Quad Yamaha V8 Power Selected for Tassie Eco Tours

by Connexion PR on 1 Apr 2009
Hobart Cruises has put into service two brand new coastal expedition vessels, each both powered by four Yamaha V8 350hp outboards on the transom. With 1400 hp installed to these two identical 4m aluminium RIB’s, Hobart Cruises has established a new benchmark for the burgeoning eco-tourism industry.

Operating out of Hobart’s Constitution Dock area, Hobart Cruises’ new Bruny Wildlife Adventure takes customers on a unique boating experience into the Great Southern Ocean where wildlife frolics the way it has for centuries. This expedition has been designed for everyone to enjoy.

The mission was to achieve a boating experience that offered the utmost in passenger comfort, uncompromising safety and a rapid ride. The addition of a first class seating section is an innovation unique to these boats allowing customers the option of fully sheltered premium seats.

According to Neale Tomlin of Hobart Cruises, the design brief on the new expedition boats was a challenge from the outset.

A 14m long RIB with seating for 48 passengers was deemed the optimum configuration. Included in the design brief was under floor heating, an exceptionally appointed bathroom, remote operated under water video camera and on-board plasma screens which allow passengers to view the sea life from the comfort of their boat.

When it came to power for the boats, the big V8 Yamaha F350s were the obvious choice.

'When we looked deeper into the issue we found that there was a lot more to like about the Yamaha outboards than brute power. The dealer support in Hobart is exceptional and the Yamaha brand is the preferred brand amongst commercial fishermen in Tasmania – we think that statement says something about the brand and is worth taking note.' said Neale.

'And given our company’s commitment to the environment, we were very happy to have selected the world’s cleanest outboard engine. Moreover they are ultra quiet, an important factor allowing our customers to come up close and personal with wildlife in wild places.'

Performance wise the Yamaha F350 engines deliver all the power needed. Loaded up with the full manifest of 48 passengers plus crew, each expedition boat tips the scales at 14 tonnes.

'The Yamaha V8s are the largest cubic capacity outboard on the market. This allows us to achieve our optimum cruising speed of 25 to 30 knots with engine revs hovering around 4000 rpm.' This just shows the power and torque these impressive engines generate.

Operating on the south coast of Tasmania, sea conditions can often be unkind. There is no room for anything but 100% reliability and that is exactly what Yamaha delivers.

Yamaha outboards are available through an Australia-wide network of authorised Yamaha outboard dealers. All Yamaha 4-stroke outboards are supported with a full 4-year manufacturer’s warranty and all 2-stroke outboards are backed by a 3 year warranty – standard conditions apply.