New MerCruiser Bravo Four S forward-facing drive with Smart Tow system delivers total control for tow sports

Mercury Marine® unveiled its Bravo Four S™ forward-facing drive with Smart Tow® controls, a new drive system for MerCruiser® engines that elevates the art of crafting perfect wakes for wakesurfing, wakeboarding and other tow sports. Digital controls that coordinate ballast, surf tabs and propulsion settings under a single and intuitive user interface make it easier than ever before.

 
Water tow sports like wakesurfing and wakeboarding — has gained global popularity. Mercury engineers carefully studied all the refinements that go into optimizing a boat's wake for each of the various tow sports and devised a system to make those settings easy for the boater.

"Whether boaters are veteran wakesurfers or new to tow sports, the Bravo Four S forward-facing drive delivers the power to do it safely and reliably in combination with proven MerCruiser 4.5-liter V6, 6.2-liter V8 and 8.2-liter V8 sterndrive engines ranging from 250hp to 430hp."

Mercury SmartCraft® digital technologies, including an upgraded Smart Tow system, come standard with the Bravo Four S drive. These controls allow customization of the tow sports experience with just a few taps on a Mercury VesselView® touchscreen display. The driver can simply select the desired tow sports activity, and the Smart Tow system will display the appropriate controls to dial in the perfect launch acceleration, towing speed and wake characteristics.

Other advantages of the Bravo Four S drive include:

• Enhanced maneuverability, especially at low speeds, resulting from the forward-facing props' extra "grip" on the water;
• The SmartCraft Digital Throttle & Shift system for precise control, which is particularly important when riders are in tow;
• A selection of five new propellers designed specifically to leverage all the advantages of the Bravo Four S drive; and
• Support from the vast network of Mercury authorized dealers who can service the entire system, from drive to display.

We started with our highly visionary legacy designs and added new technologies, digital functionality for the user and seamless integration with the engine and boat controls. This is the forward-facing drive for the new generation of tow sports enthusiasts.

The new MerCruiser Bravo Four S forward facing drive will be available in EMEA markets from October 2020.

 

Suzuki Develops the World's First Micro-Plastic Collecting Device for Outboard Motors

 

Start of the Suzuki Clean Ocean Project, a new initiative tackling marine plastic waste issues

Suzuki Motor Corporation has developed the world’s first* Micro-Plastic Collecting Device which can be installed on outboard motors. Marine plastic waste has become a significant environmental issue in the recent years and a huge amount of such wastes that has not been gathered correctly flow into the ocean. They are then broken down into micro-plastic under the natural environment and their impact on the ecological system is also becoming a concern. 

To tackle these issues, we focused on the structure of the outboard motor, which pumps up tons of seawater to cool the engine and then returned to the ocean. We developed a collecting device which collects micro-plastic waste utilizing the returning water. Through this device, micro-plastic waste around the water surfaces can be collected just by running the boat.

The device can be installed to a return hose easily, and it does not affect the engine performance since it only utilizes the returning water that have already been used to cool the engine. According to the monitoring research conducted in Japan, micro-plastic waste was found within the substances collected through the filter. The research is also being conducted abroad and further improvements will be made. We plan to introduce the device as an optional part from 2021 and incorporate it into the standard feature in the future.

*Suzuki research as of 1 October 2020.

Two new first in class Suzuki Outboards DF115BG and the DF140BG

 

Suzuki Unveils New DF115BG/140BG Outboards

First 4-Stroke 115/140 Horsepower Outboards in the World^* to Offer Drive-by-Wire Technology

Suzuki Motor Corporation has unveiled new DF115BG/140BG outboards, the first 4-stroke 115/140 horsepower outboards in the world^* to offer drive-by-wire throttle and shift.

While 115/140 horsepower outboards are mainly installed on mid-sized pleasure boats, there are rising needs of customers who wish to have the same advanced technologies of high-power outboards installed on large-sized boats.

Hence, the DF115BG/140BG have adopted the drive-by-wire throttle and shift control technology called the Suzuki Precision Control, which are installed on Suzuki’s large-sized outboards ranging from 150 to 350 horsepower. 

This control system replaces the conventional mechanical cable with electrical wires to realize smooth and secure shifting as well as swift and precise throttle control. Combined with Lean Burn Control System, their fuel efficiency has been enhanced in a wide range of speeds. They have also realized more pleasant boating experience with enhanced silence through suppressing the intake sound by adopting silencers.

DF115BG/140BG will be produced at the Kosai Plant in Japan from October 2020 and launched globally in areas including North America, Europe, and Japan.

Main Features of DF115BG/140BG

- First 4-stroke 115/140 horsepower outboards in the world^* to offer drive-by-wire throttle and shift system called the Suzuki Precision Control.

- Upgraded compression ratio from tried and tested 2,045cm³ four-cylinder 4-stroke engine of DF115A/140A series to realize enhanced output characteristic and fuel efficiency.

- Redesigned cowling design which incorporates new air intake structure with enhanced intake performance.

- Oil filter position has been reviewed, which makes it possible to replace the oil filter simply by removing the upper engine cover for easier maintenance.

*Based on Suzuki research as of June 2020

OXE Marine AB is to perform a preliminary study with BMW for the next generation OXE200 diesel outboard

OXE Marine AB has signed a preliminary development agreement with BMW to carry out a study on the 2.0 litre 4 cylinder diesel engine to be used for the next generation of the OXE2oo series diesel outboard motor.

The present OXE200 diesel outboard motor uses a General Motors 2 litre 4 cylinder turbo diesel engine and this specific powerhead is reaching end of life. OXE Marine AB has sufficient powerheads for the 2021 production.

The successful collaboration with the BMW Group of marinizing their 3 litre, 6 cylinder bi-turbo engine for use in the OXE300s, both parties have agreed to co-brand the OXE300. The purpose of this is to develop the overall sales and marketing initiatives with the focus on the premium quality aspects of the product. On this Diesel outboard motor there will be the BMW logo and the wording "In Cooperation with BMW.

New Electric Outboard set for under

New electric outboard set

New 50Hp diesel outboard AMAROQ

 

 

AMAROQ are currently developing a 50 hp diesel outboard. To fulfil the market need for diesel outboards, Amaroq have invented a solution. By applying patented technology Amaroq have produced a light weight 50hp diesel outboard engine. This engine yields a clean running 2-stroke outboard that matches incumbent technology and will weigh less than 72kg enabling a man portable outboard motor. Amaroq has a running outboard engine currently being developed in our dedicated test cell. On water trials beginning in 2018

Website

http://www.amaroq.co.uk

Industries

Research

Company size

1-10 employees

Headquarters

Southwick, West Sussex

Type

Privately Held

Locations

• Primary

  Chalex Industrial Estate

  Southwick, West Sussex BN42 4NH, GB

  Get directions 

 

 

Gula Skrinet AB to acquire Caterpillar Propulsion AB

Gula Skrinet AB to acquire Caterpillar Propulsion AB Öckerö, Sweden, June 9, 2020 

Gula Skrinet AB has reached an agreement with Caterpillar Luxembourg Sarl to acquire Caterpillar Propulsion AB and its subsidiaries.

The sale is expected to close on June 30, 2020. Caterpillar Propulsion AB, formerly Berg Propulsion AB, is a leading manufacturer of mechanically and electrically driven propulsion systems and marine controls for ships. The proposed acquisition includes Caterpillar Propulsion AB and its subsidiaries, including Caterpillar Propulsion Production AB, as well as Caterpillar Propulsion Pte. Ltd, its subsidiary Caterpillar Propulsion International Trading (Shanghai) Co. Ltd and its Dubai branch.

The transaction will include the manufacturing operations in Sweden and Singapore and office locations in Shanghai and Dubai. Stefan Sedersten, previously the COO and shareholder of the former Berg Propulsion AB, has a decade of experience in different roles within Berg along with a deep understanding of the global marine business. Stefan is the chairman of Lean Marine Sweden AB and I-Tech AB (publ.), businesses focused on marine equipment and vessel optimization.

The current team within Caterpillar Propulsion will transfer with the sale ensuring continuity of support for current and future customers. Stefan Sedersten is committed to preserve continuity with Caterpillar customers and dealers and to maintain a close business relationship with Caterpillar Inc., supporting both MaK and Cat marine sales, as well as developing its products and services further with other customers in the marine sector. “My message to customers, suppliers and other external partners is clear – we will honor all existing contracts and agreements and make sure to safeguard a seamless transition,” Mr Sedersten said.

The new owner of the company is dedicated to building on what has been achieved during the years with Caterpillar and to continue to develop the company’s external relationships, products and services in close cooperation with customers and partners. “Our aim is to combine the best of two worlds, the innovative and efficient approach of the big company with the flexibility and nimbleness of the small enterprise. This propulsion business is a household name in the industry, well-known for its dedication to customer satisfaction, reliable products and services, and we have every intention to make sure it continues that way. I look forward to serve the customers together with the skilled and experienced people in the entity where I´ve spent much of my past career”.

Headquartered in Öckerö Islands outside Gothenburg, Sweden, Caterpillar Propulsion AB has designed and manufactured heavy-duty marine thrusters and controllable pitch propellers since the late 1920s. Its proprietary systems are employed in maritime applications throughout the world.

Caterpillar: Confidential Green Upon closing of the sale, the products and services will be branded Berg Propulsion.

About Gula Skrinet AB: For information, please contact Stefan Sedersten: +46 768 690 509, stefan.sedersten@bergpropulsion.com 

About Caterpillar Propulsion AB: Caterpillar Propulsion AB is one of the world’s leading designers and producers of Controllable Pitch Propellers for the shipping industry. The company is a global supplier of customized marine propulsion systems comprising transverse and azimuth thrusters, controllable pitch propellers and control systems. Technical expertise coupled with extensive industry knowledge deliver products and services with high and durable performance including 24-hour service. For information, visit www.catpropulsion.com.

Hydrogen Energy Unit Improves Diesel Engine Performance

https://www.hydi.com.au/technology/marine-transport/

Evoy Norwegian company introduces Electric Outboards

New Electric Outboards

Press release: Florø, 26.03.2020

Evoy develops 150 hp electric outboard motor together with Hurtigruten and Frydenbø!

Evoy, based in Florø, Norway has received a lot of attention for their commitment in developing a 100% electric propulsion system for high-speed boats. They are now expanding their portfolio to a turnkey 150 hp outboard system with batteries.

Evoy delivers turnkey plug-and-play 100% electric propulsion systems to new and existing boats. Since the summer of 2019,the prototype Evoy1–a Polar cirkel 860 – has been used for extensive testing and optimization of the system, and has now stepped upto serial production. Last summer Evoy1 was baptized by Norway’s Prime Minister, Erna Solbergand set an unofficial world recordfor production e-boats with 55 knots later the same year. Evoy’s vision is to eliminate emissions from boats. Evoy is based in Florø, Norway, and their systems of up to 800 hp are designed and tested to operate in the toughest environments in the world – the Norwegian coast.

This year Evoy is focused on the commercial market with an inboard propulsion system for boats between 20 and 40 feet. Additionally, they are working on an outboard system supported financially with 1,8Mill NOK from Innovation Norway.

The goal is to have it completedand ready for the market in first quarter of 2021. We have had many inquiries to deliver outboard systems, especially from the PolarCruise segment. Hurtigruten were early to announce their interest and wanted to have 30 systems delivered in the spring of 2020. We like challenges, but this inquiry was a little tight, even for us, says an excited CEO and Founder Leif A. Stavøstrand.

The Prototype Outboard, which is not drivable yet, was to be released at the Boat Show Sjøen for Allein Lillestrøm, Norway March 18-22. Due to the cancellation, the World Premiere will be in Florø later this season.The Prototype is based on a 90 hp and with a more powerful lower leg, it will likly perform equivalent a 150 hp petrol engine, now with electric propulsion. The testing that will be performed during summer and fall of 2020 will give the final results on performance and range.

Hurtigruten’s goal is to operate 100% emission free. We will lead the way towards a more sustainable tourist industry, and nothing will be more natural than to use electric propulsion, also with our smaller boats. The technology has not been ready, but we believe we can solve this together with Evoy and Frydenbø. We look forward to getting started and to experience how this works towards our usage patterns, the artic temperatures and of course our customers, says an enthusiastic Karin Strand, Vice President Expedition at Hurtigruten.

Hurtigruten has a unique heritage and this combined with a very skilled crew and small expedition ships gives them the opportunity to offer exciting and nature-based experiences in the world’s most remote areas. Hurtigruten holds 15 ships which makes them the world’s largest and versatile supplier of activity specific travels in the polar regions of the world.

The Outboard motor is especially designed to fit the Zodiac Milpro MARK 5, and for this boat it will perform at 115 hp.This boat is the industry standard for the Exploration Cruises in Artic regions. The boat is delivered by Frydenbø Milpro.

The Exploration Cruise industry has long been in demand for an electric propulsion solution. We have great expectations in this project and believe it will generate high volumes once the completed system proves to work as intended.

https://www.evoy.no/outboard/

Press release article How to use The World Marine Power Directory