Posts Tagged ‘owners’

Facts about Hyfong Outboard Engines

Monday, July 19th, 2010
Facts about Hyfong Outboard Engines

Facts about Hyfong Outboard Engines

By Connie Motz, MarineFuel.com

Then & Now

Established in 2000, the Zhejiang Shunfeng Power Machinery Manufacturer Co., Ltd., is located in the city of Jinhua, China.  As manufacturers of various machinery including garden equipment, all terrain vehicles (ATV), snow mobiles, and boats, Zhejiang Shunfeng Power Machinery also produces Hyfong, Oshen, and Shunfeng outboards.  With over USD $8 million in exports annually, Zhejiang Shunfeng Power Machinery is “one of the fastest growing names in the marine outboard market” with 12,000 Hyfong outboard engines manufactured and 300 staff employed in 2008.

Makes & Models

Zhejiang Shunfeng Power Machinery produces 23 models of Hyfong Outboards including a two-stroke series of 2, 2.5, 3.5, 4, 5, 6, 9.9, and 15 HP engines (available in black or silver and long or short shaft); and a four-stroke series of 2.5, 4, 5, 6, 9.9, and 15 HP engines (also available in black or silver and long or short shaft).  The cost for Hyfong Outboard engines are said to be up to 40% less than competitor models; all engines comply with EPA (Environmental Protection Agency) and European CE (Conformité Européne) standards.  All Hyfong Outboards feature a transistorized coil ignition (TCI) for easy starting; low oil gauge indicator; forward-neutral-reverse shifting; twist grip throttle control; and a thermostat controlled water cooling system.


Customer Satisfaction

Hyfong marine engines are quality built while customer service and satisfaction are the company’s main goal.  Hyfong has an international network of worldwide locations including the USA; Canada; Mexico; Asia; Russia; Sweden; Finland; United Kingdom; Germany; France; Netherlands; Ireland; Australia; and South Africa.  All Hyfong Outboard engines feature a one to two year limited factory warranty; They offers a toll-free customer service line at 1-888-471-9997 for its North American customers.


Hyfong Parts & Manuals

Hyfong owner’s, service, and parts manuals are available from Hyfong Outboard dealers.  A full inventory of Hyfong parts is available to customers in the USA and Canada with savings of up to 50% over competitor parts; all major Hyfong Outboard dealers are required to stock a minimum parts inventory.  In many cases, Hyfong marine engine parts are interchangeable and compatible with several major competitor outboard manufacturers.

If you’d like to ask a Hyfong Outboard engine question sooner than waiting for a manual to arrive, try the Just Answer website.  For a fee ranging from $14 to $34, you can ask a Just Answer expert about a Hyfong Outboard motor and receive an answer within minutes from a certified marine mechanic.  You can also browse previous Hyfong Outboard engine questions and answers free of charge.


Hyfong Outboard Dealer Locator

Hyfong Outboard engine dealers can easily be located by calling the toll-free customer service line at 1-888-471-9997 in North America.

Sources:
Zhejiang Shunfeng Power Machinery Manufacturer Co., Ltd.
Oshen Marine

Photo from Alibaba.com

World’s Second Largest Yacht: Dubai

Friday, February 26th, 2010
Top 5 Largest Yachts in the World: #2, Dubai

Dubai: Second Largest Yacht

Formerly the Platinum Yacht of Brunei, the Dubai has made a huge splash as number two in the Top 5 Largest Yachts in the World.   At a cost over USD $300 million, this mega yacht is powered by four MTU diesel engines (totaling 9,000 HP) with dual shaft propulsion allowing the Dubai to cruise at a comfortable 23 knots; at 532’ feet and weighing in at 13,470 tons, the Dubai is one of the Top 5 Largest Yachts in the World. Built in 2006 by Blohm & Voss and Lurssen Yachts, both of Germany, this super yacht was intended for His Highness Prince Jefri Bolkiah of Brunei.  Due to financial difficulties, Prince Bolkiah sold this nautical wonder to His Highness Sheikh Hamdan bin Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, the Crown Prince of Dubai.  At the time of completion in 2006, the Dubai was the world’s largest super yacht.  Read about the yacht which bumped it into second place:  World’s Largest Yacht.

"Dubai's" Staircase

"Dubai's" Staircase

The snow-white sleek Dubai yacht has a very modern appeal with clean flowing lines similar to that of an ocean wave; one of the most striking features of the Dubai is the dramatic open glass staircase in the sky lit atrium.  Featuring seven passenger decks, the Dubai provides fifty luxurious balcony suites for 36 guests (including the Owner’s deck) plus accommodations for 88 attentive crew members.

Designed by Andrew Winch Designs of Britain, the Dubai’s interior offers an array of deep earthy Middle Eastern influenced colors of maroon, fuchsia pink, glowing saffron, rich oranges, and crimson red.  These opulent colors are showcased by gold accents, hand-cut mosaic tiles, gorgeous woodwork, and the expansive marble used throughout the ship.  While the glitz and glamour of the Dubai may not appeal to everyone, the highest quality craftsmanship and attention to detail will be appreciated by all those lucky enough to set foot onboard.

Other enjoyable features of the Dubai include several lavish swimming pools (one with a waterfall and mosaic artwork); extensive decks for sunbathing; numerous beach platforms; a tender motorboat; whirlpool Jacuzzi; sports equipment including jet skis, scuba diving gear, and fishing equipment, all stored in the spacious transom garage.  The Dubai also features several dining areas (both interior and exterior), lounges, a gymnasium, spa and a high-tech home theater system.

The Dubai is capable of carrying a 9.5 ton helicopter complete with its own landing pad and onboard refuelling station.  In the case of a pirate attack or other precarious situation, safety features onboard the Dubai include armor-plating in the master suite along with bullet-proof windows on the bridge for the Captain’s protection.  With all this potential for noise, guests can be assured of comfort with a 45 decibel maximum noise level allowance in all of the cabins.

Ranked as the second ship in the Top 5 Largest Yachts in the World, the Dubai features enormous fuel tanks with a 1,050 ton capacity allowing for an 8,500 nautical mile cruising range.

Sources:
Flickr.com Photo Credit – ‘Yacht Dubai in front of the Palm’ by s_zeimke
Platinum Yachts
Platinum Yachts PDF
Andrew Winch Designs

British Seagull Outboard Engine Facts

Monday, December 28th, 2009

Then

In 1931, the first British Seagull outboard engine produced was a twin-cylinder 10 HP known as the Marston Seagull; this British built outboard engine featured innovative concepts including a water-cooled exhaust and a reverse gear.  In 1938, the chief developer and the designer of the Marston Seagull purchased the patent and manufacturing rights for the engine and began the Bristol Motor Company.  Cited as “the best outboard motor in the world,” the Marston Seagull name was changed to become the British Seagull outboard engine, and as of 1996 these outboard engines are no longer manufactured.

Now

Although they are no longer produced, parts are still manufactured and supplied through Sheridan Marine located in Oxfordshire, England.

Customer Satisfaction

During the 65 year production run of classic British Seagull outboard engines, over 2.5 million outboard motors were produced, many of which are still in service today.  These outboards have a dedicated following of fans who love the reliability and performance of these traditional engines.

The Facts about British Seagull Outboard Engines

The Facts about British Seagull Outboard Engines

Makes & Models

During its run, the British Seagull outboard engine was produced in approximately 78 different models including: a 2 HP known as a 2 HP Seagull, a Featherweight, a Forty-Minus, or a Model 45 featuring a Mk3 ignition; a 3 HP Seagull also known as a Forty-Plus – this 3HP category also included a Model 60 with Mk3 ignition, a Forty-Plus with a clutch, and a Model 55; 4 to 4.5 HP engine series including the Century 100, Century Plus fixed drive, and Century Plus clutch; and a 5 to 5.5 HP series which included the Silver Century, Silver Century with Clutch (plus clutch model 75), Silver Century Plus clutch, Silver Century Plus clutch (models 80, 100, & 90).  Model 102 was primarily produced from the 1940’s to the 1950’s with some Model 102 engines produced until 1973.  Other models included Model 170, Model 125, Queens Belfast (QB), Curlew, Kingfisher, and Osprey outboard engine models.

British Seagull Parts & Manuals & Questions

Owner’s, service, and parts manuals are available directly from the Sheridan Marine website.  Once you’ve identified your engine lettering and number, original spare parts can be ordered from by fax, telephone, email or snail-mail.  There are also two British Seagull repair handbooks written by David Sales available on Amazon.com.

If you’d like to ask a British Seagull outboard engine question sooner than waiting for a manual to arrive, try the Just Answer website.  For a fee ranging from $14 to $34, you can ask a Just Answer expert  and receive an answer within minutes from a certified marine mechanic.  You can also browse previous questions and answers free of charge.

British Seagull Owner’s Clubs and Groups

There are several online forums dedicated including Saving Old Seagulls (SOS), Seagull Restoration, Lagerholm, and Seagull Parts.  There is also a British Seagull owner’s Yahoo Group.


Sources:
Flickr.com Photo Credit – Outboard Engines by Elsie Esq.
Wikipedia
British Seagull
Sheridan Marine
Just Answer
Saving Old Seagulls
Seagull Restoration
Lagerholm
Seagull Parts
Yahoo Group


The Facts about Honda Outboard Engines

Monday, December 21st, 2009
Then
Established in 1948, the Honda Motor Company primarily manufactured automobiles and motorcycles.  Over forty years ago Honda presented America with its first four-stroke outboard motor.
The Facts about Honda Outboard Engines

The Facts about Honda Outboard Engines

Now
The Honda Motor Company is the world’s largest manufacturer of engines and motorcycles.  Honda also produces power generators, garden equipment, marine engines, and personal watercraft, to only name a few.

Customer Satisfaction
According to the 2009 Marine Engine Competitive Study produced by J.D. Power and Associates, Honda ranked first in the outboard electronic fuel injection (EFI) four-stroke category with 908 out of a possible 1,000 points.  Honda was also awarded a ‘Best in Customer Satisfaction’ award for the last two consecutive years by both J.D. Power and Associates and the National Marine Manufacturers’ Association.

Did you know you can shop and compare local dock prices online to find your preferred marine fuel at the best price?  And, it’s FREE!

Makes & Models
Honda Marine produces a number of outboard engines including a portable series ranging from 2 to 20 HP; larger engines ranging from 115 to 225 HP; electronic fuel injection (EFI) series ranging from 25 to 90 HP; and a Jet Drive series ranging from 35 to 105 HP.  Several years ago, some of the Honda three-cylinder power heads were fixed onto Mercury Marine drive legs and propellers.

Parts & Manuals
Honda Marine owner’s manuals are available to view in PDF format on the Honda Marine website.  Parts and parts manuals for Honda outboard engines can be ordered directly from your Honda Marine dealer.  Service manuals can be purchased on the Honda Marine website through Helm Incorporated.  Repair manuals for Honda outboard motors can also be purchased online through Amazon.com. 

If you’d like to ask a Honda Marine outboard engine question sooner than waiting for a manual to arrive, try the Just Answer website.  For a fee ranging from $14 to $34, you can ask a Just Answer expert about a Honda Marine outboard motor and receive an answer within minutes from a certified marine mechanic.  You can also browse previous Honda Marine questions and answers free of charge.

New for 2010
Honda Marine has introduced their new BF40 and BF50 EFI outboard engines featuring quiet operation; fuel efficiency; their exclusive Boosted Low Speed Torque (BLAST) system; a new ‘high-performance gear case’; all at a lightweight 214 pounds.  Until February 15, 2010, Honda Marine is offering ‘the sweetest deal on the water’ with 4.99% annual percentage rate (APR) financing on all new Honda Marine outboard engines.

Dealer Locator
Honda Marine dealers can easily be located by using the ‘find a dealer’ feature on the Owner’s page of the Honda Marine website.

Owner’s Groups & Clubs
There are several online forums dedicated to Honda Marine outboard engine owners including Marine Engine, The Unofficial Honda Forum, Honda Parts US, and iboats.com.

Sources:
Flickr.com Photo by Charlie Brewer
Wikipedia
Honda Marine
J.D. Power and Associates
National Marine Manufacturers Association
Marine Engine
The Unofficial Honda Forum

Iboats.com
Honda Parts US