Page 47: of Marine News Magazine (July 2020)

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The 429-kW (575-hp)

PowerTech 6135SFM engines turn 76x76- centimeter (30x30- inch) props through

ZF transmissions with a 2.3:1 gear ratio.

we would get a thrust of black exhaust on startup or throttle- A trio with torque up operations,” recalls Palmietto. “Even on a calm day, we After the repower, the gear ratio increased from 2:1 to 2.3:1, could see a slight bit of exhaust ash.” and the overall weight of the engines decreased by 1,860 ki- lograms (4,100 pounds). “To prevent a change in stability of

Getting the grant our deck carrying capacity, we bolted lead plates below the

Knowing a repower was a smart decision for Miss Vivian engines in the bilge,” explains Palmietto. and the future of the business, Sea Level Marine applied for a An increase in horsepower and torque improved Miss Viv- grant through the Texas Emissions Reduction Plan (TERP), ian’s speed and performance. “I’m running about 21 knots, a program administered by the Texas Commission on Envi- which is pretty fast for a boat this size,” says Captain Molina. ronmental Quality. Once approved, Palmietto turned to Land “The additional torque helps me maneuver the boat in tight & Sea Services, a certi?ed John Deere marine dealer in La spaces in the wind and waves.”

Marque, Texas, which recommended three John Deere Pow- The increase in speed is also attracting more business from erTech 6135SFM marine engines. offshore clients needing equipment and supplies as soon as

Palmietto and the vessel’s captain, Rueben Molina, were sold possible. Molina says Miss Vivian is reaching platform des- on the idea of repowering with John Deere engines. “We know tinations in half the time as other crew boats that are only of other boat owners who were getting rid of their two-cycle running top speeds of only 8 to 10 knots. diesel engines and going to John Deere,” says Palmietto. “We The engines are proving to be ?nancially rewarding in other also liked having the support of two John Deere marine dealers ways, too. “They are extremely economical compared to the for warranty work and parts with Land & Sea in La Marque previous engines,” adds Molina. “Before, I would run hard six and Mid Coast Engine & Transmission, Inc., in Aransas Pass.” hours and burn 500 to 600 gallons (1,893 to 2,271 liters) of

Sea Level Marine worked closely with Land & Sea Services to diesel fuel under heavy load. Now, I run the same amount of repower the vessel in early 2019, mounting all three John Deere time — with a comparable load — and the John Deere en- engines onto the original engine beds. Making some modi?ca- gines only consume 375 gallons (1,420 liters).” tions to the motor mounts, the John Deere dealer paired the Faster, more powerful, and fuel-ef?cient, Miss Vivian is bet- 429-kW (575-hp) engines with new ZF transmissions, along ter than ever, according to Molina and Palmietto. Plus, Miss with the original shafts and 84x76-centimeter (33x30-inch) Vivian is emissions-compliant now and is able to cruise into props. “We were fortunate our shafts and propellers paired well inner harbors without the disgrace of diesel smoke. with the new engines and transmissions,” says Pamietto. “We took a 1979 boat and made it like brand-new,” says

The repower took place Sea Level Marine’s dock in Aransas Palmietto. “We gave Miss Vivian another life, and hopefully

Pass, Texas, without having to take the vessel out of the water. she’ll run another 20 years.” 47 www.marinelink.com MN