Dual Yanmar 4BY2's Power Breakthrough Compact Game Boat

by Connexion PR - on 12 Mar 2010 Every now and then a designer backs his hunch and steps outside the accepted design parameters to build and market a fresh design. Chris Headley is one such man who has invested in a breathtaking new concept.

Chris Headley at CJH Yachts in Cairns had a feeling that there is a place in the game fishing market for a ‘small' twin shaft drive sportsfishing boat. More specifically Chris decided to target both private game fishermen and charter operators meeting the 2C survey category.

The result of research, professional design work and heavy investment is the CJH 26' Sportsfisher powered by a pair of Yanmar 4BY2-180A marine diesel engines.

Designed by naval architect Peter Hogbin, the fundamental achievements of this boat are exceptional. The hull has a length overall of 7.9m, it's legally trailerable, low draught with propellers running in tunnels, has a great galley, head/shower with full standing room and a comfortable vee berth. Dry weight is 3000 kgs.

To achieve the design and performance criteria Chris Headley studied many engine brand options but selected Yanmar and the 4BY2 series as it met his performance criteria and he was confident that he would be assured the high level of after service support expected by both him and his clients.

'I researched this boat for years and a key factor in the success would be the engines that power it,' Chris said. 'All the feedback that I got pointed to Yanmar. There are a number of brands that would have fitted in the space available, but Yanmar was the brand of choice that kept coming up amongst commercial skippers and serious pleasure boat owners.'

Chris consulted with Nick Marsden (Power Equipments Nth Qld Area Manager) and found that a pair of the new Yanmar 4BY2 would be a good choice in terms of a neat installation in the engine room and overall performance.

The Yanmar 4BY2 series was developed in close co-operation with the quality automotive diesel manufacturer BMW and shares a common engine cylinder block and other major components supplied from the BMW stable. The 4BY2 series delivers smooth, clean and fast acceleration which really is noticeable when combined with the efficient hull design of this vessel.

The two, four-cylinder BY2 Series models in the Yanmar range are rated at 150mhp (110kW) and 180mhp (132kW) at 4,000 rpm from a 1.995 litre, intercooled and turbocharged diesel engine. Second-generation common rail direct injection technology, featuring magnetic vertical injectors, ensures optimum performance and outstanding fuel efficiency.

The Yanmar 4BY2 engine and Yanmar KMH40A transmission packages as fitted also incorporate a CAN bus operating system using NMEA 2000 protocol and offers dual station electronic throttle and electronic gear shift controls for both the main helm control and tower. The full package, engine, transmission and controls are all supplied and comprehensively warranted by Yanmar.
All up weight of the engine including the Yanmar KMH40A transmission is just 292 kg.

With the engines fitted mid ships, slightly aft of the helm position, the CJH 26 is a nicely balanced boat with a great planning attitude. The combined power of the Yanmar 4BY2 engines pops the 3.4 tonne boat on the plane quickly and can then be throttled back for a quiet and comfortable cruise speed.

At wide open throttle the dual Yanmar's spin up to 4000 rpm for a speed of 31 knots (57 km/h). A comfortable cruise speed is achieved at 3200 rpm for a speed of 24 knots (45 km/h). At this speed the fuel consumption is 21 litres per engine per hour. At a trolling speed of 6 knots fuel consumption is just 1.5 litres per engine per hour.

At cruise speed the Yanmar's have a range of 265 nautical miles or almost 500 km.

'I'm really glad that we chose Yanmar for the CJH 26 Sportsfisher,' Chris said. 'They are a little bit more expensive than some brands, but the extra cost has been more than justified and is quickly forgotten when you hit the throttles'

Power Equipment is the exclusive and authorised Australian, NZ, PNG and South Pacific distributor of Yanmar Marine and Industrial diesel engines importing product from Yanmar plants in Japan, Asia, USA and Europe. With an extensive marine dealer and branch network, Power Equipment has the expertise and experience to assist boat owners and boat builders for both new installations and repowers. Power Equipment also distribute the Yanmar powered MASE diesel marine generators range, JCB Industrial Engines and Gori high quality folding sailboat propellers.