Engines

Comprehensive rulemaking affects all sectors of marine manufacturing

CHICAGO, April 18, 2007 – Yesterday afternoon, April 17, the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) signed a proposed rule that, once finalized, will result in the largest regulatory action in the history of the recreational marine industry. The EPA rule, titled “Control of Emissions from Non-road Spark Ignition Engines and Equipment,” impacts boatbuilders, gasoline engine manufacturers (both outboard and inboard/sterndrive) and manufacturers of marine generators. The National Marine Manufacturers Association (NMMA) is encouraging its members to submit comments to EPA on its proposal by the August 3 deadline.

EMA: Engine Manufacturers Association

Marine Engines with Advanced Technologies Positively Impact Customer Satisfaction, Yet in Many Cases, Technology Does Not Play a Key Role in the Purchase Decision, J.D. Power and Associates Reports

MIAMI: 15 February 2007 — Although owners of advanced-technology marine engines are consistently more satisfied compared to owners of older technology engines (such as carburetor-driven), only one-half of outboard owners report that engine technology played a major role in their purchase decision, according to the J.D. Power and Associates 2007 Marine Engine Competitive Information Study(SM) released today at the Miami International Boat Show. Additionally, only 27 percent of inboard owners and 26 percent of sterndrive owners indicate the same.

CMD-powered Earthrace boat prepares for record-setting trip

Charleston, S.C. February 9, 2007 - Recreational boaters around the world are following the record-setting effort of Peter Bethune aboard his futuristic Earthrace powerboat as his team attempts to break the world circumnavigation record of 75 days in a vessel fuel by 100 percent biodiesel. If successful, the boat, which is powered by two 540 HP Cummins MerCruiser Diesel engines (QSC8.3-540) would be the first vessel to break a major powerboat record while running solely on alternative fuels. Cummins MerCruiser Diesel (CMD) is a primary sponsor of the Earthrace event.

The Earthrace boat will be on display in Charleston today through Feb. 11 on the Cooper River near the Charleston IMAX Theatre and the South Carolina Aquarium. A press event today at 11 a.m. featured remarks from Bethune, local and state officials and CMD representatives.