Monday 8 April 2024

The Ultra-Efficient Toroidal Propeller

 

 Sharrow stacks propellers into a contra-rotating design for outboards and sterndrives that require them

 

 

The Ultra-Efficient Toroidal Propeller has taken a significant leap forward with the introduction of the Sharrow CX, a contra-rotating propeller system1. This new design integrates the company’s signature looped propellers into a contra-rotating setup, promising enhanced energy efficiency and reduced noise levels1.

The Sharrow CX features two propellers rotating in opposite directions around a single shaft1. This configuration, already known for its efficiency in marine propulsion, is further enhanced by Sharrow’s twisted looped blades1. The company anticipates notable improvements in efficiency, agility, and maneuverability1.

Previous testing of Sharrow’s single propellers has demonstrated significant enhancements in range, reverse thrust, and noise reduction1. The Sharrow CX, despite its premium pricing, underscores Sharrow’s commitment to quality and innovation, solidifying its position as a leader in the field of marine propulsion.

In conclusion, the Sharrow CX represents a significant advancement in marine propulsion technology, combining the efficiency of contra-rotating propellers with the performance benefits of Sharrow’s toroidal blade design1. It’s a promising development for the future of efficient and sustainable marine transportation1 

1) https://newatlas.com/marine/sharrow-contra-rotating-toroidal-propellers/

Monday 25 March 2024

New Lexus flagship model has 1,000-hp engines

Lexus floats a new boat: the LY 680 luxury yacht with a sticker topping $5 million.

Lexus has announced the new LY680 Luxury Yacht, an evolution of the previous LY650 model benefiting from a series of enhancements.

The flagship Luxury Yacht is the embodiment of the Lexus ‘Crafted’ design philosophy with attention to detail designed to exceed customers’ expectations.

The concept for the yacht’s development was that it should ”feel like a hideout in the middle of the sea, providing a space where discerning customers can feel free and at ease”. The exterior reflects the Lexus L-finesse design philosophy, while the interior has been crafted down to the smallest details to provide a comfortable living space. In terms of performance, Lexus aims for confidence-inspiring cruising performance, with stable maneuverability, ride comfort, and quietness.

The Horizon Group carried out by the production, which has a reputation for advanced technological capabilities, honed through super-yacht construction. By combining the Horizon Group’s building capabilities with yacht production methods based on the Toyota Production System, the strengths of both brands have been leveraged.

A 1/20 scale model of the LY680 will be on display at the Japan International Boat Show 2024, at Pacifico Yokohama from 21 – 24 March 2024.

Expansion of fly-bridge and swimming platform

The fly-bridge has been extended by 1,400mm and features a spacious lounge sofa and a barbecue grill*3. The swimming platform has been extended by 700mm.

Production by the Horizon Group

The LY680 is built by Horizon Group, a leading luxury yacht brand in Asia that specializes in custom-built yachts featuring advanced technology and production methods. The combination of sleek styling inspired by Lexus’s L-finesse design philosophy and Horizon Group’s production capabilities cultivated through super-yacht construction leverages the strengths of both brands to create a spectacular vessel.

LY680 specifications

Overall length (m)20.66
Overall width (m)  5.76
EngineTwin Volvo IPS 1350/1050
Fuel tank capacity  4,012
Fresh water tank capacity (l)  852
Accommodation  3 rooms (6 beds)
Number of passengers  15      




Friday 26 January 2024

Yamaha Motor Acquires Electric Marine Propulsion Manufacturer Torqeedo

 

Yamaha Motor Acquires Electric Marine Propulsion Manufacturer Torqeedo

Bolstering competitiveness and accelerating carbon neutrality efforts in the Electric field of the Company's Marine CASE Strategy

IWATA, January 19, 2024 - Yamaha Motor Co., Ltd. (Tokyo: 7272) announced today that it has recently concluded a stock purchase agreement with Germany's DEUTZ AG, which owns marine electric propulsion manufacturer Torqeedo, to acquire all of Torqeedo's shares. This stock acquisition is premised on the acquisition of the clearances, permits, etc., required by competition laws and other regulations.

Torqeedo, a pioneer in the field of electric marine propulsion, offers a wide-ranging lineup of products, from electric outboard and inboard motors to batteries and various other accessories. With sales in the small electric motor market on the rise, mainly in Europe, Torqeedo continues to grow as a company. It also holds many patents related to electric motors, propellers, and electric systems, as well as the R&D capabilities, mass-production equipment, and development resources for next-generation environmental technologies.

Yamaha Motor's aim in acquiring Torqeedo is to strengthen the Company's development capabilities in the Electric field of its Marine CASE Strategy, which outlines the general direction for the Marine Products business in the current Medium-Term Management Plan. This acquisition is also meant to accelerate the Company's efforts for achieving carbon neutrality in the marine industry as well as aid in fast-tracking the establishment of a small electric propulsion lineup. Furthermore, by combining Torqeedo's assets with Yamaha Motor's decades of technical expertise and know-how in hull design, marine engines, and more will birth synergies for creating mid-range electric outboard motors as the Company aims to become a leader in the growing market for electric boat propulsion.

By implementing its Marine CASE Strategy, Yamaha Motor will deliver attractive products and services with high added value to its customers and strive to achieve its Marine Long-Term Vision of being a business further increasing the value of the ocean by providing customers with a reliable and rich marine life.