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Barrus Powerhouse Back On Seawork Quayside
01 Jun 2006
Marine engine importers and suppliers E P Barrus Ltd always deliver one of the largest and most stunning displays at Seawork, with dozens of inboard and outboard engines glistening on the Seawork quayside. The company, which also builds products specifically to the requirements of OEM or end users such the RNLI and the MoD, will be showing the next generation of Mariner and Mercury OptiMax engines at The enhancements to the 12 new models that range from 75 to 300hp concentrate on key customer attributes including durability, reliability, noise, vibration and harshness (NVH), and overall ease of operation. While each of the 1.5, 2.5 and 3.0 litre engine groups have undergone changes, the most dramatic differences are in the 3.0 litre models that range from 200 to 250hp.
A noise level reduction of up to six decibels has been achieved in the 3.0 litre group and the other significant change is the adaptation of the gear case that was designed for the supercharged four stroke Verado. The gear case features a very robust construction and higher blow out speeds than the Fleet Master gearcase currently used by the 3.0 litre family. This gear case was designed to contend with the harsh operating conditions that outboards have to contend with, especially in rough seas. Although the gearcase itself will change, the 3.0 litre OptiMax family gear ratios will remain the same. These ratios allow for the widest propping alternatives to meet any boating application.
The new OptiMax will feature the next generation propulsion control module (PCM), a Motorola designed unit which completes millions of calculations per second, controlling everything from oiling ratios to injection timing. The PCM also houses the powerful Engine Guardian Software which monitors all engine functions for faults.
SmartCraft technology is also upgraded on the new OptiMax engines. One added feature is the Descriptive Text, an enhanced information protocol between the engine and the operator which provides more detailed information about any engine faults or warning horns by displaying the information on the face of a SmartCraft gauge.
Fuel economy remains an OptiMax area of excellence, with operators able to expect up to 45% less fuel consumption than with a traditional two stroke engine of the same power.
Production of the new OptiMax engines will commence towards the end of this summer.
MJInformation No: 21914
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