According to Seb Freeman, sales and marketing manager, the company is currently in the final stages of preparation to go into manufacturing the drive and expects to have it on the market next year.

‘Reliability is key in this market,’ Freeman told BB, ‘so we are currently undertaking rigorous trials and testing to ensure VSD exceeds expectations.

Distribution agreements for both Europe and the US have been signed and Yellowfin says it should not be long before the anticipated VSD.1 model is released.

Yellowfin, formed back in 1999 specifically to develop VSD, has travelled a long road to get to where it is today. The first prototype back in 1996 was the start of something the marine industry had never seen before.

As with all truly revolutionary ideas, it takes time to make things perfect, over 10 years and many millions spent in research and development in this case. Six generations and several major improvements later, things are finally where Yellowfin wants them to be and the final i’s and t’s are being dotted and crossed before the environmentally friendly VSD1 will be ready to go on sale.

VSD is not like any other surface drive currently on the market and will offer its owners impressive performance benefits. Acceleration is increased by up to 75% and fuel consumption improves by over 50% compared to conventional propulsion systems, making it not only economical, but also dramatically less damaging to the environment.

Total drive train and propulsive efficiency is 80 to 85%, against the normal 30 to 45% found in the recreational market. There are no rudders, legs, skegs or other wetted components to add to drag.

VSD is not simply a propulsion system; in addition to the aforementioned advantages VSD1 provides total control of the vessel.

‘Point and go’ joystick
By using a simple ‘point and go joystick’ for manoeuvres, it allows for pinpoint control with no need for additional thrusters, easy docking into the tightest of spaces and far reduced structural vibration and noise levels. Clutchless forwards/astern operation, responsive and light steering even at crawl speeds, and automatic trim control deliver what Yellowfin calls a whole new experience of easy driving for the boat user.

Precise steering is achieved by differential thrust from the two drive units, powered by twin or single marine diesel engines. VSD’s ability to control the pitch of the fins allows the engine to run constantly at its optimum rpm and, by reversing the pitch, stopping distances can be reduced to within two boat lengths. Its ability to select minute pitch angles also gives total control when manoeuvring at low speeds.

Key to Yellowfin’s product is the computerised total management system; it’s this hardware and software combination which is such an integral part of VSD’s performance capabilities. The purpose-designed and built on-board computer system fitted with VSD monitors every aspect of the boat’s performance enabling it to deliver the helmsman’s precise instructions giving the boat owner that extra confidence that optimum performance is being achieved.

Yellowfin says all in all this is the drive system to revolutionise the marine industry.

New Nannidiesel N4.115
The new N4.115 Turbo Diesel Intercooler is a Kubota based unit giving 115hp (84.6kW) at 2600rpm that's specially designed to power large sailing yachts as well as pleasure and commercial workboats.

The Nannidiesel range of Kubota based engines has an outstanding reputation in workboat applications, completing 1000’s of hours without overhaul. Their low rpm and high torque characteristics make an ideal choice and are designed for commercial use.

Thanks to the maximum torque at only 1600rpm and its double balancer shaft, the N4.115 gives an exceptionally low level of noise and vibration.

The fuel consumption is extremely low, due to the E-CDIS (Center Direct Injection System) with four valves per cylinder and the exhaust level is well below the requirements of the most stringent emission regulations of the new European Directive 2003/44/EC and the American EPA Tier 2.

Rugged reliability and level of after sales support are key criteria when choosing an engine. Over the last few months there have been several successful fittings of this engine in a variety of craft, including ferries and commercial catamarans. Because of this success, there has been huge interest in this engine, as more people are looking at this engine for their future installations. Contact A R Peachment Ltd .

Bainbridge signed up for RMC Swing Thruster
Bainbridge International is pleased to announce its recent appointment as exclusive UK and Ireland distributor for RMC’s completely new and patented ‘swing’ Bow and Stern Thruster.

In comparison to traditional thrusters, which must be installed externally or via a tunnel, the new bow and stern Swing Thruster preserves the look and performance of the boat as the whole unit retracts neatly into the transom.

Designed and developed in Sweden, the RMC Swing Thruster does not require a tunnel, produces 30-50% greater efficiency, low sound level and minimal cavitation. Since the thruster folds up inside the hull when not in use, water resistance is minimal, therefore the boat’s performance is unaffected.

Suitable for power boats up to 60ft and yachts up to 70ft, the Swing Thruster is manufactured to the highest standards and although installation is simple, Bainbridge is recommending end users should get the work carried out by a professional.

RMC Swing Thruster accessories are also available from Bainbridge Marine and include joystick, control pad and connecting cables. Prices for the bow and stern Swing Thruster start at £3057 RRP, inc VAT.

Bainbridge Marine combines two of the leading players in marine distribution throughout the UK and Ireland. The merger of Bainbridge International and Aqua-Marine Manufacturing has led to the successful representation of a wide range of products from top international brands.
Contact Bainbridge Marine

 New MerCruiser engine set to revolutionise
Barrus distributes some of the most powerful brands in the marine market including Mariner and Mercury outboard engines, Yanmar and MerCruiser inboard engines, Quicksilver inflatables and Walker Bay boats.

New for 2007 are the Mariner and Mercury four-stroke outboards at 2.5hp (1.8kW) and 3.5hp (2.6kW), single-cylinder engines displacing 85cc – the highest in their class. Mariner and Mercury now have a complete line-up of four-stroke outboards from 2.5hp through to 275hp.

The Yanmar BY Series, developed in conjunction with car manufacturer BMW, set new standards for high performance marine engines and significantly widens the propulsion package choice for boatbuilders and their customers.

These four-cylinder diesels at 150MHP (110kW) and 180MHP (132kW), plus six-cylinder models at 220MHP (162kW) and 260MHP (191kW) are rated at 4,000 rpm and are available for both shaft drives and sterndrives.

Mercury MerCruiser is introducing a new sterndrive system designed for some boats traditionally powered by outboards.

Vazer is a 100hp sterndrive engine built with a compact design. It features a significantly reduced engine height that allows it to fit under seats, platforms and decks of a variety of boats, including pontoon boats, fishing boats and runabouts. The unique design of Vazer allows boatbuilders to utilise more space for passengers and gear and provides improved access to the water compared to traditional sterndrive or outboard engines.

‘Vazer will revolutionise the boating industry,’ said Kevin Grodzki, president of MerCruiser. ‘This sterndrive system will enable boatbuilders to design boats in configurations previously unimaginable.’

Vazer will be available in the UK during the second half of 2007.
Contact E.P. Barrus Ltd

Electric and foldable – the outboard of the future
Foldable Torqueedo Travel outboard motors are the only electric outboards that don’t need an external battery connection, says the German manufacturer.

The short shaft version weighs just 25.65lbs, including the 300Wh LIMA battery, which Torqueedo says is the lightest outboard on the market. Torqueedo outboards are also the only foldable outboard motors on the market. They come in a waterproof travel pack that measures 12.2 x 12.6 x 17.73 inches.

The telescopic tiller is height and angle adjustable and the mounting bracket is also height, tilt and trim adjustable. The battery has an integrated level indicator that can be read even when the battery is off the motor.

There are two Travel models, the 401 and 801. Each is available with short or long shaft, the S models having a shaft length of 23.22in, while the L models have a shaft length of 27.9in.

The 401 models are rated at 14.8V and the 801 models are rated at 29.6V. A lead battery adaptor is available as an accessory for when more power is required.

Power output is stepless forward/reverse, combined with predefined speeds that allow maximum range in one hour for the 801 model and two hours with the 401 model, each with a fully charged battery.
Contact C-Quip

 Calibra’s new 4-blade Jprop
The latest addition to the Jprop range of easy-to-fit, adjustable pitch, feathering propellers is now available from Bursledon-based Calibra Marine Ltd. The new 4-blade version is suitable for sailing boats up to 30m in length and could, says Calibra, seriously improve sailboat performance (under power or sail).

Marine Propellers srl was founded in September 1988 and won immediate recognition for its Jprop propeller, a variable pitch propeller designed specifically for sailboats.

Jprop is the ideal propeller for both cruising and racing sailboats, and has been designed to be very easy to use at the same time robust and safe and adaptable to any drive shaft or sail drive.

Jprop has added to the SD (Saildrive) model a damper version developed to solve resistance problems in stern drives. The Marine Propeller damper system is internationally patented and can effectively dampen anomalous acceleration caused by brusque manoeuvres or small impacts, thus avoiding damage to the transmission system.

In recent months Yanmar has tested two Jprop damper propellers, both of which are compatible with the Yanmar guarantee.

Recently a Jprop 4-blade propeller suitable for sailing boats up to 25-30m with 500hp engines was shown to produce greater thrust with lower noise levels. The manufacturers claim that, since there is no drilling required, a new Jprop can be fitted in five to 10 minutes.

A system of conical splines and clamps ensure a safe and secure installation, while strong, continuously engaged, helical gears mean that blades have an identical pitch at all times.

Performance under power is also improved because the blade widths are approximately 35% of the prop diameter. In standard sailboat fixed props this is usually only 25%.

The propeller is designed to feather perfectly, significantly improving boat speed under sail. It has a built in, automatic adjuster which allows this position to be exactly aligned.

Propeller pitch from the non directional, elliptical blades is variable and can be trimmed to suit the design of the boat and its specific engine revs. This means that, instead of fitting a new prop, all that is necessary is to tweak the Jprop, an exercise that can be repeated several times until optimum performance is achieved.

Owners also claim a significant improvement in performance when going astern, a great benefit in today’s crowded marinas.
Contact Calibra Marine

Cleghorn Waring: one of the UK’s best respected suppliers
Jabsco flexible impeller pumps have been fitted to UK and European marine engines for over half a century.

Cleghorn Waring has become the leading specialist supplier of all Jabsco components since first developing sales to engine makers in 1954. There are over 100 different impeller varieties in stock at the Letchworth, Herts, base at any given time.

Response staff are able to offer useful advice on identification of required components and maintenance of any Jabsco engine cooling pump. This service complements the very comprehensive information which is readily available to all on the company's website, widely recognised as one of the best in the industry.

A major stockholding of all spares ensures same-day despatch of almost any Jabsco part that may be needed, whether it be ball bearing (these are priced well below the levels normally listed by specialist bearing suppliers), seal, shaft, wearplate, cam, etc.

Even long-obsolete pumps can normally be serviced since commonality of principal components has long been designed into the range.

Additionally, of course, a replacement pump can be supplied from stock for all popular engines and this facility extends to the full range of engine-driven bilge/deckwash models which are so widely used in the workboat field as well as in larger leisure vessels.

Cleghorn Waring's marine-oriented staff have the experience to assist.

They are proud of their first half-century and look forward to continuity in their efforts to remain one of the UK marine industry's best respected suppliers.
Contact Cleghorn Waring & Co Ltd

Halyard – a sea of silence
Halyard specialises in the design and manufacture of exhaust silencing systems which, when used with their noise and vibration control products, provide a complete silencing solution for marine engines from 5hp to 3,000hp, encompassing craft ranging from small sailing yachts to mighty patrol boats and superyachts.

In 2006 Halyard won the Queen's Award for Enterprise in the Innovation category for the design of world beating engine silencing systems developed to meet new European Noise Legislation.

Marine exhaust systems
Halyard will design a system to suit your specific needs built to the highest quality using stainless steel high risers, high temperature GRP silencers using Lloyds Approved filament wound components, connected with Halyard’s own Lloyds approved nitrile rubber hose or silicon couplings to provide the ultimate peace of mind.

Using its new patent protected Resonance Silence, Halyard can even tune its exhausts to remove particular problem frequencies produced by noisy engines.

Reduce structure-borne noise and vibration with Aquadrive
All engine vibration travels along the shaft and into the structure of the hull. The Aquadrive CV coupling fits between the engine and the shaft absorbing the vibration and ensuring perfect alignment of the shaft through the stern gland.

It allows the use of softer engine mounts and even removes engine alignment problems.

Reduce airborne noise with Halyard Sound Insulation
Cocoon the engine with Halyard Sound Insulation and you can reduce airborne noise by 85% and transform the comfort for all on board.

The multi-layer construction used in Halyard materials offer the best possible acoustic results in a range of thicknesses which can be accommodated in the tightest engine space, beating simpler materials many times as thick.
Cointact Halyard (Marine & Industrial) Ltd

MIT proves its versatility
Over the last few months MIT has proved its versatility to satisfy the demands of its customers. The company has done this with the successful launch of several craft fitted with the Twin Disc MGX marine gears and Twin Disc electronic controls in a wide variety of applications.

MIT has worked on pleasure boats manufactured by Hardy Marine, pilot boats manufactured by Halmatic and Mustang Marine, fishing and survey boats from Gemini and South Boats. Plus new Arneson surface drive applications for Sunseeker and Halmatic.

Our service department has been particularly versatile, having to satisfy demands from Carlisle Airport to carry out repairs to one of their Crash Fire Tenders fitted with Twin Disc Transmissions, Irish Rail again with Twin Disc transmissions, installation of new Transfluid HFO's for Terex Pegson's new Metro Track jaw crusher.

And that’s without members of the service department visiting a marina in Genoa, Italy, to assist UK boat builder Sealine overcome teething problems on a new boat.

Since 1974 Marine and Industrial Transmissions (MIT) has had its head office in Queenborough, Kent and its Northern office in Hensall, Nr Goole in Yorkshire.

With a wealth of experience MIT can provide drive line and propulsion system solutions for a wide ranging application list including concrete crushers, recycling equipment, locomotives, pleasure marine and commercial marine, fishing boats and ferries.

Whether the requirement is for production models or one off's, MIT is confident it has the products to satisfy most applications.

Our product portfolio is ever increasing and currently we can offer new units, service, spares and support for a variety of products including: Twin Disc, Transfluid, Wesmar, Quincy, Mekanord and Durst.
Contact Marine & Industrial Transmissions Ltd

New Lombardini engines from Golden Arrow
Lombardini Marine is one of the largest manufacturers of diesel engines in Europe and one of Europe’s most popular inboard diesel engine brands with sailing, powerboating and inland waterway and coastal cruising enthusiasts.

The range is available in the UK from the national distributor, Golden Arrow Marine, the specialist marine power company based in Southampton. The company - part of the Salterns Marina organisation - also offers a full installation and commissioning service and is equipped to provide owners with comprehensive onboard or workshop maintenance.

Golden Arrow also manages an extensive network of Lombardini dealers and service centres throughout the UK, Ireland and the Channel Islands, ensuring that owners have fast and efficient access to replacement parts and service support.

Traditionally offering two, three and four-cylinder, four-stroke, water-cooled inboard diesel engines in the 13hp to 87hp range, the Lombardini line up has recently been extended to include two new engines: the four-cylinder 160hp LDW 194 JMT, and the five-cylinder 200hp LDW 245 JMT.

There are three ranges on offer: four Fully Overhead Controlling System FOCS Series indirect injection engines with outputs spanning from 13hp to 40hp; three Compact Heavy Duty CHD Series indirect injection engines with power outputs from 41hp to 87hp; and the two new Injection Marine Turbo JMT Series engines.

All feature a heat exchanger with zinc anode, special anti-corrosion treatment, a self-priming seawater pump, air filter, and a water-injected stainless steel exhaust elbow. With the exception of the smallest engine in the range, the LDW 502 M, all have a cast-iron engine block.

The current Lombardini offering also includes marine sail drive transmissions for the FOCS Series and CHD Series engines. These can be supplied with either folding or fixed blades and are designed to provide the minimum water resistance when under sail.

All Lombardini engines are said to be exceptionally light and compact and comply with the current EC emissions and noise regulations. They are available with flexible engine mounts and a number of instrument panel options.

Lombardini also has a number of onboard generator sets that are built around the four FOCS Series engines. These incorporate synchronous water-cooled alternators, and deliver net engine outputs spanning from 6.5kWm to 22kWm.
Contact Golden Arrow Marine

The first alternative to the Volvo Duo-Prop
The promise of an alternative source for such a widely used propeller as the Volvo Duo-Prop was always going to create widespread interest, but quality, price and stock availability for the start of the boating season was what owners really wanted.

Well, now the first affordable alternative to the Volvo Duo-Prop has arrived in the UK, thanks to Propeller Revolutions in Poole, part of the Clementsmarine Group.

The Match Prop from the PowerTech aluminium range is a high quality replacement product for the Volvo Duo Prop. These replacement propeller sets exhibit excellent quality and extensive trials since November 2006 have proven claims of complete interchangeability with identical performance and thicker blade sections to that of the OEM Volvo sourced propellers.

Made in the United States, PowerTech Match Props are now available to the marine trade in the UK from Propeller Revolutions.

The PowerTech Match Prop range for the 2007 season includes sets A5, A6, A7, A8 and B4, B5, B6 for the Volvo A and B series and retails from £350 + VAT. Attractive stocking terms and dealer net prices are available, so now you really can offer your customers a choice.

The Poole-based propeller sales and repair specialists, Propeller Revolutions, part of the Clementsmarine Group, have been appointed as the main European distributor for the new PowerTech Match Series and stocks its full aluminium range, which includes propellers for most outboard and inboard applications.

If you would like to find out more about becoming a PowerTech stockist contact Thomas Bolton at Propeller Revolutions.
Contact Propeller Revolutions

A new development in electric propulsion systems
A new development in Sillette Sonic’s through-hull Saildrives is the electric Saildrive, the Sonic Elect Mk II. This auxiliary propulsion system suits sailing vessels from 20 to 33 ft/6 to 10m, with two models available; the Direct Drive 1:1 and Reduction Drive 2:1

For use with LEMCO 24V, 36V or 48V high torque permanent magnet DC motor/controller and operating lever, the units are available with bronze or aluminium lower units and a choice of two or three blade fixed propeller or folding.

These units are: • Simple to install • Cheaper to fit • Quiet to run • No diesel smell • No wet  exhaust • No water intake • No diaphragm • No GRP base, etc etc.
Contact Sillette-Sonic Ltd