Boats and Boating Podcast November 10 2008

MARINE INDUSTRY PODCAST
NOVEMBER 10, 2008
Boat appliances designed for export must conform to foreign voltages, while styling should appeal to that market's preferences. By offering the Contoure® SpaceSaver Microwave in Europe's 230-volt configuration and sleek black styling, Contoure anticipates builders' export needs.
The powerful 700-watt microwave appeals to customers who demand all the high-tech conveniences of home. Cooking time is easily set via its digital interactive display with 10 power levels.
Users will be impressed with the eight handy touch menu buttons that automatically set correct cooking times for items such as soup, pizza and frozen vegetables. The SpaceSaver microwave warms a quick cup of coffee, makes popcorn and thaws a frozen dinner with its jet defrost.
Its compact exterior dimensions of allow it to easily fit in nearly any galley. This SpaceSaver microwave can be built-in or freestanding. The generous .6 cu. ft. of cooking space contains a 10" glass turntable for even cooking. A bright interior oven light and child safety lock add to the SpaceSaver microwave's functionality.

BIMINI HINGES OFFER BOTH SUPERIOR QUALITY AND BEAUTY
Bimini tops should be installed and removed with ease. Accon Marine's new 410 Aluminum Quick Release Bimini Hinges provide boaters with hassle-free assembly while also adding elegant beauty to their vessels. For the first time, the reliable hinges are offered in aluminum.
Low profile, these aluminum hinges feature a surface mount. No cutouts are required. Accon's 410 hinges allow boaters to easily remove or install a bimini top without having to keep track of pins and screws.
Precision die-cast, they're extremely durable yet light. Each hinge effortlessly snaps into its base and remains attached to the bimini when separated. The 410 hinges are installed with two #8 screws.
This superior hardware is great for aluminum or pontoon boats. Sleek and stylish, they're available in standard aluminum finish, chrome, white powder coat and black powder coat. Accon Marine, the originator of the Pop-Up cleat, manufactures a full line of stainless steel flush mount deck hardware, including lifting cleats, folding cleats, Pop-Up lights and fender hangersFot more information visit www.acconmarine.com.

The Broward College Foundation has recognized Dometic Environmental , for its support of the college’s Marine Engineering Management Program.
The Foundation presented a certificate of appreciation to Frank Marciano, president of Dometic Corporation, Environmental Division, in a press conference at the Fort Lauderdale International Boat Show on October 30th.
Dometic donated marine air conditioning equipment and tools for use in the college’s marine engineering education programs, which offer hands-on training for marine technicians.
“As good corporate citizens with our company headquarters and factory in Broward County, we have always taken a special interest in marine education within our community,” said Marciano. “We recognize the ongoing need for skilled technicians in the boating business, and Broward College’s outstanding marine engineering program is making an important contribution to bringing young people into our industry.”
Broward College’s Marine Engineering Management Program is an accredited 24-month college program taught by experienced marine industry professionals. Graduates from the program earn an associate degree in marine technology and an American Boat and Yacht Council marine technician certification.
The Broward Foundation awards more than $2 million in scholarships annually to Broward College students and supports academic programs and awards for outstanding faculty. The Foundation provides educational support to more than 50 percent of the college’s student population, who would otherwise not be able to attend college.

Beaverton, Oregon (USA) - Shore power products manufacturer Furrion has established a 24,000 square foot distribution center in centrally-located Elkhart, Indiana. The facility will be managed by Future Sales, Inc., which has over 30 years experience in warehousing, inventory control and logistics management.

“Elkhart is well served by major highways and rail lines. Thirty national trucking firms serve the city, positioning Furrion to quickly and cost-effectively serve our boat building and aftermarket customers throughout the US and Canada,” said Furrion North America Sales Manager Mark Curry.
Furrion’s modern, stylish products - cordsets, cables, adapters, plugs and inlets - feature the company’s efficient, built-in SMART technology - Loadsmart™ power consumption and Powersmart™ voltage indicators and Signalsmart™ anti-interference filters.
Furrion products are compatible with shore power products from other manufacturers and are backed by Furrion’s 5-year warranty.

Dedicated to innovation, Yanmar Marine USA Corp now offers the lightweight, electric steering ZF Zeus 3500 and 3800 Pod drive propulsion systems. These state-of-the-art Pod drives are specifically designed for Yanmar diesel engines in the 400-575 hp range. Yanmar Marine is also introducing two smaller Zeus 2800 and 2500 Pod drives for engines up to 450 ph. Depending on the boat and operating conditions, they can significantly improve top-end performance, cruising speed and fuel economy.
A cockpit-mounted, intuitive joystick enables one-handed control of the entire system. For twin installations, each drive moves independently, resulting in superior turning capabilities and throttle response. Even at slow speeds or when docking, the advanced ZF Pod drives provide the same precision steering.
The Pod drives' hydrodynamic design and propeller positioning counteract drag to enhance performance. Installation inside the hull decreases draft and rubber mounts reduce gear noise and vibration for a quiet, comfortable ride.
Mounted in a tunnel, the torpedo shape of the ZF Pod drives are the same depth as the keel and deflect most floating objects downwards and away. In case the drives hit underwater debris, the aft-facing propellers are shielded by the gearcase and skeg. Engine exhaust is conveniently vented through the propeller hub. Two sacrificial pieces are incorporated to protect the system and secured by bolts that break away at impact, avoiding damage to the hull.
Based in Adairsville, Georgia, Yanmar Marine offers an extensive range of pleasure boating diesel engines from 9.1 to 900 hp.

Over the past several years, few marina industry programs have been more successful than the Certified ValvTect Marina program. As gasoline and diesel prices reach record levels, the introduction of ethanol-blended gasoline and ultra-low-sulfur diesel fuel cause boaters significant problems. The Certified ValvTect Marine program combats theses issues and continues to help hundreds of marina operators prevent customer complaints and improve customer satisfaction.

An important feature of the Certified ValvTect Marina program is the testing of marinas' gasoline and diesel fuel storage tanks for excess water, bacteria and other contaminants. Before a marina can become a Certified ValvTect Marina and up to twice a year thereafter, its fuel storage tanks must be tested. If contamination is found, it must be cleaned up in order to become and/or remain a Certified ValvTect Marina.

Once the marina passes the tank test, it receives a Certification of Contamination Free Storage Tanks certificate to be posted on the fuel dock for customers to view. This innovative certification program assures boaters that ValvTect Marine Gasoline and ValvTect Marine Diesel Fuel are free from water, bacteria and other contaminants.ValvTect Marine Gasoline and ValvTect Marine Diesel with BioGuard are specifically formulated to prevent fuel related problems caused by ethanol and ultra-low-sulfur diesel.