Wooden Boat Legend Gets a New Yanmar
Highly regarded wooden boat craftsmen Tim Phillips of the Wooden Boat Shop in Sorrento is all smiles after recently fitting a new 110mhp Yanmar 4JH4-HTE engine into his classically restored Tasmanian couta boat ‘Storm Bay’.
The impressive Tasmanian couta boat icon took pride of place at the recent Geelong Wooden Boat Festival and serves as testament to a classic era of Australian maritime history.
The restoration project of the 54 foot 1925 gaff-rigged vessel was a labour of love that took Tim 10 years to complete and has attracted interest both locally in Victoria and from the boat’s original birthplace in Tasmania.
Tim was the first Australian Boat builder in Australia to install the new generation 4JH4-HTE which is now proving more than equal to the task of powering his 27 tonne vessel.
“I’ve already done 170 hrs on my new Yanmar 4JH4-HTE and its a little beauty,” said Tim Phillips.
“We took a trip out to Lady Baron Island in Bass Strait and spent around 5-6 hours of trolling for a fuel burn of only 3.66 litres per hour. For a 110hp diesel engine to be powering 27 tonnes of boat at only 3.66 litres per hour, it’s pretty remarkable. It’s also super quiet.”
The 4JH4-HTE delivers the maximum 110hp at only 3200rpm which accounts for the ultra low noise, low vibration and smooth performance characteristics of this versatile marine diesel engine.
“Our business recently took part in the Wooden Boat Festival of Geelong,” said Tim, who is an authorised Yanmar marine retailer though the famous Wooden Boat Shop in Sorrento.
“Storm Bay participated in the ‘sail-past’ and we were very encouraged with the feedback from those that took a closer look. We love to get involved with the wooden boat scene and believe the Yanmar engines are a perfect fit for these kinds of boats.”
Designed by Alf Blore and built in 1925 by Percy Covedale at Battery Point in Tasmania, Storm Bay has a rich maritime heritage that began in the hands of the Bridge family. Blue Gum timber has been used on the framing with Huon Pine planks on the hull and deck- some planks spanning a full 52 feet in length. Storm Bay is listed on the Australian Historic Register of Wooden Boats.
“My two great passions are fishing and sailing and I have been involved with wooden boats since 1974 when I bought my first couta boat,” said Tim.
“I use Storm Bay for fishing and holiday cruising with my family mainly around the islands of Bass Strait. We’re even planning a trip to New Zealand next year. I feel humbled to own a boat of such significance and understand why she is regarded as such a historic treasure.”
Further information on Storm Bay’s history and restoration can be found on the Wooden Boat Shop website at www.woodenboatshop.com.au
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 Pty Ltd
Tel (03) 9709 8500
Fax (03) 9709 8544
Email michael.blair@yanmar.com.au
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