More news of electric power developments - MarineBusinessWorld Oceania newsletter
by Peter Rendle 25 Aug 2022 22:00 UTC
Elco Electric Inboard Motors © Elco Motor Yachts
While Australian households ponder the thought of power supplies to keep the lights on during an exceptionally chilly winter, the marine industry continues to seek and alternative propulsion source away from fossil fuel.
For decades, the Universal Atomic 4 was sailboat manufacturers' gasoline engine of choice. Then, diesel power became prevalent. Today, boatbuilders as well as sailors repowering their boats are choosing Elco electric propulsion. The first builder of electric boats, founded in 1893, Elco now introduces new designs of its EP-6, EP-12 and EP-20 inboard motors that are half the weight and one-third smaller in length and height than previous models. This is accomplished by utilizing a patented airflow design that lets Elco's newest inboard motors run cooler. This reduces the copper windings required and allows for significantly smaller and lighter castings while retaining the company's 129-year history of reliable electric marine propulsion.
Further evidence of the take up of electric power is illustrated by the latest addition to the Eyachts range. Eyachts have always been at the forefront of the marine industry when it comes to selecting sustainable and innovative brands to represent. Extensive research, real-world experience and global industry knowledge form the foundation of their decisions when it comes to introducing new designs. The company was one of the first to import electric boats into Australia, and now they are introducing a boat brand that they claim, is doing so much more than any other on the market. As the renowned specialists of European dayboats, now the largest importer of this segment in Australia, the Danish-designed and engineered next-generation range of RAND electric powerboats is set to fit perfectly into the Eyachts portfolio.
As we approach spring and the advent of warmer weather the industry remains optimistic despite the obvious financial pressures that the recent interest rate increases and inflation numbers that have affected many family budgets. News of sales at the recent Sydney International Boat Show continues to reach us and a report from Multihull Solutions is no exception. Fountaine Pajot catamarans were in strong demand at the show with Multihull Solutions selling four models to buyers from around Australia. The company was inundated with visitors to its stand where it showcased Fountaine Pajot's MY5 power catamaran and Isla 40 sailing catamaran. By the close of the show, Multihull Solutions had sold four of the shipyard's models, including an MY6 power catamaran and a Tanna 47, Elba 45 and Isla 40 sailing catamaran. The buyers were from Melbourne, Sydney, Gold Coast and Port Stephens.
Marinas play an obviously important part of boating life. It was therefore interesting to hear developments being made on behalf of boat owners by the Boating Industry Association of Australia. BIA President Andrew Fielding recently welcomed NSW Government reforms to Crown Lands marina leasing. Andrew Fielding said the announcement by the Minister for Crown Lands and Water Kevin Anderson at Port Stephens was good news for industry and for boating. "BIA has supported this reform which will help improve boating infrastructure at marinas which are important boat storage sites and access points to some of the best waterways in NSW," he said. "There are 110 marinas in the State, many are located on Crown Lands and are leased to commercial operators. This reform will encourage operators to improve their offerings to boaters and the public." He said the marina leasing reform aimed to deliver sustainable marinas and boatyards, as well as opportunities to create jobs and support economies across the State's communities.
While houseboats are not considered a mainstream of our industry, they are often the first contact with boats and water that many people experience. Therefore, congratulations go to Mike Dalmau and the team at Lake Eildon Houseboat Industry Association (LEHIA), and all of the supporters of the Industry Immersion Day at Eildon's very vibrant houseboat industry.
Around 20 students were immersed and had a great day with thanks also to Fallons Coaches, Belljay Customs, Eildon Industrial Yards, The Houseboat Factory, Rapid Houseboats, Anchorage Houseboats, Status Luxury Houseboats, Edwards Built Family Houseboats, Eildon Boat Club, Spot On Marine and Eildon Outboard Service. This activity is a great step towards addressing the skills shortage issues that the industry faces, and to introduce young people to all of the career opportunities and pathways. It is a tough market currently with so many universities, colleges, TAFEs, other industries and other options competing for the hearts and minds of the kids coming through. So well done to LEHIA for putting the boating industry front of mind to these kids and even promoting the BIAV Boating Industry Careers Guide to them.
And those skills are being employed in a renovation at The Yard in Brisbane. A popular, 54-metre (177-foot) charter yacht is at The Yard, for refit works under the expert craftsmanship of O'Neills Shipwrights and using ATL Composites epoxy resins. The three-month project involves replacing sections of teak decking over the massive superyacht's exterior, ensuring the deck levels are fared to perfection to ensure run-off to existing drainage - which in some places is 50-millimetres. "It has to be right," says Andrew O'Neill, Director at O'Neill Shipwrights. "The owner is fastidious and is very attached to the look and feel of teak decks underfoot."
The Francesco Paszkowski-designed Baglietto superyacht was built to an exquisite finish, and her owner wanted the teak decks to be restored to as-new condition. He approached O'Neill's based on their reputation for technical and creative excellence following similar projects aboard superyachts including Oceana and Shirley Ann. Despite supply issues with Burmese teak, O'Neill's was able to source the certified teak required and enough epoxy for the project.
Stay warm, safe and optimistic!
Peter Rendle - peter.rendle@marinebusinessworld.com