Yanmar Repower Spells Fuel Savings
The rising cost of diesel fuel can significantly cut into commercial fishing profits, especially with an inefficient engine. But Mazatlan businessman Jesus Loya realized a nearly $60,000 annual fuel savings after repowering one of his fishing vessels with a new Yanmar diesel.
His 69' Rio Elota now stays at sea longer and benefits from fuel savings of over 15% with a Yanmar 6AYM-WST turbo-charged direct injection engine, Yanmar said.
With more than 23 years of industry experience, Jusajeli Fishery owner Loya recognized that greater vessel engine efficiency could save money and help increase profits for his company. Operating 28 boats off Mexico's Pacific coast, as well as a large shrimp processing plant, the fishery qualifies as one of the area's largest.
The 20-year-old Rio Elota works year round harvesting shark, squid and shrimp. Loya replaced its 540 hp, 1,800 rpm CAT3412C engine with a 649 hp, 1,900 rpm Yanmar 6AYM-WST. This four-cycle, in-line six-cylinder diesel uses a fully mechanical control system for easy servicing and reliable performance. Like all Yanmar commercial engines, the 6AYM-WST is IMO Tier II-compliant and provides both lower fuel consumption and lower NOx emissions. On Rio Elota, it's paired to a keel cooling system and Kanzaki YXH-240L marine gear with a 5.91 reduction ratio.
Loya and his captain and crew were impressed with the new Yanmar diesel engine's fuel economy. Whereas previously Rio Elota required 14,265 gallons of diesel to run for nearly 30 days, the Yanmar engine extended her running time to more than 35 days. This permitted the crew to harvest a commensurately greater catch, while enjoying increased efficiency and a competitive advantage. By reducing a single trip's fuel needs by more than $6,800, the Yanmar engine also created a dramatic decrease in Loya's total operating costs.
Besides improving the vessel's trawling performance, the new engine offers the added benefits of quiet operation, easy maintenance and minimum downtime. Designed specifically for the demands of commercial marine use, the Yanmar 6AYM-WST has a 500-hour service interval. Its fully mechanical control system ensures simplicity and reliability at sea, unlike complex electronic competitive engines. The lube oil filter is a convenient cartridge type, for simple filter changes. Large inspection windows on the side of the block allow a single mechanic to replace cylinder liners, pistons, connecting rods, or bearings on-site if needed.
Rice Propulsion, appointed as a local dealer by Yanmar distributor TESA Transporte y Equipo, played a key role in facilitating the engine repower. This trusted fourth-generation business, located just two blocks from Mazatlan's fishing fleet docks, stands ready to supply customers like Loya with Yanmar service and support. Rice Propulsion also operates extensive foundry and machining facilities, and manufactures and repairs marine propellers and propulsion systems.
