July 22, 2008 The concepts of drive-by-wire, steer-by-wire and brake-by-wire were initially eyed with much suspicion by automotive aficionados – how could a computer possibly hope to do a better job than a human being? Well, computers can do a much better job of these tasks, and will eventually be able to turn every aspect of our mere mortalfumbling into Lewis Hamilton-like driving capabilities. Now drive-by-whatever is invading the marine industry with Yamaha’s new second generation 250hp F250B outboard motor.

The new release Yamaha F250B is based on the proven 3.3 litre V6 F250A but incorporates digital electronic remote control for greatly improved operability and reliability and a suite of technological advantages for smooth throttle operation, responsive performance plus secure and reliable gear shifting.

Governed and monitored by Yamaha’s sophisticated Engine Control Module (ECM), throttle control and gear shift is digitally controlled through a remote electronic box linked to the throttle lever.

Throttle response is also greatly improved for when precise control is needed for bar crossings or low-speed trolling offshore. The F250B features a variable trolling rpm switch on the 6Y8 digital tacho which adjusts trolling speed as desired in increments of 50 rpm between 600 and 1000 rpm.

The ECM onboard the F250B also governs Yamaha’s multi-point fuel injection system which enables precise control of fuel/air mixture depending on the load and speed, to increase combustion efficiency for superior performance.

Quicker acceleration is achieved on the F250B through the use of long air intake manifolds and VariableCamshaft Timing (VCT) to boost low and mid-range torque. The 24-valve Double Over-Head Camshaft also provides greater valve timing control for clean and powerful combustion.

Yamaha’s new F250B is available as two variations, the standard right-rotation propeller and a counter rotation model. Both models offer 25 inch and 30 inch transom versions. 

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Image Gallery ( 9 images ) August 11, 2008 The European Boat Show season approaches, and we’re beginning to catch the first glimpses of the innovative new luxury yachtdesigns – one of the first to declare its hand is Lazzara Yachts which will introduce the US$8.5 million LSX Ninety Two, a completely redesigned follow-up to its acclaimed LSX Seventy Five. Scheduled to launch Fall 2008, the spacious LSX 92 features an expansive flybridge, a private water-level terrace off the master stateroom, a retractable aft sun deck shade, and Quad VolvoPenta Quad IPS II drive units. One of the most unique features of the 92 is the generous aft section that includes a large teak swim platform with a garage for toys that converts into a shaded area suitable for entertaining.

“The LSX Ninety Two is the big sibling of the Seventy Five,” admits Dick Lazzara, the President and cofounder of Lazzara Yachts. However, he ensures, “she is, without reservation, a totally different yacht; one that will explore and achievenew dimensions of functionality, comfort and performance.”

Lazzara’s 92 features three staterooms plus a master, and crew quarters for two with an optional third bed. The layout also includes Lazzara’s trademark atrium galley. Additionally, those who purchase the yacht will have choices of Lazzara’s signature woodwork in new, contemporary veneers and finishes. Pricing for the new LSX Ninety Two will be between US$8 million and US$9 million depending on the specification.

The cutting_edge 75 was launched in October 2006, and with all new Volvo IPS drives, joystick control and a sleek and elegant design, it immediately became highly acclaimed and widely published. The legacy of innovation through cutting edge rapid prototype technologies won the LSX 75 design team several awards, including the most innovative yacht in its class by Yachts International at the 2007 Cannes International Boat Show.

The International Autonomous Underwater Vehicle Competition challenges universities to design and build an AUV capable of navigating realistic underwater missions. August 11, 2008 The University of Maryland has won the 11th Annual International Autonomous Underwater Vehicle Competition, in San Diego California. The event is organized by theAssociation for Unmanned Vehicle Systems International and the Office of Naval Research, and challenges universities to design and build an AUV capable of navigating realistic underwater missions.

Twenty-five teams from the US, India, Canada and Japan participated in the AUV competition, which involved dead reckoning approximately 50 feet through the starting gate, pipeline following, buoy docking, tracking and hovering over an acoustic pinger, grabbing an object and surfacing with the object to a floating ring.

Coming second in the competition was the University of Texas at Dallas, followed by École de technologie supérieure. A full list of the placings can be found here. The competition also gave out several special awards: the University of Colorado at Boulder won Best New Entry; the Delhi College of Engineering won Most Improved; the University of Wisconsin won the Tupperware Use Award; the University of Ottawa won Persistence in Adversity; and Norwich University won the Innovation Award.

On August 8, the AUVSI and ONR also held its first International Autonomous Surface Vehicle Student Competition, at San Diego’s 40 foot deep Transducer Evaluation Center Pool. The craft will have to face challenges including passing through a starting gate and steering a steady course, navigating between buoys, detecting and eliminating shore bound threats, docking and recovering a victim. Embry-Riddle University, Florida Atlantic University, École de technologie supérieure, the University of Central Florida, the University of Michigan, and Villanova University are competing.

The Association for Unmanned Vehicle Systems International has over 1,400 member companies and organizations from 50 countries, making it the world’s largest non-profit organization devoted exclusively to advancing the unmanned systems community.