YANMAR’s latest inboard diesel is compact and powerful.
One of YANMAR’s initiatives is to “explore technologies that combine efficiency, high performance, and environmental friendliness” into its products, including recreational marine engines. Its been doing so since 1971 with the introduction of its first purpose-built engine for recreational use. Fifty years later, YANMAR debuted the 6LF series, a six-model lineup of common rail marine engines from 485 mhp to 550 mhp (478.3 hp to 542.4 hp). Installations of the new 6LF series began earlier this year, and the first one in Europe was a repower last August in a Magnum 40.
Environmentally Friendly
Keeping in line with YANMAR’s “environmental friendliness,” the 6LF line of marine engines meet EPA Tier 3 emission standards. The series also keeps in step with YANMAR’s “Best in Class” efforts for all its common rail marine diesel engines by making them fuel-efficient. Common rail engines are built with a direct fuel injection system that feeds solenoid (electromechanical) valves instead of a fuel pump feeding unit injectors that combine the injector nozzle and injection pump in a single component.
The 6LF engine “features YANMAR’s proprietary fuel mapping and a larger mixing elbow for reliable and consistent output performance,” says Jules Riegal of Saltwater Stone, YANMAR’s marketing firm. The YANMAR 6LF series and all its common rail engines minimize fuel consumption and optimize performance with precise, digitally controlled fuel injection that increases efficiency as well as reduces emissions and noise.
Electronic Control
Another aspect of YANMAR’s best-in-class efforts is interconnectivity. The engine is designed to integrate with the latest electronic components and multifunction displays for engine monitoring and control.
“It is custom engineered to offer direct connectivity to NMEA and J1939 CAN bus networks,” says Riegal. “It comes available with a number of standard and optional features, including single- and two-pole (12V/24V) installation, various ZF gears, and custom secondary alternator options to meet nearly any complex application.”
The 6LF series is operated by the VC20, YANMAR’s second-generation vessel control system. Based on the J1939 CAN bus system with a dedicated network to the engine, the system directs all engine and transmission functions, including joystick controls, and shows engine alarms and diagnostic codes in the display.
The control system also integrates with YANMAR’s complete lineup of common rail engines, ZF transmissions, and drives for sail, power, and light-duty commercial vessels to
55 feet.
Time to Repower
The compact and powerful 6LF series engines are a good choice when your boat is still comfortable but the engines have lost their efficiency. Old engines can lose horsepower, consume too much fuel, and require increased maintenance that makes for more downtime.
The Magnum Marine 40 was known for its speed and agility back in the ’80s and reached into the 60-mph range. It was a one-of-a-kind model, so it’s a keeper, but it had two 20-year-old mechanical 420-hp diesel engines and, over time, the performance didn’t compare with today’s engines. The boat was repowered with twin 6LF 530 engines along with new components, and the results were obvious: improved speed and fuel efficiency with low vibration and decreased engine noise.
There is the option to rebuild the engines, but YANMAR suggests that it might be worth the investment to repower if the rebuild costs 40 percent or more of the price to install new engines. Life expectancy, warranty, and the latest technology are also things to consider.
YANMAR’s 6LF series is available in three outputs: 485 mhp, 530 mhp, and 550 mhp, all with a 3,000 rpm rated speed. The inline, 4-stroke, 6-cylinder, water-cooled diesel has a number of accessory options along with a global service network. yanmar.com
Full Speed Ahead
Check out the new power products were aplenty at this year’s Fort Lauderdale International Boat Show.
Fall is the time to start thinking of all the game-changing technology that you should spec on a new vessel or add to your existing boat, and there’s no better place to learn about new power products than at the 2017 Fort Lauderdale International Boat Show. Introductions include powerful but fuel-sipping engines, battery chargers, watermakers,
climate control products, and other products that make cruising comfortable, safe and
fun. So, when you tear yourself away from the docks and the hundreds of shiny boats, check out the cutting-edge equipment that makes them so amazing.
PROPULSION
Suzuki showcases its new DF350A, a naturally aspirated 55º V6 DOHC 4-stroke engine with 4.4-liter displacement. Largest among 350-hp V6 outboards, this engine’s high-performance 12.0:1 compression ratio delivers 80-hp per liter of displacement. Dual fuel injectors per cylinder allow for precise placement of the fuel in the center of the combustion chamber, minimizing engine knock. Power and torque come from the Suzuki-designed lower unit and contra-rotating dual prop system. Water flows around the new hydro-dynamically-shaped gear case with minimal turbulence so the twin props can dig in to clean water, which improves holeshot and acceleration. suzukimarine.com
VOLVO PENTA moves into the 1,000-hp engine market for the first time with its new 13-liter engine, the D13-1000, targeting yachts up to 120 feet. This landmark product touts highly efficient injectors and an improved cooling system that combine for an 11 percent increase in power. The optimized power-to-weight ratio and low-end torque provide exceptional performance on demand. Expect this light engine to use nearly a third less fuel but offer faster acceleration, a higher top speed and lower noise and vibration. In
addition, Volvo Penta matches the new engine with an upgraded IPS pod drive, the D13-1350 that gives the equivalent power of a 1,350-hp engine. volvopenta.com
YAMAHA offers the new F25C 25-hp outboard. The model weighs in at only 126 pounds,
which makes it the lightest power-to-weight ratio outboard on the market today. The electronic multi-point fuel injection does not require a battery so there’s less weight in the boat, but an electric starter can be added aftermarket. Eight models are available including a short and long shaft, with tiller or remote drive. The Sub-idle Variable Trolling
Speed (VTS) feature holds below idle speed for proper trolling and a 16-amp alternator can run more electronics than ever. Foldaway carry handles, resting pads and a three-sided oil retention system are built-in for easy transport and storage. yamahaoutboards.com
Honda Marine debuts three new outboard jet models: the 40, 65 and 105. The lineup of
durable jet-propelled motors combines Honda powerheads with jet drives that can venture into ultra-shallow waters. These models are as quiet and fuel-efficient as Honda’s BF Series of propeller-driven models and have excellent maneuverability, but they can go where prop-driven outboards can’t operate such as river rapids and skinny waters with lots of sandbars. The new motors are covered by the transferrable Honda True five-year non-declining warranty. marine.honda.com
Indmar Marine introduces the Raptor 460 aimed at watersports and aluminum jet boats. The new 6.2L engine makes 453 foot-pounds of maximum torque and produces 410 horsepower for big block power in a small block package. It’s based on the proven Ford 6.2L 16-valve V8 engine with a dual-equal variable cam. The closed-cooled, catalyzed engine features a high torque intake manifold and a high-horsepower throttle body, as well as a 5-inch exhaust and an inline spiral flow muffler. This powerful package won Boating Industry’s 2017 Top Products Award in May. indmar.com
ILMOR MARINE launches its MV8 7.4L 483-hp engine proven to withstand both low-end torque loads as well as high-speed running conditions. This compact and lightweight (890 pounds) engine fills a gap in the gasoline sterndrive segment between 430- and 520-hp products. The 7.4L comes standard with an electric throttle, is octane-87 gas compatible and is designed with easy access to service points. Extended service intervals are expected after the break-in period—every 75 hours (or annually, whichever comes first)—and that allows more time on the water. It comes with Ilmor’s 5-year/500-hour factory-backed limited warranty. ilmor.com
POSITION CONTROL
Mastercraft will be showing its DockStar handling system that won the 2017 NMMA Innovation Award for making docking easier. DockStar delivers control with a system of additional rudders that deflect prop wash beneath the boat. The result is precise steering
while reversing to both port and starboard, making an inboard a snap to drive. Despite the added control, surfing, wakeboarding, and skiing aren’t affected by these rudders, which will be available on most 2018 MasterCraft models. mastercraft.com
TWIN DISC is implementing a Variable Idle Mode for its Express Joystick System (EJS) and Express Positioning System (EPS) for GPS-based station-keeping. Instead of the traditional high idle-only option, this new system provides responsive props and thrusters
when needed, making station-keeping smoother. With reduced fuel consumption and noise when slow maneuvering in calm conditions, this system increases only when higher prop and thruster speeds are demanded by the joystick in greater wind and sea states. Quiet operation and less fuel use is a vast improvement and a major step forward in inboard engine dynamic positioning systems. twindisc.com
EVINRUDE releases the iDock joystick piloting system now available on boats with twin
Evinrude E-TEC G2 150-hp or 300-hp engines. Advanced aircraft gyroscope sensor
technology makes iDock more intuitive by automatically compensating for wind and current. It also connects with the existing internal hydraulic steering feature of E-TEC
G2 engines, reducing the cost of parts, removing clutter on the transom and freeing
up storage space, and it requires less than an hour of setup time. When docking is easy, confidence grows and although outboard joystick maneuverability is not new, the MSRP of $5,999 is, and that makes it accessible to a new group of boaters. evinrude.com
Marinco is set to launch its Guest On-Board ChargePro battery chargers for 12-, 24-, 36-, and 48-volt systems. These chargers are up to 40 percent lighter and easier to install, and have easy-to-read graphics that show the status of each bank throughout the
charging process. ChargePro’s low profile, flangeless extruded aluminum housing is sealed by gaskets with heavy duty end caps for waterproof performance to IP67 standard. With fully automatic five-stage performance charging, individual battery sensing and auto maintain energy saver mode, these chargers are available for lead acid and sealed AGM batteries. marinco.com
XANTREX has expanded its Freedom series with the launch of four new sine wave
inverters and inverter/chargers. Called the Freedom X, the new series has features like
an extended surge for motor loads, a faster transfer time for a quick transition from shore to battery power, a huge wiring bay with quick connect AC terminals for fast and easy wiring, and an LED display. The models are lightweight and durable and have improved climate protection so they will survive the elements and provide full output in temperatures ranging from -4 to 104 degrees Fahrenheit. All models include an internal
30-amp transfer switch and can be hardwired or installed with the optional GFCI outlet. xantrex.com
MASTERVOLT announces the ChargeMaster Plus Series, an all-in-one solution for faster and safer charging that also reduces complexity and cost. This system integrates multiple functions into a single device, replacing auxiliary chargers, battery isolators and VSR. It charges virtually any combination of three batteries at high speed, works anywhere in the world and automatically revives even fully depleted batteries. The ChargeMaster Plus lets you combine lithium ion, gel or AGM batteries in large or small 12/24V banks on a single charger and without additional components. It also redirects available power to the lowest battery for faster charging. mastervolt.com
CLIMATE CONTROL
Mister-Comfort launches the AirCool Marine Misting System, a patent-pending design that provides a cool and dryish mist that drops the temperature in the immediate area up to 20 degrees. This system adjusts for both fan and mist levels and can be installed at the helm of center console boats. It can T into the boat’s existing water tank and comes with fan speed control and a directional nozzle. mist-er-comfort.com
BOAT PERFORMANCE
Imtra debuts the Zipwake Dynamic Trim Control system with advanced, intuitive 3D controls. The new system delivers a more comfortable ride, better performance and improved fuel consumption for any boat from 20 to 60 feet. It incorporates patented, durable fast-acting interceptors that provide efficient lift. Installation of the modular unit is simple with four different-sized blades allowing a near full-beam arrangement. Because the blades extend just 30 mm, they create less drag, and the design allows for full blade deployment in only 1.5 seconds, which is five times faster than conventional trim tabs. A base installation has a total of six interceptors without the need for additional connectors or power supplies. imtra.com
WATERMAKERS
Spectra Watermakers introduces the new Spectra Connect controller that lets you connect to your boat’s watermaker at any time from any place via your phone, tablet
or computer. The new One-Touch Fill feature runs the watermaker until the tanks are full, shuts the watermaker off, does a freshwater flush, and transitions into Auto- Store mode, keeping the watermaker ready for the next cycle. Suggested maintenance intervals remind the user when to change filters, replace a pump or perform routine preventive
maintenance, and a data-logging capability allows technicians to troubleshoot from anywhere, giving access to historical operating data, trends and alarm faults. spectrawatermakers.com
FCI WATERMAKERS will be showing its Atlas+APC ultra-compact watermaker that produces 1,400-3,600 gallons of water per day. Targeted at large yachts, this robust and efficient watermaker is built for extended run times and to commercial standards for reliability. Simple to configure using its state-of-the-art V4 controller, the Atlas+APC has an intuitive menu on a 7-inch touchscreen that makes it easy to program. Its one-piece powder-coated aluminum frame is open to provide access for maintenance and inspection, and the unit is quiet and vibration-free, thanks to its dual shock mounting system. fciwatermakers.com
AIR HANDLERS
Webasto introduces the BlueCool A-Series Air Handlers for climate control with cooling capacities from 4 to 36 kBTU/h. This compact, high-performance, modular design has a
unique condensation management system and is highly customizable with three form factors: Compact, Slimline and Low Profile. Components are plug and play, and there are lateral water diverter plates on the heat exchangers that prevent the condensate
from dripping down the sides. Heeling even at inclinations of up to 30 degrees is no longer a problem. webasto.co
By Zuzana Prochazka, Southern Boating November 2017
No matter the final destination, the Novurania Catamaran 24 Diesel I/O gets you there in style. The yacht tender, also available with an outboard motor, has a twin-hull design and inflatable collar.
An opening bow ramp is operated electronically, adjustable to any height and makes off-loading people or cargo a breeze. The bow ramp safely accommodates wheelchairs and motorized power chairs. Various deck layouts are available, with side, center console or custom seating arrangements. The Novurania Catamaran 24 Diesel has a low profile and stable, dry ride make the new luxury yacht tender (23′ LOA, 8’6″ beam) perfect for any use. novurania.com
A traditional-looking Downeast boat from stem to stern, the new Reliant 40 Commuter is the first model from a new company based in Newport, Rhode Island, formed by two of the most respected names in the business: David MacFarlane, the former president and CEO of Alden (and Cal, Ranger and Rampage), and Jim Ewing, the former president of Trumpy and executive VP of Alden.
And although many things have changed in yacht building over the years, they know that important things remain the same. “What hasn’t changed is the boating public’s passion for a beautiful boat,” says MacFarlane. The Reliant 40 Commuter built by Su Marine in Turkey has meticulous craftsmanship, fit and finish, with varnish and satin-finished mahogany throughout. The Downeast ethic shows in the tumblehome, wide teak decks and teak swim platform.
The cockpit is large for entertaining, with an aft settee and inlaid teak table. Under the hardtop, the helm deck has seating for four, plus the captain and mate. The galley is below and to port, with two-burner stove, fridge, microwave, and lots of cabinets. The head is to starboard, with mahogany finish and large separate shower; the queen master is forward. Power is twin Yanmar 320-hp diesels with straight shafts. Cruise speed is 24 knots; top speed is 30 knots.
Your hydraulic steering system is relatively simple to understand
The ability to make use of pressurized fluid in order to produce power dates all the way back to ancient times. Egyptians, Babylonians, Greeks, and Romans all used the concept to construct major irrigation canals and viaducts along with other hydraulic equipment such as pistons and screw pumps, a time-tested application that all boaters have to deal with. Whether you have inboard, outboard or stern drive power, and while a particular system may be dependent on vessel speed, size of the rudder(s), hull design, props, number of helm stations, and horsepower, it all operates on the same principle. Here’s a look at a basic system, its components and how they work together.
TwinDisc Hydraulic System
The wheel that you so often have your hands on is where it all starts, and at its most simple configuration there are three main parts to a hydraulic steering system. Going downstream, there is a pump containing an integral reservoir for the hydraulic oil. Lines from the pump pass on the inputs—turn to starboard, turn to port—to a ram that connects to a rudder or rudders on inboard powered boats, or to an outboard engine or multiple engines as equipped on a particular vessel.
Direct the wheel in either direction and hydraulic oil is forced through the lines to the ram to either extend or retract the cylinder. A check valve, usually set to a certain range of psi as per the manufacturer’s operating standards for that particular system—typically a pressurized three-line one—prevents the oil from returning in the same direction and instead, is forced back the other way through another line to the pump attached to the wheel at the helm. The process is repeated as you turn port to starboard and back again.
Of course, the bigger the boat, the bigger and sometimes a bit more complex the system will have to be. For example, when adding autopilot, power assist or full power steering, an engine-driven or electrically operated pump is put in the mix to boost the hydraulic pressure in the lines. These more advanced systems may also have separate oil reservoirs and valves as separate components.
The tendency to overlook this particular system is common as it is mostly a reliable operation. But because of its important role to get us from here to there and back, let’s look at some of the maintenance points to include in your checklist.
If you’re a seasonal boater, give the system a good look over at least twice—once when you splash it and again when it’s time to put the boat up for winter. That’s not to say weekly inspections are unreasonable. If you are a year-round boater, check things out every four months or so to be on the safe side. One old salt once said to me, “Kid, you can’t get out and change a flat tire out there.”
If your system’s manufacturer manual is not safely tucked away along with all your other ones in a watertight storage container, get one either by contacting the company or downloading it from the website. The first thing I check is the level in the oil reservoir. It should be almost up to the top. If
you find you need to add some, follow the recommendations as noted.
Next, give the wheel several turns going lock-to-lock, and note the “feel” as you do so. It should be smooth. If not, if it lags or puts up a fight, you may have air in the system that will need to be bled out. Contact your manufacturer on the correct procedure before you do it yourself.
You also should check the oil to make sure it is still clean. Hydraulic steering fluid is usually clear and has a light color to it. If it is dark or black in color, it’s time to swap it with the correct hydraulic oil as specified by the manufacturer. Have your system’s dealer or your marina service center do the job as they have the tools and materials to get the old oil out and put new, fresh oil in. When you’re away from the dock, always have enough on board to get you home.
Turning the wheel back and forth puts the system under pressure allowing you to easily see if there are any oil leaks. This process requires two people: one to work the wheel and the other to note all those places where leaks can occur. Leaks could occur anywhere there is a connection, hose, fastener, or fitting, whether at the pump or where the lines connect to the ram. They are easy to spot and can be readily seen by wiping the connection point with a clean paper towel. A visual inspection of the ram is also important. Make sure nothing is obstructing the movement or that there isn’t anything around that might jam or damage it in any way. On outboards, always check for corrosion. It’s a good idea to grease the shaft once a year as well.
SeaStar ob steering cylinder. Photo: Fredwarner1.net
Your hydraulic steering system is relatively simple to understand and easy to maintain. With a little well-spent time to make sure everything is working as it should, your time on the water will be that much safer and give you that peace of mind you seek when going out on the water
By Ken Kreisler, Southern Boating Magazine November, 2015
