when going astern. There is an exhaust outlet above the anti-ventilation plate, so the blades only grip on clean water, to provide better slow speed manoeuvring and astern thrust. When combined with the electronic steering and the FX Helm Master joystick it comes into its own and is extremely effective. Add to that a new lower unit design and components for greater longevity, and for flushing convenience a hose connection to the flushing unit can be built into the boat, rather than having to climb over the stern to reach the flushing port. With the all new styling the F250 and F300 offshore models have really been brought to the head of the queue.
