It’s Yanmar again to the rescue

The sophisticated specifications required the PS31 be fitted with state-of-the-art radar, direction finding and navigation equipment as well as forward looking infra-red search equipment. The task of NSW Marine Rescue is to principally find and rescue mariners, then when appropriate tow vessels to safety.

When called on to work in unkind sea conditions and undertake dangerous work where there are lives at stake, there can be no short cuts in quality or equipment.

The PS31 cockpit is exceptionally functional and can be sealed from the elements to keep water and wind outside under the most adverse of sea conditions. Given the long hours at sea, day and night, the crew are well catered for, with essential comforts for long trips at sea.

Throughout the boat, there are hand holds everywhere. The aft cockpit is dominated by a giant and secure towing post which sits squarely amidships between two flush mounted engine hatches. Towing vessels large and small back to a safe port, forms a large part of the work undertaken by NSW Marine Rescue, a service greatly appreciated by marine insurance companies.

Underneath the aft cockpit floor, a pair of Yanmar 6LY3-STP engines with Yammer’s own KMH61A marine transmissions have been meticulously installed. The installation is as immaculate as any with an emphasis on ease of service and durability.

The purpose built Yanmar 6LY3-STP marine engines have a deserved reputation for low fuel consumption and are approved for light duty commercial applications. Low fuel bills and low servicing costs together with high reliability are critical factors which help contain the operating costs for NSW Marine Rescue.

Yanmar’s 6LY3-STP engine is a turbocharged, direct injected, intercooled, 24 valve, in-line 6 cylinder displacing 5813cm3 to produce 440mhp (324kW) at 3300rpm. Weighing in at only 718 kilos complete with Yanmar’s purpose-built marine transmission, the 6LY3-STP delivers industry leading power-to-weight Yanmar diesel performance.

The Yanmar 6LY3 features a high-technology electronic control system that governs all engine operations from fuel management to twin engine synchronisation, gear shifting and diagnostics.

The intelligent electronic control system on the 6LY3-STP manages the fuel delivery system and injection timing of the high pressure fuel pump to dramatically increase torque, improve fuel economy, reduce noise at idle and particularly reduce fuel odour and white smoke at start up in cold conditions.

In extensive sea trails prior to official handover to NSW Marine Rescue, the Yanmar engines returned exceptional performance data. At wide open throttle the Yanmar 6LY3-STP engines revved out to 3340 rpm for a top speed of 31.2 knots. This performance was achieved with a full fuel load of 1350 litres, full survey equipment and five crew members on board.

The driveline comprises the Yanmar KMH-61A transmission with 2.43:1 gear and a pair of 22.5” x 32.33” pitch prop. A comfortable and efficient cruise speed is achieved by throttling back to 2400 rpm for a speed of 21.6 knots and fuel consumption of 40.5 litres per hour, per engine. At continuous engine RPM rating of 2900 rpm, the Steber achieved a top speed of almost 28 knots.

Yanmar and Steber continue to enjoy a lengthy partnership in supplying almost 20 vessels to NSW Marine Safety. Following the launch of the Port Stephens 31, NSW Marine Rescue will shortly be taking delivery of an identical vessel, to be delivered to Port Macquarie.

Reflecting on the success of the Yanmar/Steber combination, Alan Steber (MD of Steber International) said, “We are using Yanmar marine diesel engines virtually exclusively on all of our commercial installations.”

“Yanmar is our engine of choice wherever appropriate in a Steber from 22 feet to 43 feet. The Yanmar brand is readily accepted by customers. Yanmar has an excellent reputation and I’ve lost count of the number of engines which we have installed.”

“The next round of Steber boats for export, all have Yanmar power on board as well.”