Yamaha Hydra Drive
Review by Kevin Goulding
Yamaha Diesel Inboard Developments
After years of development of their exciting
and broad range of four-stroke outboards Yamaha has chosen its 50th Anniversary
to launch
an expanded
new range of inboard diesels. Yamaha, not an organisation to be held
back at the starting blocks, has targeted at this time the mid-range
requirements of the sportboat and commercial boat sectors.
Hydra Drive Line Up for 2006
Model
|
Prop
|
HP
|
| ME 370 |
Single & TRP
|
165
|
| ME 422 |
Single & TRP
|
245
|
| ME 422 HO |
Single & TRP
|
275
|
| ME 432 |
TRP
|
315
|
Capitalising upon the good reputation of its workhorse the 4 cylinder
ME370, upgraded and larger hp engines are being introduced for 2006.
Perhaps upgraded is the wrong description, the number of technological
developments is making these latest diesel engines the talk of the industry.
Competitors are certainly going to be challenged when the data on these
new models is officially released.
The recent announcement by Yamaha is just the preliminary rumble in
the jungle. A series of announcements are planned over the next few years
which will I guess broaden the range of diesel models towards the lower
end of the hp range and later a range of models at the upper end of the
hp spectrum.
One thing for sure, Yamaha have chosen to capitalise on their silky
smooth and quiet gear change. They have also introduced helical cut gearing
on their TRP drive unit for the increased torque output from these latest
engines. Other benefits include a quietening of the transmission. The
ME 432 utilises a 24-valve OHC and the performance should be remarkable,
roll on 2006 so we can try out this powerful new beast.
See our Revenger
29 Review for info on the performance of one of the first
ME 422 HO units in the UK.
Something very special has been developed by Yamaha, of particular interest
to RIBsters. The power curve has been significantly moved down the rpm
range. Not only that but the power output has been increased for the
same rpm. What does this mean to you and I? Simply, a strong increase
in power delivery from just 1500rpm and upwards maximises the 'out-of-the-hole'
performance. This is very significant and gives the RIBster a very useful
power unit in rough seas. No longer dropping off the turbo and wallowing
around until you can pick up speed again, plus a much more responsive
acceleration along the wave tops!
A twin counter-rotating propeller (TRP) drive unit has been added to
the range offering some 7 different variants across the four models.
In support of the launch of Yamaha's new range of diesel inboards for
2006 is the establishment of a new diesel service network specifically
for these engines. There is a strong possibility that some appointed
service organisations will be mobile, bringing Yamaha's support directly
to the customer. Installation of the new units is said to save at least
one day due to the pre-installation package delivered from Yamaha to
the dealers. Expect
this saving to be passed on and reflected in the final price you pay.
Model
|
Prop
|
Price
Ex VAT
|
| ME 370 |
Single
|
£12,900
|
| ME 370 |
TRP
|
£13,900
|
| ME 422 |
Single
|
£16,500
|
| ME 422 |
TRP
|
£17,500
|
| ME 422 HO |
Single
|
£18,200
|
| ME 422 HO |
TRP
|
£19,200
|
| ME 432 |
TRP
|
£21,700
|
Prices include engine and drive, full instrumentation, wiring looms,
ignition & warning lamp panels. Choice of propellers, and remote
control box.
Oct 2005
