Page 27: of Marine News Magazine (March 2011)

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Honda Marine Debuts Concept BF250 Outboard

Honda Marine added an outboard engine model to its lineup, the concept BF250 available in late 2011. The concept BF250 engine is based upon a 3.6 liter engine platform designed to deliver best- in-class fuel economy and outstanding perform- ance. The engine will incorporate a host of Honda exclusive features, including BLAST, VTEC, and

Lean Burn Control. The model also will carry

National Marine Electronics Association (NMEA) 2000 certification. With models ranging from 2 to 225 horsepower, Honda Marine’s line of current production models meets rigorous California Air

Resources Board (CARB) 3-Star standards, ensuring their availability and regulatory compliance in all 50 states. In 2010, Honda Marine introduced its redesigned, fuel-efficient BF115. Prior to that, 2009 brought the unveil- ing of the BF60, with many of the performance and efficiency hallmarks of the Honda 75 and 90 horsepower siblings. In 2008, the company launched a 105 Jet, as well as the fuel-injected BF40 and BF50 models.

EMI Strategic Partnerships

EMI has partnered with Veth Propulsion out of The Netherlands to distribute serv- ice and support for a full line of Z-drives, bow thrusters and tunnel thrusters. Veth

Propulsion invented the Veth Jet Bow

Thruster which gives 360 degrees of thrust in shallow draught conditions.

With the help of a horizontally mounted propeller, the water is drawn up from underneath the vessel. Through a 360 degree rotating drum the water is guided into one to four channels proving maneuverability and propulsion in up to four directions. The Veth-Z-Drive provides high thrust and maxi- mum maneuverability and an efficient low-noise propulsion option. The power is distributed over two counter rotating propellers which results in better performance. EMI has also partnered with NORR Systems out of

Singapore. NORR Systems provides a full line of tank management, valve remote control, fire and gas detection systems. EMI is working closely with

NORR Systems in developing a dynamic positioning system that meets the requirements for DPS-2 and DPS-3. While EMI already has a DPS-1 sys- tem, this partnership allows EMI in conjunction with NORR Systems to meet the new market demands for more advanced system redundancies. In addition, EMI has partnered with Rio Marine out of Houston, Texas. Rio

Marine has experience in all types of marine electrical repairs, new installa- tion and preventative maintenance that can reduce costly failures. A part- nership with Rio Marine allows EMI to extend its service support to cus- tomers as Rio Marine has office located all along the Gulf Coast with over 100 service personnel. Along with these strategic partnerships, EMI is a solu- tion providers for both Siemens and WAGO automation, a dealer for Simrad and a provider of integrated bridge solutions including radars, gyrocompass- es, DGPS to autopilots and AIS systems.

Image cour tesy Honda Marine