Fusion chooses Yanmar

There's been a recent change in the cruising cat market with manufacturers looking to new business models to bring their products to market. Among the brands that are enjoying success with partial offshore manufacturing is Fusion Cat, a semi-custom cat which specifies Yanmar Saildrive engines.

The latest offering is the Fusion 40XT. The first 40 Fusion catamarans were built at Airlie Beach, but about five years ago all manufacturing was relocated to a shipyard in Thailand.

According to Ian Smith of Fusion Cats in Mackay, the new Fusion business structure and new Australian ownership under Steve Smith and Peter Firkins is responsible for a solid order book.

"The process for us begins when we receive a Fusion hull and deck, manufactured in Thailand," said Ian Smith. "It is shipped to our yard in Mackay for us to fit out to the customers' specification."

"It's a great arrangement and one which offers the very best of efficient manufacturing. Every fit out on a Fusion cruising cat of this calibre is performed to a custom specification, and that's what we excel at."

Supplying a global market from their Queensland base, the production of Fusion cats has never been stronger, we're told.

Powering the Fusion 40XT is Yanmar's 3YM30C-Saildrive package. Yanmar says this is a compact yet robust marine diesel engine, boasting a three-cylinder in-line block, which is rated to a maximum output of 29hp at 3600 rpm.

The 3YM30C is a purpose built marine engine and with every component in the 3YM built in-house by Yanmar. The company says that due to this, tolerances are tighter and quality is significantly higher than competitive manufacturers.

Every Saildrive unit from Yanmar is fitted with a dual diaphragm that virtually eliminates leakage of water into the hull.

"We simply can't go past the Yanmar Saildrive," said Ian Smith. "It is a perfect fit into the engine bay in our hulls, the performance is first rate and the service back up unsurpassed."

"As most of our boats travel through the Pacific and other remote parts of their world, it's important for our customers to have global access to parts and service. Yanmar is the global brand in this respect."

With a pair of the Yanmar 3YM30C Saildrive engines fitted to the Fusion 40XT, the hull is good for nine knots at wide-open throttle. At a more sedate 2200rpm, the Fusion still makes a comfortable 6.5 knots. Fusion also specifies Gori three-blade folding props combined with a big 300-litre fuel tank ensures that the cruising range under Yanmar power is extensive.

Fusion says its cat owners come from all walks of life, but they share the common bond of sailing their yachts to the Pacific and beyond. This is a hull that performs exceptionally well, the company sasys, yet has a high level of live aboard comfort. By any measure this is a roomy boat.