Thursday 18 October 2012

Honda Marine Randburg officially opens

14 October 2011


Honda Marine launches another exclusive Honda Marine dealer set to make waves in the Johannesburg North boating market.
Most would agree that the launch of a Honda Marine dealer in the Northern suburbs of Joburg has been long overdue. The Randburg dealership is the 4th Honda Marine facility launched in the last 6 months.
If you consider that Honda Marine has been the fastest growing outboard engine brand in South Africa since 2009, and currently holds this title in 2011, the dealer development program clearly illustrates Honda SA’s commitment to supporting this growth in the South African marketplace.
Honda Marine Randburg Dealer Principal, Garth Smitherim, has 20 years experience in the marine industry. Starting out as a marine technician apprentice in 1989, he worked his way up to Sales Manager at Waterworld, Johannesburg in 2009, before starting his own Randburg based Marine and Leisure shop in January 2011.
Smitherim’s expertise lie in Bowriders, boats more suited for leisure use on rivers and dams. So we look forward to seeing more Honda outboards in and around the local waterways.
The spacious Randburg showroom is situated at 94 Milner Road, in the heart of Randburg, from where Smitherim will handle outboard engine, Honwave & Personal Watercraft sales. Smitherim has also secured the Angler Boat franchise, allowing the Randburg dealership to put quality, premium boat packages together. 
All rigging, PDI and service support for the Randburg dealer will be handled by Armand De Jager. His passion, enthusiasm and technical knowledge for Honda stems from the days when De Jager was the General Manager at Honda Marine Westrand. With 12 years experience in the marine industry you can be assured that all after sale matters will handled professionally.
Honda Marine Randburg is dedicated to supplying products of the highest quality yet at a reasonable price. Honda Marine Randburg is guaranteed to make waves in the marketplace and can be contacted on 011 789 4934 for any Honda Marine products.

Tuesday 14 August 2012

Honda Marine prepares for major presence at the all-new Johannesburg Boat Show


There’s much excitement bounding through Honda Marine both at head office and throughout their Southern African dealer network with the imminent arrival of the eagerly awaited Chaparral and Robalo imported boats from the USA which will be premiered at the all-new Johannesburg Boat Show. Be sure to visit the Honda Marine stand at the show that takes place at SA’s top exhibition venue, the EXPO Centre at Nasrec from 24-26 August 2012.

Best ‘Mooring Stand’ for Honda Marine at the Durban International Boat Show


Clinton Lambert & Leshzek Lotze from Honda Marine SA with the Durban Boat Show 'Best Mooring' Stand Award
A great effort from the Honda Marine team with dealers attending from Durban, Pinetown, Port Shepstone, St Francis, Sodwana, Randburg and Kya Sands, together with a strong representation of exclusive Honda Marine boat manufacturers in the form of Avalanche sports and pontoon boats, Raptor offshore fishing cats, Falcon and Conqueror RIBS, earned Honda Marine the prestigious best ‘Mooring Stand’ award.
Honda Marine SA and its dealers had a major presence at the Durban Boat Show
With 7 boats in the water available for test, a floating carousel and jetty area covered in Honda Marine regalia and portable shades, 4 beautiful promotions ladies, the recipe for success was in place right from the start. For all 3 days of the show, the Honda Marine stand attracted a huge amount of visitors, spurred on by those entering the Honda Honwave BF5HP Competition while others took a ride in the demo boats.
Eventual Winner of the Competiton was Mr Rob Allsop who received his prize from Craig Wilson, the Dealer Principal of Honda Marine Durban.
Craig Wilson with Durban Boat Show Honwave/ Honda 5HP Competition Winner Rob Allsop
Best overall result was that interest in Honda Marine 4-stroke technology remains at an all time high as preparations are put into motion for the next major outing at the Johannesburg Boat Show.
Thanks to the Honda Marine Promotion Ladies...


BOATING TIP FOR THE MONTH


Understanding the Danger of Propeller Strikes (courtesy of BoatSafe.com)
 
Did you know?
  • A typical three-blade propeller running at 3,200 rpm can inflict 160 impacts in one second.
  • A typical recreational propeller can travel from head to toe on an average person in less than one tenth of a second.
  • Most propeller accidents CAN be prevented!
What Can You Do?
  1. Wear your engine cut-off switch lanyard and your life jacket at ALL times. If the lanyard is removed from the switch, the engine will shut off.
  2. Assign a passenger to keep watch around the propeller area of your boat when people are in the water.
Safety Tips
  • Before starting your engine, walk to the stern and look in the water to make certain there is no one near your propeller (people near the propeller may not be visible from the helm).
  • Never allow passengers to board or exit your boat from the water when engine(s) are running – even at idle and in neutral your propeller may continue to spin.
  • Educate passengers about the location and danger of the propeller(s).
  • Call attention to the potential dangers of the propeller to any of your crew who may be going into the water to swim, ski, tube etc.
  • Be especially alert when operating in congested areas and never enter swimming zones.
  • Take extra precautions near boats that are towing skiers or tubers.
  • Never permit passengers to ride on the bow, gunwale, transom, seat backs, or other locations where they might fall overboard.
  • Children should be watched carefully while onboard.
  • Establish clear rules for swim platform use, boarding ladders, and seating (if possible, passengers should remain seated at all times).
  • If someone falls overboard, STOP! Then slowly turn the boat around, and keep the person in sight as you approach. Assign a passenger to continuously monitor the person in the water. Turn your engine off FIRST and then bring the person to safety.
  • NEVER reverse your boat to pick someone up out of the water. If necessary, go around again.

Chaparral 244 Xtreme: 
Making Waves in a Big Way (courtesy of BoatTEST.com)


Chaparral 224XTREME
Who would have thought that a company known for making luxury sportboats and small cruisers could ever have a chance in the ski/wakeboard market? But that’s exactly what happened when Chaparral came out with its Xtreme line-up. The 244 Xtreme has both a deep-V bottom and ballast bags which together can make a huge wake.  Then, there is Xtreme’s striking styling.  Make no mistake about it, Chaparral is not just kidding with its intention of competing in this highly specialized market.
To read the whole review on the Chaparral 244 Xtreme click on the link:http://www.boattest.com/boats/boat_video.aspx?ID=2718

Friday 29 June 2012

Honda BF75 and BF90: Lightweight Powerhouses




Honda BF90HP powering a RIB
Honda Marine’s BF75 and BF90 afford boaters the fuel efficiency and quiet operation of Honda’s legendary technology combined with the lightweight and explosive acceleration traditionally associated with two-stroke outboards. The pair’s 1.5-litre, in-line 4-cylinder engine boasts Honda’s exclusive Boosted Low Speed Torque (BLAST) system, Variable Valve Timing and Electronic Lift Control (VTEC™ – BF90), Lean Burn Control, and Three Way Cooling.
BLAST Off
Ideal for smaller speedboats, centre consoles, inflatables, pontoons and skiffs, Honda’s BF75 and BF90 EFI redefine four-stroke performance with the patented BLAST system.
Holeshot and acceleration are dramatically improved by advancing ignition spark timing to within one degree of the knock limit during “hammer down” acceleration. The Engine Control Module (ECM) then steps in to increase injector timing, creating a more potent air/fuel mixture. The resulting boost in available torque at low rpm contributes to a strong holeshot to get the boat up on plane quickly. The ignition spark timing is appropriately adjusted under slower throttle advancement, ensuring a leaner air/fuel mix and class-leading fuel efficiency.
Further contributing to the engines’ outstanding fuel efficiency is Honda’s exclusive Lean Burn Control, which pairs the ECU with an oxygen (O2) sensor to adjust the air/fuel mixture according to speed and load, maximizing efficiency in “cruise mode.”
Derived from racing and first appearing on the Acura NSX sports car, VTEC™ (BF90) utilizes mild cam lobes to operate the intake valves at low rpm, and then engages a high-output lobe for high-rpm operation. The resulting boost in available power provides outstanding mid-range acceleration.
Further contributing to the pair’s explosive performance is Honda’s high-performance gear case. A longer anti-ventilation plate helps trap water flowing to the propeller to minimize porpoising, while a streamlined front and longer bullet reduce drag for enhanced acceleration and fuel efficiency. A front splash plate reduces spray from the hull bottom, maintaining a dry deck above, and a 2.33:1 gear ratio affords the use of 13- to 14-inch diameter propellers for heavier loads.
Honda BF75HP
The engines’ best-in-class 44-amp alternator (35 amps of battery charging), ignition, and other critical electrical components are mounted near the top of the powerhead to ensure that all are kept cool and dry.
High Performance in a Durable Package
To ensure long term durability, Honda engineers designed the first individually-controlled cylinder cooling system for outboard engines – Three Way Cooling. The system reduces engine heat by allowing the cylinder head to run slightly cooler than the cylinder block, greatly reducing engine wear.
A Single Overhead Camshaft (SOHC) design uses dual intake valves to deliver the optimal air/fuel mixture for maximum torque and combustion efficiency. In addition, a Multi-Port, Programmed Electronic Fuel Injection system (PGM-FI) accurately controls ignition timing during start-up to provide instant throttle response and outstanding fuel efficiency.
Top-mounted electronics are a standard feature on both engines. The alternator, ignition, and other critical components are mounted near the top of the powerhead to ensure that all are kept cool and dry. By extension, a camshaft-driven, automotive-style oil pump promotes long-term durability of critical engine components.
Honda BF75/90 Cover Off
The BF75 and BF90 boast an Engine Alert System that uses audio and visual cues, as well as rpm reduction circuits to alert the operator of conditions which can contribute to engine damage, such as overheating, low oil pressure, and over-revving. A freshwater flushport functions to flush debris and salt water out of the engine, while Honda’s patented 4-Front Corrosion Protection System features a double-sealed, multi-layered paint process – both features extend the life of the outboards in harsh marine environments.
The BF90 is available in both 20- and 25-inch shaft models, while the BF75 is offered in a 20-inch shaft length. All new Honda outboard engines sold for recreational use offer an industry-best True 3-year, non-declining limited factory warranty that is the same on the last day as it is on the first.
Technical Specifications: Honda Marine BF75

ENGINE
TYPE Four-Stroke In-line 4-Cylinder
DISPLACEMENT 1,496cc (91.3 cubic in)
BORE & STROKE 73 x 89.4 mm (2.87 x 3.52)
FULL THROTTLE HP RANGE 4,500 – 5,500 RPM
HP RATING AT PROPSHAFT 75HP @ 5,500RPM
VALVE TRAIN SOHC
VALVES PER CYLINDER 4
FUEL DELIVERY Programmed Electronic Fuel Injection (PGM-FI)
IGNITION SYSTEM Microcomputer Controlled
STARTING SYSTEM Electric
LUBRICATION Wet Sump
COOLING SYSTEM Water Cooled
ALTERNATOR 44 Amp (546 watts)
BATTERY CHARGING POWER 35 Amp (433 watts)
TRIM RANGE -4° to +16°
TILT RANGE 68°
 DRIVE
GEAR RATIO 2.33:1
GEAR SHIFT F-N-R
PROPELLER Optional
DIMENSIONS
TRANSOM HEIGHT(S) (L) 508 mm
DRY WEIGHT (TILLER) (L) 171 kg 
DRY WEIGHT (REMOTE) (L) 165 kg
Technical Specifications: Honda Marine BF90

ENGINE
TYPE Four-Stroke In-line 4-Cylinder
DISPLACEMENT 1,496cc (91.3 cubic in)
BORE & STROKE 73 x 89.4 mm (2.87 x 3.52)
FULL THROTTLE HP RANGE 5,300 – 6,300 RPM
HP RATING AT PROPSHAFT 90HP @ 5,500RPM
VALVE TRAIN SOHC
VALVES PER CYLINDER 4
FUEL DELIVERY Programmed Electronic Fuel Injection (PGM-FI)
IGNITION SYSTEM Microcomputer Controlled
STARTING SYSTEM Electric
LUBRICATION Wet Sump
COOLING SYSTEM Water Cooled
ALTERNATOR 44 Amp (546 watts)
BATTERY CHARGING POWER 35 Amp (433 watts)
TRIM RANGE -4° to +16°
TILT RANGE 68°
 DRIVE
GEAR RATIO 2.33:1
GEAR SHIFT F-N-R
PROPELLER Optional
DIMENSIONS
TRANSOM HEIGHT(S) (L) 508 mm 
(X) 635 mm 
DRY WEIGHT (L) 166 kg 
(X) 172 kg 

ribEXTREME – Honda Marine partners with Falcon Inflatables


Honda Marine SA partners with Falcon Inflatables
Another important part of Honda Marine SA’s quest to establish a special trading environment for its dealers where each and every customer’s individual boating needs can be met, is the setting up of an exclusive sales agreement with Falcon Inflatables. Falcon (a family owned private company) was established more than 27 years ago and have designed, raced, manufactured and supplied a vast array of inflatable boats to more than 30 countries globally. The many years of international exposure has had a strong influence on product and technological developments and has resulted in a line offering world class quality, innovation and some of the most efficient hull designs available.

Falcon’s ERP managed factory features some of the latest technologies and highest levels of attention to detail available. This ensures maximum product durability, even in harsh tropical climates or commercial working environments. They’re made from only the best European-sourced materials & fixtures and tubes can withstand in excess of 10 times normal air pressure. They are 100% airtight, seams cannot fail and they do not require to be adapted for a rise in temperature.

The 6-model ISO/CE certified line-up, ranging from 4,5m to 7,6m, offers more than 100 accessories, configuration and upgrade options. They come with the only true 5yr warranty in SA and are suitable for recreational & heavy commercial applications.

The co-branded ribEXTREME range is competitively priced and its available exclusively from Honda Marine dealerships.