Motortech awarded Honda Marine Dealership

Posted on March 6, 2012 by Motortech Marine

Motortech Awarded Honda Marine Dealership for Portsmouth

Motortech Marine Engineering is pleased to announce their appointment as the New Honda Marine Authorised Dealer for Portsmouth. A dedicated show room in Port Solent Marina will showcase the latest in Honda Marine engines.

The Honda Marine product range starts with the compact 2.3hp outboard which has a recoil start, twist throttle and 360 degree pivot to the high torque 250hp outboard 3.6 litre V6 with direct air induction system. Also available in the range are the Honwave Inflatables plus many more accessories. All new engines come complete the renowned Honda Approved 6 year warranty*

The showroom will be open for viewing from April at Port Solent, engines and accessories are available to purchase immediately off specification. A full price list, specifications and images available online at:  www.motortechmarine.co.uk/honda. Motortech will offer servicing at competitive rates and promotional offers throughout March and April including FREE RYA Powerboat Level 2 award with all outboards over 60hp.

About Motortech

A local well established business with over twenty years of marine engineering experience has offices and full service facilities in Port Solent, Chichester and Gosport Marinas. This appointment as a Honda Marine Dealer will further enhance and complement the extensive marine services on offer from Motortech.

Established in 1989 and quickly becoming a sole agent for Volvo Penta. Over the years Motortech have gone from strength to strength and are currently one of the largest Volvo Penta Marine Leisure Centres on the South Coast. In 2008 Motortech were acquired by the Salterns Marina Group enabling them to offer a much larger range of products including Volvo Penta, Honda Marine, Yanmar, Mercruiser, Perkins and Yamaha plus many more. The Salterns Group includes Motortech Marine, Poole Marine Services, Golden Arrow Marine, Offshore Performance and The Salterns Boatyard.

About Salterns Marina

Salterns Marina, located in Poole in Dorset, enjoys the sheltered waters of Europe’s largest natural harbour and is home to 285 berths including 75 swinging moorings. Salterns has been established for over 30 years and offers the comprehensive range of facilities you would expect from a 5 Gold Anchor Marina and Blue Flag achiever.

*6 year Honda warranty for private use, 2 year warranty for professional use.

Contact us for sales and service. 023 92201171 info@motortechmarine.co.uk

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Why replace your ageing Saildrive Diaphragm?

Posted on January 16, 2012 by Motortech Marine

Why Should I Have My Saildrive Diaphragm Replaced?

Is a pre-cursor question we at Motortech often hear; closely followed by the statement – “it looks fine and doesn’t leak”.  To accurately answer, let’s delve into the engineering a little more deeply….

To know why we should change it, we must first understand what it does. The saildrive diaphragm serves 3 main purposes. First, and foremost it is a water seal between the inside of the boat (the part we want to stay dry) and the outside of the boat (the part we don’t mind getting wet). Secondly, it serves to isolate and absorb a large amount of vibration from the engine for greater comfort on board. Thirdly, it, along with other gaskets and seals keeps oil inside the drive.

Due to the location of the diaphragm and it’s typical use, it has a hard life. Oils, antifreeze, sea-water, marine organisms, temperature extremes and vibration attack it constantly. Groundings, fouling, and gear shifts require it to flex and move, sometimes violently. And all the while we expect nothing less than 100% success from its service. It is an un-enviable job!

So back to the original question we are asked. Volvo Penta guidelines recommend that replacement is carried out every seventh year. Volvo Penta carries out a huge amount of research and development continuously on their products in service, and we will always advise that the manufacturer recommendations are followed.

Why if it looks fine? Because it’s what you can’t see that tells the real story! To the right is a photo of a clamping plate taken from a saildrive which recently had the diaphragm replaced by us. The diaphragm was nearly 10 years old, and looked in great condition. Unfortunately, the clamping plate had been attacked by sea-water and had started to corrode on the sealing surface, adding at least £200 to the customer’s final bill.

The corrosion to this plate has not been occurring for too long (possibly only a year or two), which indicates that had the manufacturer’s guidelines been followed this cost could have been avoided. More importantly, if some ‘internet forum’ advice was followed by this customer (some forums offer advice to wait for 15-25 years!) then there is the very real and possible risk that this could have failed catastrophically at sea, causing failure of the saildrive, a major flood or sinking.

Another word of warning! We also advise all of our customers to check their insurance requirements for this service. An insurance company may refuse a claim if the failure is proved to be due to neglect, or failure to follow the manufacturer’s recommended service intervals.

For Power and Sail with Peace of Mind…. Your Volvo Penta Centre of Choice on the South Coast

For your FREE, no obligation Estimate call our service department on 023 92201171 or email info@motortechmarine.co.uk

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The Volvo Penta Green Commitment

Posted on January 9, 2012 by Motortech Marine

The Volvo Penta Green Commitment

Reducing environmental impact is a global challenge. As industry leaders in leisure boat power, our commitment includes:

  • Revolutionary propulsion systems that offer a better boating experience and a dramatic cut in CO2 emissions.
  • State-of-the-art engines that deliver more performance and less environmental impact.
  • Smart accessories that enable eco-driving.
  • Manufacturing in environmentally certified (ISO 14001) world-class production facilities.

The Volvo Penta Green Commitment is a benefit to you and to the environment.

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Volvo Ocean Race Latest News

Posted on January 3, 2012 by Motortech Marine

Volvo Ocean Race Latest News…

Currenty Location: Abu Dhabi 1st to 14th January 2012

The Volvo Ocean Race started on 29th October and is now well underway! Currently in Abu Dhabi – the first time the Ocean Race has visited the Middle East

Abu Dhabi Race Weekend:

- Thursday January 12, 1200 (0800 UTC) – Pro-Am Race
- Friday January 13, 1400 (1000 UTC) – In-Port Race
- Saturday January 14, 1400 (1000 UTC) – Leg 3 start to Sanya

>> View our Collection of Official Volvo Ocean Race Clothing and Accessories online – click here…  Mail Orders welcome + FREE P&P << Keyrings £3.89 | Thermo Mugs £9.99 | Water Bottles £4.50 | Towels £22.00 | Baseball Peak Caps £13.99 | Rugby Tops £68.50 | Route Tee Shirt - Exclusive! £32.66 | Plus lots lots more…

About the Abu Dhabi Ocean Race Village:

Coldplay will open the New Year celebrations in Abu Dhabi with a spectacular sell out concert on the opening night of the Volvo Ocean Race stopover on the city’s Corniche breakwater.

Forming the centrepiece of the race’s two-weeks in Abu Dhabi, the Destination Village will be officially opened on New Year’s Eve by His Excellency Mubarak Al Muhairi, Director General of Abu Dhabi Tourism Authority, His Excellency Ahmed Thani Al Rumaithi, Chairman of Abu Dhabi Sailing & Yacht Club and Knut Frostad, CEO of the Volvo Ocean Race. The village is expected to welcome as many as 100,000 visitors through its gates during the stopover from December 31 to January 14.

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Christmas Opening Hours

Posted on December 23, 2011 by Motortech Marine

Christmas and New Year Opening Hours 2011/2012

Our offices at Port Solent, Chichester and Haslar will be closed for the festive period.

We will close at approx 14:00 on Friday 23rd December 2011 and will re-open on Tuesday 3rd January 2012

Urgent and technical enquires can be made by telephone to 023 92201171

Parts orders can be placed online via our webshop where you can browse by part number or by engine type. You can also check stock and availability of thousands of products –  click here for link to the shop

Note: orders placed online will be processed on Tuesday 3rd January 2012, products in stock will be delivered by courier on Wedneday 4th January, all others on Thursday 5th January 2012

We would like to take this oportunity to wish all of our customers a very Merry Christmas and a Prosperous New Year.

Visit our website by following this link… Motortech Marine

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RYA Diesel Engine Maintenance Course

Posted on December 15, 2011 by Motortech Marine

On 28th January 2012 Motortech Marine will host an RYA approved Diesel Engine Maintenance Course.

Location: Motortech Marine. Port Solent Marina from 09:00.

Duration: 1 Day (approx 09:00 to 15:00)

Cost: £99.00 Includes, RYA Course literature, RYA certification, light lunch and refreshments (price includes VAT at the prevailing rate)

For further information or to request a booking form, contact Christina Gray on telephone 023 92201171 or email admin@motortechmarine.co.uk  

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The World’s most powerful diesel sterndrive D6-400

Posted on October 19, 2011 by Motortech Marine

Volvo Penta launch the worlds most powerful diesel sterndrive! Available to order now…

The D6-400 DPH is in every respect top-of-the-line for diesel sterndrive. Here Volvo Penta has utilized its massive resources and experience to develop a dependable, efficient and comfortable package that was unthinkable only ten years ago.

In-line six-cylinder diesel with electronically controlled common rail injection, turbo, mechanical compressor and charge air cooler. 5.5ltr, 400hp, DPH Duoprop outdrive.

Joystick and more
D6-400 DPH is available with a number of smart features to make boating easier:

  • Twin installations can have the highly popular joystick docking. The driver can easily maneuver the boat in any direction, using just the joystick. No bow thrusters are needed.
  • The Powertrim assistant automatically adjusts drive trim to give the best possible efficiency.
  • Cruise control lets the driver fine-tune speed at the touch of a button.
  • Single-lever mode operates both engines with just one lever.
  • Tow mode for water sport limits engine speed to a preset maximum.

Read on for more… or Contact our applications team now to get a quote…admin@motortechmarine.co.uk

Volvo Penta invented the high-performance diesel sterndrive in 1977 and has been the undisputed market leader in this constantly expanding segment ever since. The latest addition confirms this position: a 400 hp version of the D6 engine, matched with a refined DPH Duoprop drive – the world’s most powerful diesel sterndrive.

Proud history
Back in 1977, the high performance diesel sterndrive was launched in the form of Volvo Penta’s D40 with single prop drive. A mere 125 hp powered boats such as the Sunseeker 23 DC. The launch of Duoprop and the compressor concept quickly made Volvo Penta the first choice for diesel sport performance.

New and well-proven
The D6-400 engine is based on the proven design of the IPS600 engine. Compared to the current D6-370, the 400-version has supercharging with a larger turbo and a tuned mechanical compressor. The charge air cooler has increased capacity to handle the increased flow, and the cooling system has a new heat exchanger and improved oil cooling. The combustion chamber features modified design, a new valve position and increased capacity injectors. The efficient combustion leads to low overall emissions.

Volvo Penta torque
Getting a 12-ton yacht onto the plane requires torque. This is where the Volvo Penta compressor concept excels by producing charge air – and thereby a massive torque – directly from low rpms. The D6-370 is today unmatched and the new D6-400 is 10 % better. Already at 2000 rpm it reaches its maximum torque of 970 Nm – enough to produce safe and fast acceleration onto the plane for great driving enjoyment.

Matched drive
Another Volvo Penta specialty is to develop engine, drive and propellers as a package, rather than separate components. This is essential to transform the torque and power to acceleration, top speed and driving pleasure. The DPH Duoprop drive was introduced in 2003 as the strongest and most efficient sterndrive ever. To handle the D6-400 while still maintaining a slim and efficient underwater body, Volvo Penta developed new technology.

Super-strong steel
The upper unit comes with a new bearing box with a new roller bearing, a reinforced suspension fork and redesigned gear geometry.  The lower unit features gear with geometry developed by Volvo Penta and made from unique super-high tensile steel with efficient lubrication. Lubrication has also been redesigned to ensure that the drive can handle the tremendous forces with high reliability.

Posted in Diesel Engines, Drives & Transmissions, News, Press Releases | Leave a comment

Glendinning SACTII Electronic Throttles – Tried and Tested

Posted on September 21, 2011 by Motortech Marine

Motorboat & Yachting Magazine October 2011,

Glendinning SACTII Electronic Throttles, Price £4643 Inc. Vat, Installed by Motortech Marine Engineering.

“When we brought our ‘nearly new’ Atlantic 42 a few years ago it met all our wishes except one, namely it had cable rather than electronic throttle controls. The cable controls worked well enough but, having had electronic controls in our previous boat, we always wanted to have them retrofitted on our Atlantic. We received various quotations from Volvo agents to install electronic controls to our TAMD63p’s but the cost was always prohibitive – until recently.

A telephone call to Volvo specialists Motortech, of Port Solent gave us a different perspective. They offered us three different kits to consider from a variety of suppliers and all at a more reasonable price. After further discussion with Motortech we opted for the Smart Actuator II made by Glendinning in the US

Two days would be needed for the installation, which were extended to three by adding on the annual engine servicing. We delivered our boat on a Monday morning and as promiced, she was ready for collection on Thursday. A full briefing was given to us by the engineer who installed it but no sea trial as “it’s a  simple plug and play installation”.

Motortech’s confidence was fully justified on my solo return trip back to our base. The throttles performed perfectly and have done so ever since.

What improvements have they made to our boating? First, slow manoeuvring control is greatly improved, the boat can be nudged forward and astern far more easily and delicately. Second, the auto synchronisation facility obviates the need for constant fine manual adjustments. Third, it is far easier for women’s smaller hands to cover both throttles and less physical effort is required than for the cable throttles.

Are we pleased with the modification? No, we are delighted! The modification was completed on time abd on budget. Including the labour the total came to £7228 inc VAT – not cheap but well worth the extra comfort, safety and convenience it gives us” Mike Ambrose October 2011

Extract from Motorboat & Yachting Magazine, Vol159, 2907 – October 2011.

For more information or advice, contact Motortech Marine, t:023 92201171, e: info@motortechmarine.co.uk www.motortechmarine.co.uk

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One Week Only** Free Boat Show Tickets**

Posted on September 15, 2011 by Motortech Marine

**16th 25th September 2011, receive TWO tickets to the PSP Southampton Boat Show 2011 absolutely FREE when you spend ove £100 on Volvo Ocean Race Official Merchandise from our Port Solent store. ** 

Boat Show Fever! Join Motortech as we get set for an exciting 2011 Show.

Choose from snazzy Ocean Race bouyant keyrings, baseball caps, t-shirts, rugby tops and even sporty sunglasses to cruise around the show in! New product lines arriving weekly. We have decorated our building with Mini Volvo Penta Flags so you are sure to be able to find us.

Ocean Race Sporty SunglassesOcean Race Bouyant Keyring

Rugby TopLadies Sailor PoloOcean Race Graphic Tee

This great promotional offer is only valid for one week, from 16th – 25th September 2011, the tickets will be valid for the same duration.

Telephone orders are welcome, call 023 92201171

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Stay Ahead – 10% Online Discount

Posted on September 6, 2011 by Motortech Marine

Stay Ahead 10% Discount

Reduced prices on selected maintenance parts during the Autumn 2011 (Valid until November 2011) 



Protect your investment and avoid unplanned stops by always using an authorised Volvo Penta dealer and Genuine Volvo Penta Parts and service. With scheduled maintenance and preventive repairs you will get cost effective long-term performance and safe handling at sea.

Stay Ahead 10% Discount! Buy Online at www.motortechmarine.co.uk

Offer applies to selected Volvo Penta spare parts for the diesel and petrol engine such as oil filters, fuel filters, belts, impellers, fuel filters and air filters. Offer also applies to selected out drive spares such as zinc anodes and bellows. click here to be directed to our website…

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