Boating Industry

February 2014

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/// Market Trends /// require more power to move and maneuver in close quarters. At Yamaha, the numbers go back and forth weekly between what is selling best – engines for pontoons or bass boats, Burnett said, a major shift from the past. That need prompted the release of Suzuki's DF50AV and DF60AV high-energy rotation models. "We've taken a modified 115/140 gear case, made some changes and added that to the 60 and 50," Blakely said. "The new 50 and 60 models allow us to turn that larger propeller, helps us control that boat, gets it up and going faster. It gives our customer a better operation and a better ride." The new lower unit on the 50 and 60 has a 2.42:1 gear ratio and 14-inch propeller. In Suzuki's testing, the DF60AV delivered a 42 percent improvement in forward thrust and 136 percent improvement in reverse thrust compared to Suzuki's standard DF60A outboard. Joystick tech One of the big pushes in the industry last year www.BoatingIndustry.com P32x36-BI14FEB-MarketTrends.indd 35 (Above) Outboard sales were up again in 2013 across most of the country. (Right) Manufacturers continue to integrate more technology, such as Mercury's VesselView. was the spread of joystick technology by multiple companies on their outboard products. While thus far still a niche product, the manufacturers are pleased with its initial reception. "We know that new technology like this … it's going to be a slow burn," Burnett said, of Yamaha's Helm Master. "We know that people want this technology. We've sold hundreds of these things into the field. The people that have it are thrilled with the product." The system is designed to make operation in close quarters simpler and less stressful, but Burnett is quick to point out that the joystick control is only one aspect of Helm Master. "It is a high-tech computer system, a fully in- tegrated boat control system," Burnett said. "All the other features of it is what people are really starting to grab ahold of. The joystick aspect of it is that 'a-ha' moment at the dock." Those other components include a new electronic steering system, electronic key system, anti-theft devices, display units and more. "We're going to continue to build on it," Burnett said. "There's more stuff coming." The success of the Axius joystick technology in its sterndrive engines has Mercury optimistic about its market penetration in February 2014 | Boating Industry | 35 1/8/14 12:54 PM

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