Canadian Shrimp Boat Repowered by YANMAR
When it came time to replace the engine in the shrimping boat R.J.H. No. 1 operating in the Gulf of St. Lawrence and GaspéPeninsula in Quebec, mechanical simplicity, reliability and improved fuel economy led the vessel’s owners to opt for a YANMAR 6AYM-WST repower.
Installed in 2015 by YANMAR dealer Enterprises Maritimes Bouchard, Inc. and supported by YANMAR distributor Diesel-Bec, the new 6AYM-WST engine runs at 659 mhp 1900min-1 coupled with a Twin Disc MG 518 ratio 5.92:1 marine gear. The 6AYM-WST is a 20.38 liter mechanical engine designed with an internal Exhaust Gas Recirculation (EGR) system using YANMAR’s ASSIGN method of combustion for improved fuel economy with lower emissions.
The R.J.H. No. 1 is a 64-foot steel boat with a 22 foot beam built in Quebec in 1984. The ship displaces 249,123 lb. with a 90,000 lb. payload.
Offering IMO Tier II compliance and built using a cell production system for complete engine assembly at the Tsukaguchi Plant, the 6AYM-WST along with YANMAR’s other commercial marine engines features a low, stable lubricating oil consumption (LOC); long overhaul interval and purpose-built marine design for easier routine inspection and maintenance.
After operating for almost 2,000 hours during its first full season of operation, the new YANMAR engine has already seen tremendous results. Even with an increased trawling speed, the engine’s improved fuel economy resulted in a savings of 14.96 liters of fuel per hour of operation with a total savings of more than $22,000 CAD for a payback period that will be nearly half of the original estimate.
When asked, Jeannot Joncas, one of the boat’s three owners, commented that he is happy to have chosen a YANMAR repower over rebuilding the existing engine because of its silent, reliable operation and improved fuel economy that will result in increased profits for their business.
