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A Harbour Seal photographed at Dun Laoghaire Marina on Dublin Bay, Ireland. Also known as the common seal, is a true seal found along temperate and Arctic marine coastlines of the Northern Hemisphere. The most widely distributed species of pinnipeds, they are found in coastal waters of the northern Atlantic and Pacific oceans, Baltic and North seas. Photo: AfloatA photograph of a Harbour Seal taken at Dun Laoghaire Marina on Dublin Bay, Ireland. Also known as the common seal, this species can be found along temperate and Arctic marine coastlines throughout the Northern Hemisphere. They are the most widely distributed species of pinnipeds and can be found in the coastal waters of the northern Atlantic and Pacific oceans, as well as the Baltic and North Seas. Photo: Afloat

Displaying items by tag: Suzuki

Suzuki is introducing three new outboard engine models to its range in the form of the DF140B, DF115B and the DF100C. These new outboards are mechanically controlled and replace the out-going DF140A, DF115A and DF100B models.

These new additions to the Suzuki outboard range provide an upgraded compression ratio of 10.6:1 for better top speed and quicker acceleration as well as increased fuel economy through improved thermal efficiency.

These new outboards also include a 40-amp alternator that delivers improved output and battery charging at low idle speeds. A redesigned cowling incorporates a new air intake structure with improved water separation and a silencer-resonator system to provide a more pleasant boating experience at all engine speeds. The new design also gives a smoother and more dynamic aesthetic appeal.

Suzuki DF115BSuzuki DF115B

To make routine maintenance easier, Suzuki has made it possible to replace the oil filter simply by removing the upper engine cover. To further increase ease of maintenance, the hole for the oil level gauge has been widened to 15mm which enables the use of a larger oil change hose. In addition, a new oil spill catcher on the filter mount prevents spillages and a new easy access water detection fuel filter helps protect the engine against contaminated fuel.

The DF140B, DF115B and DF100C provide heavy-duty performance and long-lasting durability in a lightweight, mechanically controlled package and are also the first four-stroke outboards to utilise an oil cooler, ensuring that all that horsepower is available in any conditions.

Suzuki DF100CSuzuki DF100C

Mark Beeley, Head of Marine & ATV for Suzuki GB said, “The new DF140B, DF115B and DF100C models are the latest in a long line of our innovative, lightweight and fuel-efficient four-stroke outboards that give customers the power, performance and reassurance that they need for a wide variety of boating activities.”

The Suzuki outboard engine range is available in Ireland from selected handlers including Viking Marine and OS Marine

Published in Outboard Engines
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Visitors to the Suzuki booth at this weekend's RYA online dinghy show will find out more about why this brand of outboard engine is proving so popular for use on club safety boats, coaching/chase boats and, of course, leisure craft – including as auxiliary power for larger cruising dinghies and sailboats.

Suzuki will be 'exhibiting' its entire range of four-stroke outboards, which spans from the lightweight and portable DF2.5 to the awesome power of the award-winning DF350A.

Viking Marine and O'Sullivan's Marine are among the Suzuki outboard range dealers in Ireland.

Published in Outboard Engines
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Suzuki Motor Corporation is continually seeking to develop innovative solutions to environmental issues associated with the manufacturing of automotive and marine products and has now developed the world’s first* Micro-Plastic Collecting Device for installation on outboard motors.

Marine plastic waste is a growing environmental issue with a huge amount of mismanaged waste flowing into the oceans each year. The waste then breaks down into micro-plastics in the ocean’s ecosystem, significantly impacting marine life.

To help tackle this issue, Suzuki has focused on the structure of the outboard motor, which pumps up tons of seawater to cool the engine and then returns the water to the ocean.

Actual micro-plastic waste collected during the monitoring researchActual micro-plastic waste collected during the monitoring research

Suzuki has developed a device which collects micro-plastic waste from the returning water. Through this device, micro-plastic waste can be collected just by running the engine.

The device can be easily installed to the return hose and does not affect the engine performance since it only utilizes the returning water that has already been used to cool the engine.

Micro-Plastic Collecting DeviceMicro-Plastic collecting device

During monitoring research conducted in Japan, a substantial amount of micro-plastic waste was found within the substances collected in the filter. Research is also currently being conducted internationally with further improvements scheduled for the device going forward.

Suzuki plans to introduce the device as optional from 2021 and incorporate it as a standard feature in the future.

Mark Beeley, Head of Marine & ATV for Suzuki GB, said, “This ground-breaking development is part of Suzuki’s continuing determination to devise innovative solutions that mitigate the serious impact of plastic waste on our natural environment. It marks the first time in marine industry history that an outboard motor cooling system has been utilized to extract micro-plastics from the seawater.”

Published in Outboard Engines
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Off the back of what they declare was their best ever year for sales of Beneteau outboard boats, Irish brokers BJ Marine were recently in attendance at the French builder’s global dealer conference in Valencia to get a special look at its fully Suzuki-powered range.

General manager James Kirwan told Afloat.ie: “The growth of the range of outboard boats inspired us to invest in our first ever Irish Barracuda Tour qualifier, an event that also supported by Viking Marine, our Suzuki partner in Ireland.”

Beneteau’s outboard range covers the Antares, Barracuda and Flyer models, from six metres up to the new Antares 11 which will be unveiled this winter.

“In particular, the Antares and Barracuda ranges offer the perfect versatility for use in Irish waters where rapidly changing weather and sea states are regular events,” Kirwan said.

“BeneteauBeneteau Barracuda with a Suzuki DF200AP outboard

Suzuki has been the outboard supplier of choice for Beneteau since 2013 and the French builder says its partnership continues to go from strength to strength.

Five Suzuki-powered boats were on the water in Valencia ready for dealers to test — including the new Flyer 10 and 7.

“We are very proud to work with and partner Beneteau,” said Daisuke Kawatari, general manager for Suzuki Motor Corporation’s European liaison office.

“Our partnership is a strong one and we are looking forward to taking it to the next level in order to continue to deliver the ultimate boat/engine packages for our customers.”

Published in BJ Marine

Suzuki says it has achieved the highest market share in the four stroke outboard sector in Europe last year. It's a proud boast for the engine manufacturer that is also mirrored at home with growing Irish sales.

Sales of Suzuki marine engines in Ireland has been growing year on year for the last six years, according to Suzuki Ireland's Declan Maguire. 'We are not surprised that we are the number one choice for boaters across Europe, as our reliability and fuel efficiency records speak for themselves'.

Maguire says 'with our sustained growth in Ireland, combined with our competitive pricing, we hope to be the number one choice for Irish boaters in the next three years'

From the lightweight and portable DF2.5 to the award-winning power of the DF300AP, Suzuki says they have an outboard for every purpose and to match any transom, so customers really do have a great choice. 

The manufacturer launched several new models this year, the most recent being the DF200AP which is the first outboard in the world to feature a keyless start system.

George Cheeseman, Sales & Marketing Manager for Suzuki GB’s Marine Division, said, “We are incredibly proud of this achievement and we congratulate our colleagues at the factory for producing such fantastic outboard motors. We, as a team, are driven to provide our customers with the ultimate in outboard power and with more and more people choosing Suzuki, the team’s tireless efforts really are paying off.” He concludes, “We are looking forward to the remainder of this season and pushing forward with even more exciting products and initiatives.”

Suzuki Marine are exhibiting at the Southampton Boat Show from this morning to the 20th September.

Suzuki’s Four stroke market share in 2014: 
Sales results: 44,613 
Market share: 28.5% 
Source: ICOMMIA 

 

Published in Marketplace
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Young south coast boater Adam Brennan is rapidly building a strong reputation for himself within the Irish and UK boating communities.

At just 17, he is still at boarding school in Ireland but has already secured himself a Super Yacht Cadetship with the UK Sailing Association when he leaves school. Alongside his academic career, Adam also manages 12 boats for customers around Kerry during the holidays and advises them on their boating requirements, with Suzuki being the outboard of choice for both his own boats and his recommendations to customers.

In addition to all of this Adam is also the lead organiser of the 'Bull run for fun' which is a 74–nautical mile cruise in company from Kenmare Bay in Ireland to the iconic Bull Rock in the Atlantic. Adam founded this event when he was just 12 years of age and since then it has grown to be one of Ireland's top power–boating events.

Not content with forging a career in the marine industry and organising his own events, Adam is also restoring a Delta Dash 5.5m RIB, which he is re-powering with a Suzuki DF140A outboard motor, which has been generously donated by Suzuki GB. The DF140A benefits from Suzuki's Lean Burn Fuel Control system and will deliver all the power and performance that Adam's RIB needs plus class-leading fuel efficiency.

Whilst Adam is doing much of the restoration work to the RIB himself, he is calling upon the expertise of Suzuki Dealer, Marine Motors in Cork to rig the outboard.

Suzuki's donation of the outboard to Adam is just one of the ways in which it will be participating in the Bull Run for Fun this year, as part of the company's celebrations to mark the 50th Anniversary of its very first outboard motor, the D55, which was launched in 1965.

George Cheeseman, Sales & Marketing Manager for Suzuki GB's Marine Division, said, "When we heard about Adam's activities and superb credentials for someone so young, we were keen to support him. He is incredibly enthusiastic and as such he is a fantastic ambassador for our range of ultimate four stroke outboards."

Published in RIBs
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#TradeNews - Suzuki has unveiled its latest lightweight and fuel-efficient outboard engine model in the new four-cylinder DF200A.

The new outboard promises the performance one would expect only from a V6 engine, but from just four cylinders, making it the lightest in its class - like the recently released DF30A and DF25A before it.

Other features include a direct air intake and 'Variable Valve Timing' for higher performance and thermal efficiency, a large 'Big Block' displacement and higher compression ratio for better acceleration and low-end torque, improved sensors for monitoring and controlling internal engine operation, and 'Lean Burn Control Technology' for much improved fuel economy.

Perhaps most importantly, the new DF200A hits the scales at just 225kg, more than 12% less than the current V6 DF200 model.

And all that's aside from the sleek styling that boaters have come to expect from Suzuki.

But for those who want even better tech, the new DF200AP tops the standard model's specs as the first 200HP to market with Suzuki Protection Control for drive-by-wire, and Suzuki Selective Rotation whereby dealers can set up engines in either standard or counter rotation thanks to the specially designed gearing and electronic shift controls.

The DF200AP also features a keyless ignition system, using a coded keyfob that adds an invaluable extra level of protection.

Suzuki's DF200A will be available from dealers later this year, with the DF200AP to follow in early 2015.

Published in Marine Trade
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#TradeNews - Motor boaters looking for some featherweight power will want to consider two new Suzuki outboard models that punch well above their weight.

At just 62kg each, the DF30A and DF25A are the lightest in their respective classes. But despite their lack of heft, Suzuki haven't scrimped on the innards.

Both models boast a new battery-less electronic fuel injection system for quicker starts, smoother operation and better acceleration.

Other features include roller rocker arms, an offset crankshaft, improved intake and engine cover ventilation and up to 15% increased fuel efficiency.

Production begins shortly, with the first models expected in dealerships by May this year - just in time for summer!

Suzuki DF30A outboard motor

Published in Marine Trade
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#joystick – Suzuki Motor Corporation has announced that it has a new Joystick Control System in development. The announcement was made earlier this month at the 2013 Japan International Boat Show in Yokohama.
The new joystick system is meant to integrate seamlessly with Suzuki's proprietary drive-by-wire system that is available on the Suzuki DF250AP and flagship DF300AP outboard engine models.
During the Japan International Boat Show, the company showed a prototype joystick control as well as concept drawings of the system and its components.(See above)
According to Suzuki, this new system will provide increased confidence to skippers as they manoeuvre their boats in close quarters and will increase the appeal of boating to a 'younger, more tech-savvy demographic'.

Published in RIBs

Fancy a pre-season boat bargain? It may well be on offer later this month at a 'liquidation sale of boats' due to take place in County Cork with a selection of unused and used power boats. The sale is by order of Mr. Barry Donohue, KPMG, Liquidator, HM Yachts Ltd (In Voluntary Liquidation).

The boats on offer include three unused Jeanneau motoboats inlcuding the popular Merry Fisher Legend. The vessel comes with Suzuki 50HP Four Stroke Engine and road trailer, ready for the season!

The sale will take place at 12 noon on Tuesday 29 March 2011. Viewing is from 10am - 4pm Monday 28 March 2011 or by appointment. The sale takes place at the Michael Murphy Yard, Mission Hill, Kinsale, Co. Cork. (Across from Bandon Co-Op)

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For sale: The Merry Fisher Legenda 585 Motor Boat

There are ten lots (including a van) but for the boats for sale include:

Unused Jeanneau Cap Camarat 715wa Motor Boat with a Hallmark Double Axle Trailer with Winch and Rollers, White / Blue.

Unused Jeanneau Cap Camarat 515 Style Motor Boat with a Suzuki 50HP Four Stroke Engine, Model DF50, Plus a Hallmark Single Axle Trailer with Winch and Rollers, White / Beige.

Unused Jeanneau Merry Fisher Legenda 585 Motor Boat with Enclosed Cabin with an Indspension Roller Coaster Single Axel Trailer with Winch and Rollers, White / Blue.

2006 Maxum 2400 SC3 26ft Motor Boat with 300Hp Petrol Inboard Engine with Double Axle Trailer, White / Blue.

2005 O'Sullivans Marine 710 23ft Fishing Boat with Cabin, Yanmar 27hp Diesel Inboard Engine, White / Blue, Name Mary-Linda.


For further details, please contact E-Auctions T: +353 45 883 554. More HERE.

Published in Boat Sales
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For all you need on the Marine Environment - covering the latest news and updates on marine science and wildlife, weather and climate, power from the sea and Ireland's coastal regions and communities - the place to be is Afloat.ie.

Coastal Notes

The Coastal Notes category covers a broad range of stories, events and developments that have an impact on Ireland's coastal regions and communities, whose lives and livelihoods are directly linked with the sea and Ireland's coastal waters.

Topics covered in Coastal Notes can be as varied as the rare finding of sea-life creatures, an historic shipwreck with secrets to tell, or even a trawler's net caught hauling much more than just fish.

Other angles focusing the attention of Coastal Notes are Ireland's maritime museums, which are of national importance to maintaining access and knowledge of our nautical heritage, and those who harvest the sea using small boats based in harbours where infrastructure and safety pose an issue, plying their trade along the rugged wild western seaboard.

Coastal Notes tells the stories that are arguably as varied as the environment they come from, and which shape people's interaction with the natural world and our relationship with the sea.

Marine Wildlife

One of the greatest memories of any day spent boating around the Irish coast is an encounter with Marine Wildlife. It's a thrill for young and old to witness seabirds, seals, dolphins and whales right there in their own habitat. And as boaters fortunate enough to have experienced it will testify, even spotting a distant dorsal fin can be the highlight of any day afloat. Was that a porpoise? Was it a whale? No matter how brief the glimpse, it's a privilege to share the seas with Irish marine wildlife.

Thanks to our location in the North Atlantic, there appears to be no shortage of marine life to observe. From whales to dolphins, seals, sharks and other ocean animals, the Marine Wildlife category documents the most interesting accounts around our shores. And we're keen to receive your observations, your photos, links and video clips, too!

Also valuable is the unique perspective of all those who go afloat, from coastal sailing to sea angling to inshore kayaking to offshore yacht racing, as what they encounter can be of great importance to organisations such as the Irish Whale and Dolphin Group (IWDG). Thanks to their work we now know we share the seas with dozens of species who also call Ireland home. But as impressive as the list is, the experts believe there are still gaps in our knowledge. Next time you are out on the ocean waves, keep a sharp look out!

Weather

As an island in the North Atlantic, Ireland's fate is decided by Weather more so than many other European countries. When storm-force winds race across the Irish Sea, ferry and shipping services are cut off, disrupting our economy. When swollen waves crash on our shores, communities are flooded and fishermen brace for impact - both to their vessels and to their livelihoods.

Keeping abreast of the weather, therefore, is as important to leisure cruisers and fishing crews alike - for whom a small craft warning can mean the difference between life and death - as it is to the communities lining the coast, where timely weather alerts can help protect homes and lives.

Weather affects us all, and Afloat.ie will keep you informed on the hows and the whys.

Marine Science

Perhaps it's the work of the Irish research vessels RV Celtic Explorer and RV Celtic Voyager out in the Atlantic Ocean that best highlights the essential nature of Marine Science for the future growth of Ireland's emerging 'blue economy'.

From marine research to development and sustainable management, Ireland is developing a strong and well-deserved reputation as an emerging centre of excellence. Whether it's Wavebob ocean energy technology to aquaculture to weather buoys and oil exploration, the Marine Science category documents the work of Irish marine scientists and researchers and how they have secured prominent roles in many European and international marine science bodies.

Power From The Sea

The message from the experts is clear: offshore wind and wave energy is the future. And as Ireland looks towards the potential of the renewable energy sector, generating Power From The Sea will become a greater priority in the State's 'blue growth' strategy.

Developments and activities in existing and planned projects in the pipeline from the wind and wave renewables sector, and those of the energy exploration industry, point to the future of energy requirements for the whole world, not just in Ireland. And that's not to mention the supplementary industries that sea power projects can support in coastal communities.

Irish ports are already in a good position to capitalise on investments in offshore renewable energy services. And Power From The Sea can even be good for marine wildlife if done properly.

Aside from the green sector, our coastal waters also hold a wealth of oil and gas resources that numerous prospectors are hoping to exploit, even if people in coastal and island areas are as yet unsure of the potential benefits or pitfalls for their communities.

Changing Ocean Climate

Our ocean and climate are inextricably linked - the ocean plays a crucial role in the global climate system in a number of ways. These include absorbing excess heat from the atmosphere and absorbing 30 per cent of the carbon dioxide added to the atmosphere by human activity. But our marine ecosystems are coming under increasing pressure due to climate change.

The Marine Institute, with its national and international partners, works to observe and understand how our ocean is changing and analyses, models and projects the impacts of our changing oceans. Advice and forecasting projections of our changing oceans and climate are essential to create effective policies and management decisions to safeguard our ocean.

Dr Paul Connolly, CEO of the Marine Institute, said, “Our ocean is fundamental to life on earth and affects so many facets of our everyday activities. One of the greatest challenges we face as a society is that of our changing climate. The strong international collaborations that the Marine Institute has built up over decades facilitates a shared focusing on our changing ocean climate and developing new and enhanced ways of monitoring it and tracking changes over time.

“Our knowledge and services help us to observe these patterns of change and identify the steps to safeguard our marine ecosystems for future generations.”

The Marine Institute’s annual ocean climate research survey, which has been running since 2004, facilitates long term monitoring of the deep water environment to the west of Ireland. This repeat survey, which takes place on board RV Celtic Explorer, enables scientists to establish baseline oceanic conditions in Irish waters that can be used as a benchmark for future changes.

Scientists collect data on temperature, salinity, water currents, oxygen and carbon dioxide in the Atlantic Ocean. This high quality oceanographic data contributes to the Atlantic Ocean Observing System. Physical oceanographic data from the survey is submitted to the International Council for the Exploration of the Seas (ICES) and, in addition, the survey contributes to national research such as the VOCAB ocean acidification and biogeochemistry project, the ‘Clean Atlantic’ project on marine litter and the A4 marine climate change project.

Dr Caroline Cusack, who co-ordinates scientific activities on board the RV Celtic Explorer for the annual survey, said, “The generation of long-term series to monitor ocean climate is vital to allow us understand the likely impact of future changes in ocean climate on ecosystems and other marine resources.”

Other activities during the survey in 2019 included the deployment of oceanographic gliders, two Argo floats (Ireland’s contribution to EuroArgo) and four surface drifters (Interreg Atlantic Area Clean Atlantic project). The new Argo floats have the capacity to measure dissolved ocean and biogeochemical parameters from the ocean surface down to a depth of 2,000 metres continuously for up to four years, providing important information as to the health of our oceans.

During the 2019 survey, the RV Celtic Explorer retrieved a string of oceanographic sensors from the deep ocean at an adjacent subsurface moored station and deployed a replacement M6 weather buoy, as part of the Irish Marine Data Buoy Observation Network (IMDBON).

Funded by the Department of Agriculture, Food and the Marine, the IMDBON is managed by the Marine Institute in collaboration with Met Éireann and is designed to improve weather forecasts and safety at sea around Ireland. The data buoys have instruments which collect weather and ocean data including wind speed and direction, pressure, air and sea surface temperature and wave statistics. This data provides vital information for weather forecasts, shipping bulletins, gale and swell warnings as well as data for general public information and research.

“It is only in the last 20 years, meteorologists and climatologists have really began to understood the pivotal role the ocean plays in determining our climate and weather,” said Evelyn Cusack, Head of Forecasting at Met Éireann. “The real-time information provided by the Irish data buoy network is particularly important for our mariners and rescue services. The M6 data buoy in the Atlantic provides vital information on swell waves generated by Atlantic storms. Even though the weather and winds may be calm around our shores, there could be some very high swells coming in from Atlantic storms.”