Water Taxi Reaping Gains of New Hyundai SeasAll Powerplant

Commercial users are turning to the new range of Hyundai SeasAll diesel engines in their search for reliability, economy and performance.

Arrow Water Taxis in Picton, NZ have been the first large-scale commercial users to install a Hyundai SeasAll S250 marine diesel in one of their 8.5m water taxis, replacing the previous Yamaha 272hp diesel sterndrive.

The 3.0-litre V6 diesel engine was installed by Hyundai SeasAll dealer Seafarer Marine in Picton.

Arrow Water Taxis' Managing Director Paul Quinn says Hyundai’s reputation for clean and green technology, the power-to-weight ratio of the S250 and low emissions were significant factors when deciding on his next engine.

"The common-rail technology in the Hyundai SeasAll is very good, we pride ourselves on being a environmentally conscious company, particularly here in the Marlborough Sounds. To be able to fit an engine that had low emissions, and a healthy power-to-weight ratio was crucial," said Quinn.

"We were very impressed with Hyundai SeasAll, they have placed great emphasis on superb fuel efficiency, lowering emissions to keep our waters cleaner, and usable power in what is a very compact engine, especially for a six cylinder."

"The engine is very smooth, and it delivers its power right through the whole rev range, it now feels like a vastly different and improved boat."

"Out of the hole, we’re noticing no lag, there is no sudden power surge when the turbo kicks in as we had previously experienced with other engines. It certainly makes for a more pleasant ride for our passengers."

Quinn says he’s also experiencing improvements in the fuel economy of the vessel and overall running costs which he says in his line of business is critical.

"We monitor our fuel use very carefully," ssaid Quinn. At a cruise speed of 24 knots at 3000rpm, the 8.5m water taxi now uses 26.2lph of diesel, with an overall average use of 20.7lph.

"Also, Hyundai’s servicing intervals are another 100 hours more than other brands which means we can keep the boat running for longer."

The Hyundai SeasAll engines are part of a range of marine propulsion systems, distributed in Australasia by Allpower Marine.

Allpower Marine business development Manager Mark Harrison says the Hyundai SeasAll’s common-rail multiple-injection features make the V6 S-Series engine more environmentally friendly by minimising the emissions of particulates and NOx (nitrogen-oxygen).

"The designs optimise fuel injection and intake porting to improve combustion performance, particularly low-temperature combustion through lean air-fuel rationing," says Harrison.

"Essentially, they are an exceptional engine package for users who are looking for not only performance, reliability and economy, but also those who are wanting an environmentally-friendly engine too. What’s more, commercial operators will also receive a factory warranty too."