Yamaha`s 2014 Oceania Marine Technician Grand Prix has been run and won.
The Yamaha technician Grand Prix (GP) is a training and skills contest where the best technicians from all over Australia and New Zealand come to compete. Competitors are put through a series of challenges to test their knowledge and skill in a simulated workshop environment.
This year Brendan Irvine from Leon and Paul Savage’s Streaker Boats, Bayswater, Victoria excelled in this gruelling event, earning the title of best Yamaha Marine Technician, 2014.
Back for a third year and qualifying highest in his region, Brendan competed against another seven finalists from around Australia and New Zealand at Yamaha`s Marine Training Headquarters in Brisbane.
Utilising his past experience from previous events and the enhancement of his skills through Yamaha`s Technical Academy training, Brendan held off a very formidable runner-up in Tony Powell from Telfer Marine, Rotorua, New Zealand.
Brendan`s excellent performance on the day and his ability to keep cool under pressure have been rewarded with a trip to Japan to visit Yamaha`s production facilities, a prize highly sought-after by these passionate group of Yamaha technicians.
Martin Dwyer, National Training Manager, said: “The Grand Prix is virtually ‘race day’ in Yamaha`s Technical Academy program – keeping skill levels for marine servicing in Yamaha dealerships throughout Australia and New Zealand at very high levels – by creating friendly competition and real recognition for marine Technician excellence. The personal development of Yamaha technicians in the market through this training and testing equates to excellence in after-sales service for our Yamaha customers.”
Yamaha congratulates both Brendan and Tony for attaining such a high level of ability and technical knowledge. Yamaha is extremely proud to have such an excellent group of technicians in the field representing Yamaha’s products.
The 2014 Finalists: Wade Wiemers (Brisbane Yamaha, Brisbane, QLD), Brendan Irvine (Leon and Paul Savage`s Streaker Boats, Bayswater, VIC), Matthew Tromp (Port Lincoln Boat Supplies, Port Lincoln, SA), Tony Powell (Telfer Marine, Rotorua, NZ), Michael Tracey (Riverina Marine, Wagga Wagga, NSW), David Freeman (Wynnum Marine, Wynnum, QLD), Steve Lockart (Ocean Sports Marine, Whakatane, NZ), Peter Sertis (Boat City, Balcatta, WA).
END OF AN ERA
Yamaha Motor Australia announces the end of the legendary V4 Saltwater Series 115C and 130B outboard motors in Australia.
The V4 Saltwater series of engines has been powering Australian boaters for almost three decades and is well recognised for its performance and has an enviable reputation for reliability and durability forged in one of the harshest saltwater markets in the world. These engines will no longer be part of Yamaha’s range in the Australian market once the remaining units are sold.
The V4 Saltwater series was introduced in the 1980s and has always been hugely popular in Australia. Complimenting boats in the 5 – 6 metre range, V4 saltwater series engines can be found on many of the classic hulls from that era all the way to the present day.
Innovations found on the current generation motor such as Yamaha “Precision Blend” oil injection system and “Prime Start” for cold engine starting make these engines unique. The Precision Blend system eliminates the need to pre mix oil into fuel and precisely adjusts the amount of oil mixed with fuel depending on the running conditions and load on the engine. The system is able to adjust the oil mixture from 50:1 all the way to 200:1. The advantage of this system is smoother operation, less two stroke emissions and less oil usage for more economical running.
“It’s with mixed emotions that we see the last of these engines enter the country,” said Iain MacLeod, National Sales Manager for Yamaha Outboards in Australia. “In some parts of the outboard market, these engines are still very popular due to their great power to weight and reliability. However, we are seeing a general market trend towards four stroke technology and we have many great new products in the category that we believe will fill the gap”.
It’s not all bad news though. Yamaha still has a limited number of these units available to boaters who still crave the unique performance and power these legendary engines deliver. For a limited time, Yamaha is also offering $2000 off these engines as well as 1% comparison rate repower finance over a 24 and 36 month term for customers who would like to grab one of the last of these models. Both the 115C and 130B Saltwater Series engines will still receive full technical back up from Yamaha’s nationwide network of authorised dealerships as well as a full range of spare parts to keep these engines running long into the future.
For more information on Yamaha’s exceptional outboard line up and current promotions please contact your local Yamaha Outboard dealership or visit www.yamaha-motor.com.au.
Published in NAFA 28