Now sporting twin Yanmar 4BY 180Z marine diesel engines with Bravo 3X drives and full electronic controls, the 1991 Caribbean Flybridge has now completely transformed the way Joe enjoys his boating time.
"Since installing the new Yanmar BY engines, my Caribbean is a whole new animal," explained Joe.
"I originally wanted to purchase a new boat with Yanmar engines, but the boat manufacturer wouldn’t sell me just a hull. I was still happy with the boat I had so I started making enquiries about a re-power. My original 170hp V6 MerCruiser engines were still in good condition, so I sold them and upgraded to new Yanmar diesels."
Joe opted for the new BMW inspired Yanmar BY Series with twin 4BY 180Z engines settling into his trusty Caribbean hull. Installed by Belco Engineering in Geelong, the new 180hp engines came mounted with Bravo 3X drives with full electronic control and twin station control units for his flybridge. The difference in performance and fuel savings has left Joe a very satisfied boater.
"My old MerCruisers used around 310-320 litres of fuel over 10 hrs of offshore fishing and trolling," said Joe.
"With my new Yanmar diesels I can do the same trip with a fuel burn of 120 litres. That’s a saving of nearly two thirds."
Joe’s favourite boating pastime is chasing Tuna offshore from Portland in South West Victoria. Not one to ignore his better half, Joe also likes to take his wife cruising up to the casino in Melbourne and often heads north to fish the shelf out from Bermagui. It’s Joe’s meticulous fuel data records that continue to affirm his decision to choose Yanmar’s new BY Series.
"So far I have done 53 hours on my Yanmar diesels with my most recent trip recording a fuel burn of 220 litres over two days fishing at Portland," explained Joe.
"On that same trip we had a 22’ plate boat with us that was powered by a single 220hp 4-stroke outboard. At the end of our trip together, the plate boat had used 350 litres of fuel compared to my twin Yanmar diesels that burned 220 litres."
Developed in close association with car manufacturers BMW, the BY Series offers a modern suite of diesel technologies on both 4 and 6 cylinder platforms. The 4BY 180Z delivers 180mhp from the 2.0 litre 4 cylinder turbocharged and intercooled engine that features car-like common rail direct injection for smooth operation, clean and consistent power and remarkable fuel efficiency.
Power output has only increased by 10mhp over his old MerCruisers, but Joe has noticed an incredible difference in torque plus the performance results onboard his 26’ Caribbean have also been positive.
"With the original MerCruiser petrol engines I could do 28 knots onboard my boat," said Joe. "With my new Yanmar’s I can push my 3.6 tonne boat up to 40 knots. My fishing has just become so much more enjoyable because I can fill up my 520 litre tank and can go out 2- 4 times before I have to worry about filling up.”
Another advantage of Joe’s Yanmar BY diesels is the responsiveness of the precise electronic dual controls and twin counter rotating stainless steel propellers.
“The Yanmar’s have given me all the confidence especially at the boat ramp that I lacked in the past,” said Joe. “At the touch of a lever I can just about do a 360 on a dime.”
The team at Yanmar have paid close attention to Joe’s repower given that his story is becoming commonplace with many current boat owners choosing a re-power rather than a complete new rig. Joe expected good service but was surprised with the extra support he has received since fitting the new BY diesels.
"On one of my first fishing trips, I wasn’t quite happy with the prop setup so Steve Parsons from Yanmar drove all the way up to Portland to fit new propellers," said Joe.
"Peter Bell from Belco Engineering was very patient and did an excellent fit out on my new engines too. I must say how happy I was with the quick response and rectification I had from Power Equipment with these minor teething problems. I have nothing but praise at their efficiency and professionalism.”
Power Equipment is the exclusive and authorised Australian, PNG and South Pacific distributor of Yanmar Marine and Industrial diesel engines importing product from Yanmar plants in Japan, Asia, USA and Europe. With an extensive marine dealer and branch network. Power Equipment has the expertise and experience to assist vessel owners and boat builders for both new installations and repowers. Power Equipment also distribute the Yanmar powered MASE diesel marine generators range and Gori high quality folding sailboat propellers.
For further information on this story contact:
Michael Blair
National Marine Sales Manager
Power Equipment
Phone (03) 9764 0711
Mobile (03) 9764 0678
Email power.equipment@yanmar.com.au
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