Yamaha OBM Technical Training in Mumbai concludes positively...

The Indian yachting industry seems to be undergoing a lot of maturity these days. With yacht management companies, distributors, dealers and the like spear-heading this maturity, and showing their esteemed customers a deep commitment by conducting technical training sessions and service-oriented programs.


In another FIRST-OF-ITS-KIND...Yamaha India's exclusive distributor George Maijo Industries (P) Ltd. of Chennai - conducted an extensive and elaborate training session for its Indian dealers and agents.

Shinsuke Fukuzumi of Yamaha Marine, specially flew down for this extensive, structured 3-day training, where technical staff from all over India including Mumbai, Chennai, Goa, Kochi, Karnataka, and other places.

Held between 25th-28th June at George Maijo's workyard in Mumbai, with engines and back-up support and engines provided by West Coast Marine - who have been covered on this blog only a couple of days back for another unique initiative.


Thanks to West Coast Marine and George Maijo Industries, GiiraYachts.com got a first-hand experience of the training...and an insightful chat with Fukuzumi-san.

GEORGE MAIJO - MR. KURIKESU

Mr. Kurikesu, General Manager (Operations), George Maijo Ind. (P) Ltd. was glad to share some interesting facts and the main objective behind such training sessions, and enlighten us about Yamaha and its future in India.

"The main purpose of this training is to show our dealers and our loyal customers, the commitment that we have towards after-sales and servicing for our products." says Mr. Kurikesu. "Training sessions such as these lay the path for technicians to service or repair Yamaha Marine engines effectively and efficiently, within a short span of time."

Stressing on the growth and changing trends seen in the market today, Mr. Kurikesu states that "Today a lot of customers are demanding Yamaha's four-stroke engines since there has been an understanding that this is superior and more environmentally-friendly. Today, thanks to Yamaha's reliability and simplicity, the market share has been a steady 70% based on a headcount at the harbours."

"With sales of more and bigger boats that can use OBMs, there is an increase in the sales of bigger engines. The Yamaha Marine F200 engines and higher capacity engines have a clear advantage in terms of power and performance too."

Emphasizing that judicial usage of engines would be the key element of longlasting life and performance he says "Yamaha has the right understanding about its engines and the extreme conditions they are prone to. In line with this they have specially developed YamaLube, which is the right engine oil for these engines, and have even made it mandatory to use for engines sizes larger of 200 and more..."

"We advise all our customers to use 95 Octane + grade petroleum, and at the same time, we are able to give them proper training about the breaking-in technique for engines." he added.

Speaking about George Maijo Industries, he mentions about their exclusive distributorship of Yamaha Marine - engines and products - such as their water-scooters (that have almost 100% of the Goa market), ATVs (Quads) and even Yamaha's vast range of speedboats. Their workyard in Mumbai is a facility that is fully-equipped with modern and specialised tools.

A look at their website, gives you an idea about the comprehensive list of products they promote.

FUKUZUMI-SAN SPEAKS

Shinsuke Fukuzumi, is a simple but calculated young guy. His demeanour would never whisper the deep knowledge and passion he has for his job - and his company. A look at his laptop and you realise that he is a die-hard fan of the Yamaha R1 Superbike with wallpapers and themes of it! He is fully immersed into the training in his Yamaha overalls, when GiiraYachts.com got to speak with him.


Fukuzumi-san informs "Indian technicians have a clear advantage over technicians from other Asian countries, since they are able to communicate in English. They can clearly read the manuals and follow instructions well."


He was happy to work with a well-qualified team of technicians, who understood and followed his instructions and suggestions well (in-line with Yamaha's philosophy of having interactive training sessions).

Below are some of the questions that were covered in our tete-a-tete :-

1) GiiraYachts.com - What is the main purpose of this training?
ANS : Fukuzumi-san - "This is a bare basic training keeping in mind the transition from 2-stroke to 4 stroke in the Indian market. It is very important since till now Indian technicians and repair-men have their own style of working - without manuals or instructions. But as parts and technologies get more complex, utmost care must be taken right from regular service that includes oiling and up-keep, to even more complex procedures such as overhauling or even a failure, if it happens."


2) GYdotcom - What do you plan to cover in terms of content?
ANS F-san : "This is a 3-day comprehensive training program for which we follow a structure. Day 1 is about theory and the team gets to know and clarify all their doubts before their get hands-on practical training on the engines that West Coast Marine have provided. On day 2, we get to open up the engine to its smallest nut, and explore all various parts and movement mechanisms such as driveshafts, induction systems and more. Day 3 - the team gets introduced to the YDIS - Yamaha Diagnostic Injection System."


3) GYdotcom - Are there certain parts or procedures that can be only handled by computers? How do the technicians contribute in that case?
ANS F-san : "Yes, of course. Yamaha engines have the latest induction, injection and other systems that optimally run the engine, and at the same time keep emissions in check. These are taken care of by the YDIS - Yamaha Diagnostic Injection System. - which allows them to connect any engine from the entire range of engines to a laptop and get to know all the parameters, stress, strain, performance, tolerance - you could say it is just like an ECG Scan for the engine, which after all is the heart of the boat. YDIS is easy to use and can be used by any of our trained technicians."


4) GYdotcom - With this training being imparted to the team of technicians, what level of repair or service can they undertake?
ANS F-san : "Until yet, technicians in India, were able to repair engines that had minor problems, such as replacement of parts and wiring. With this training they would be able to handle change of bigger more complex parts - overhauling, drivechain replacement and more. If there bigger issues a special team of Yamaha would fly-down to repair or replace for such incidents and issues.

What we hope for is that next time, we can have the Advanced Training session, which would be as good as having the Yamaha team here itself, and that can completely eradicate the need of any of our personnel flying down for complex technical service calls."

THE TRAINEE TEAM

Yamaha's stronghold on India in terms of OBM sales was proven by the number of technicians present. There were more than 20 technicians from all over India, with each dealer sending in 1 or 2 of their personnel.

GiiraYachts.com had a casual word with some of these technicians in order to gain an insight. It was nice to know that many of these technicians were specially employed by their companies for working on Yamaha Marine engines. They all were happy with the training that they were receiving - and felt it was an opportunity of a lifetime to be working with Fukuzumi-san himself.


They all were keenly paying attention to every word Fukuzumi-san spoke in his JANGLISH accent (as per what he calls it jokingly), and helping each other why following instructions.

YAMAHA MARINE & INDIA

Mr. Kurikesu is happy with the proceedings of the training. Keeping in mind their commitment to the Indian market he spoke of 3-monthly reviews of the training, that would help in knowing that the training has been effective and implemented. He foresees the Yamaha Marine team coming down to India once every 6 months in order to support the after-sales dealership network's quality with the ever increasing numbers.

Fukuzumi-san looks forward to coming back to India again...which was evident from his goodbye handshake with a gentle 'See You Soon...'
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International Yacht Paint WorkShop - NUMERO UNO !

...Not only Number 1 in terms of usage...but also in terms of showing their ever-lasting commitment to the Indian yachting industry!

With almost all the yachts in the harbours of India using their superior products, West Coast Marine, the all India distributor for International Yacht Paints is organising a One-day Interactive Workshop in Mumbai.


Keeping in mind the highly sensitive nature of selection and application of paints for boats and yachts, this Workshop would lay the foundation to benefit the entire Indian yachting industry.

Another FIRST-OF-ITS-KIND in West Coast Marine's cap...it's an effort to provide complete customer satisfaction at the same time showing a good understanding of the market.

INTERNATIONAL YACHT PAINT

International is the world's largest manufacturer of yacht paints for the pleasure boat market. West Coast Marine has been providing the best products for boat owners in India since 15 years.


The success of International Yacht Paints' business has been built on two things; a commitment to research, and to consistently provide the highest quality products and services for the boat owner anywhere in the world.

Advanced technology is the heart of their business. To this end, International invests more in research than any other yacht paint manufacturer in the world.

THE WORKSHOP

The main aim of the workshop is to educate the product user on correct selection of products, application method and advantages of using International Yacht Paint Products on boats and yachts.

The monsoons being the off-season in India are the prime-time for activities related to maintenance, dry-docking, repairs and reworks, technical reviews...and of course painting.

With a market share of more than 95%, the need for such an Interactive Workshop Session could not have been better timed.

It will be conducted by none other than Mr. Alan Koh, Sr. Project Manager, International Yacht Paint, who would be specially flying in from Singapore. Mr. Koh has been with the company since many years, and amongst other things, keeps his Yacht Paint Application Guide always at an arm's length - and advises all his distributors to do so too.


Information on AwlGrip Products (another leader from the International Group), which are manufacturers of technically advanced urethane, epoxy, high solids and antifouling coatings products for a wide variety of applications.

WORKSHOP ITINERARY

Apart from spreading awareness about International Yacht Paint Products, the Workshop is meant mainly to educate representatives of many yacht management company based at Mumbai, Goa and also private yacht owners/their representatives.

They will gain correct product details and knowledge on selection and application of the products. During the course of this Interactive Session, the attendees would get a clear idea about the advantages of International Yacht Paint Products.

PROBLEM?...SOLUTION!

The highlight of this workshop (apart from the fact that it is to be held at the glorious Royal Bombay Yacht Club) is that Mr. Koh would be pleased to answer all the queries with regards to all aspects of International Yacht Paints.

Considering that the yachting industry is yet at its nascent stages, there would be many queries from all attending, and this would help to make this Workshop informative and special.

International is dedicated to providing proven solutions that protect, beautify and reduce boat maintenance...just as West Coast Marine is dedicated to providing the best services for yachts in the Indian harbours.

This August keep yourself posted as you will get the latest and elaborate information of this WorkShop on our blog...
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MarineTrack - Now your Yacht is just a click away !

Yacht owners have been waiting with baited breath for some gizmo that would allow them to keep a watch on their mega-million pride possessions via a computer screen.

MARINETRACK - the name says it all...recently at the Mumbai International Boat Show, one of India's premier yacht management company West Coast Marine have tied-up with MarineTrack and have gotten exclusive dealership to this product that allows a complete and accurate security and tracking system for your yacht through the convenience of even your Home PC.


A cost-effective and simple-to-install option, MarineTrack was founded in 1998 by a team of telematic engineers and has become one of the world's leading suppliers of satellite tracking and ship security alert systems.

West Coast Marine, a company that has been serving the Indian yachting fraternity loyally since the last 14 years, foresees practical implementation of this product due to the vast trace-ability and alarm-systems offered.

MARINETRACK

MarineTrack offers a single solution and has developed an innovative product range aimed at the recreational and leisure marine sector. A user-friendly web-based interface that not only tracks a boat but is also has more functional aspects attached to it - all attainable through simple plug and play options.

MarineTrack's unique marine-based application is characterised by a 24-hour, 365-day online tracking and monitoring, compact hardware design, simple plug-&-play hardware additions, flexible subscriptions to meet customers requirements and secure web log-in for every customer.

To most people their boats are their passion, their asset. They invest huge sum of money and with an open mooring harbour like Mumbai, concerns about security have been rising. With Marine Track, you don’t have to sit in the office or lie awake at night worrying if their prize possession is still in it's berth.


VESSELTRACK

MarineTrack's applications are purposefully made in order to optimise the use of the device with regards to the customer's needs.

VesselTrack enables you to set a virtual perimter fence called Geofence around your vessels moorings. Should the vessel move out of this geofence you will be notified by SMS. In the event of theft you are able to pinpoint and track its position to assist authorities in its recovery. An added personal benefit could be the fact that this even allows your friends and family to track your progress via the website whilst you are at sea, offering total peace of mind.

GEOFENCE

The Geofence is an invisible perimeter to secure unattended vessel. You receive a distress text alert on your mobile in the event of your vessel being moved outside this perimeter. Plug-ins to VesselTrack allow you to ALERT authorities if your personal security is compromised, INTRUDER notification if some one enters your vessel without notification, MONITOR bilge levels and even has a MESSENGER feature that allows you to send/ receive texts message while at sea.

RACETRACK

Meanwhile, RaceTrack enables you to observe and monitor the progress of a regatta online. Brings this previously limited spectator sport into the online area. This has a flexible ownership plan where you can rent it on 'per boat per race' basis. Parameters such as individual performance, weather reports are on-screen. Commercially, an added advantage is that it allows corporate sponsorship on the web interface that is used to interact and track positions.

CHARTERTRACK

CharterTrack gives real time updates of your entire charter fleet, maintaining optimum asset management in the bargain. Accounting of how much distance has been covered and engine usage can be some other factors monitored through it.

PLUG AND PLAY...THE MARINETRACK WAY!

The online interface can be accessed using a password-protected asset and fleet manangement system. This system offers a complete control and configuration of MarineTrack empowering the user to take total control.

The array of devices includes a :-

1) Tracker - A Satellite transceiver.

2) Alert (Standard) - Attached to the tracker, its a discreet alarm system.

3) Alert (Power Plus) - It has additional technical capabilities.

4) Intruder - Allows local authorities to act locally when an intrusion happens.

5) Monitor - Connects onboard equipment that you would like to monitor through web interface.

6) Messenger - Allows send/ receive text messages when miles into the ocean.


WEST COAST MARINE


The West Coast Marine team (seen here at the Mumbai International Boat Show '08, with the MarineTrack team) has been working for the benefit of yacht owners in India from the past 14 years, and have had strategic tie-ups with companies that provide such basic but essential functionalities.

Since its inception, it has grown into a fully integrated marine company handling a diverse portfolio of requirements to meet the needs of mega yachts, yacht owners, ferry operators, marina operators, tour operators etc.

Its activities include Yacht management services, marine consultancy, boat building and repairs, training, charter and brokerage services and establishment of water sports centers and marinas along with yacht retrofitment.

In addition, West Coast Marine has two wholly owned subsidiaries, viz. Sea Waif and Colaba Workshop 2001.

West Coast Marine is run by world class yachtsman Aashim Mongia who has won several world championships.

With West Coast Marine’s new partner MarineTrack, Aashim Mongia, Managing Director, WCM is pleased to say "We can now put your mind at ease! With our product, we assure complete security of your boat by tracking its planned and unplanned voyage movement, by receiving fire flood and intruder alarms, by receiving medical and security alerts and by monitoring speed, power and fuel levels".

In India, one can always procure MarineTrack for their yacht directly through West Coast Marine and the after-sales service is assured.

With MarineTrack - You're Never Out of Site !
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Yamaha Marine Engines - When you Want the Best !

Yamaha...just the name is enough to get a huge smile of excitement on any biker’s face. The R1 & the R6 are the dream bikes of any bike enthusiast. Beautifully designed the bike is a show stopper. But what makes the bike truly perfect is the engine. Yamaha is one of the world’s best engine manufacturers.


When it comes to marine engines, Yamaha leaves all her competitor’s way behind. It manufactures the world’s best outboard engines. Yamaha has manufactured the worlds 1st V8 5.3 liter four stroke outboard engine.


Below there is information on the Massive Power and Torque Features and Benefits of the Four Stroke V8 5.3L :-


1) Single Electronic Throttle Control Valve: All air entering the F350 is routed through a single 81 millimeter intake that is controlled by the ECM to ensure the precise amount of air necessary for any given condition. This helps maintain optimum power and efficiency.


2) Multi-Point Electronic Fuel Injection: Seven different sensors constantly measure vital atmospheric conditions and engine functions to give the Engine Control Module (ECM) the information needed to precisely and instantly adjust the fuel/air mixture for optimum performance and economy.


3) Individual Pulse-Tuned Long Intake Tracks: Air enters each cylinder through individual long intake tracks, which are ‘pulse-tuned’ to provide air at the precise volume and timing for maximum density and power. The result is more low end and mid-range power and torque.


4) Enhanced Lower Unit Bearings: An engine with as much power and torques as the F350 needs lower unit bearings and bearing surfaces that stand up to the test. Yamaha has not only changed the type of bearings and/or increased their size, but also hardened the surfaces on which they ride, for increased reliability.


5) Dual In-Bank with Power Surge Chambers: Yamaha’s exclusive in-bank exhaust means it exits through the center of the engine between the "V" of the cylinders, rather than on the exterior side, to allow for a more compact shape. The F350 also features dual exhaust with power surge champers, which helps the engine more easily purge the exhaust for greater combustion efficiency and power.


6) Variable Camshaft Timing: This system advances and retards the angle of the intake camshaft to dramatically increase power and throttle response in the low- and mid- rpm ranges. This gives the engine substantially greater torque between 2,000-3,500 rpm to plane large offshore boats with authority.


7) V8 60° DOHC 32-Valve: The F350’s 5.3 liter V8 configuration is designed to easily produce 350 prop shaft horsepower, with less stress and strain on internal engine components than small displacement, high-output outboards. Four oversized valves per cylinder increase breathing efficiency and contribute significantly to this engine’s power and torque.


8) Saltwater Series XL™ Propellers: In order to harness the power and torque of Yamaha’s F350, Yamaha designed special Saltwater Series XL propellers specifically to move large, heavy offshore boats. With larger diameter and 21 percent more blade surface area than our Saltwater Series II propellers, they help enable the F350 to deliver up to 45 percent more thrust than 250 horsepower class outboards.

YAMAHA AND INDIA

In India, Yamaha marine outboard engines are widely used. It’s one of the top selling brands. West Coast Marine in Mumbai, India is the official distributor of Yamaha marine engines. Mr. Jitendra Rami from the West Coast Marine says “Yamaha marine engines are truly amazing. There has never been a single case of the engine seizing due to mechanical error. If ever needed the new engine can be shipped n delivered to the customer in just 72 hours!”


So next time when you look for an engine for your beautiful boat do consider Yamaha as one of the best and top-most option. And if you are still not satisfied then do visit the Samira Mumbai International Boat Show from the 28th of Feb to 2nd of March and have a look at the amazing Yamaha marine engines personally. Cause you need to see it to believe it!

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Majesty Now In India - West Cost Marine Official Agents

All Rise.. the Majesty has arrived. We are talking about the Ajman (UAE) based yacht manufacturer who has decided to set sail to the Indian shores. The majesty has appointed the Mumbai based West Coast Marine as their official agents in India.

About Majesty -
With over 25 years experience in fiber glass boatbuilding Gulf Craft Inc (under majesty yachts) delivers head–turning luxury yachts and super yachts.

The majesty is one of the top most yachts available in the luxury market. All the yachts are built it UAE itself. The yachts range anywhere between 44ft to 150 ft but for the Indian market they are providing a European standard product at a great “worth the price tag” it also offers 40% more space value than European built yachts and having been the number one seller in India in the 40 ft plus category it has the best after sales and servicing systems in India compared to any other brand.

The picture speaks for itself. The yachts are designed by renowned Dutch, Italian, British and Australian designers who offer each individual customer the ability to personalize his yacht. FYI The largest locally owned yacht in Mumbai harbour is currently a 66 foot Majesty.


The pic above represents the floor plan of their most selling yacht in India the majesty 40+ category.

About West Coast Marine

Started in 1994 by world class yachtsman Aashim Mongia, West coast marine claims to be the only marine company in India offering a complete service to the yachting industry.

Some of their servies include Yacht management services, marine consultancy, boat building and repairs, training, charter and brokerage services etc. the other service they should really consider is maintaining a website as at this point its not in ‘working condition’.

Last year saw many companies venturing into India, I am sure this year we can expect many more companies touching base in India, as like us they too feel the need to have a presence in India. As surely this will soon emerge to be one of the biggest markets of the world. Read more...