at some of the latest models.

Bermuda's waters will be buzzing with the sound of some hot new engines this summer and local dealers will be promoting the latest in engineering technology at the upcoming boat shows.

The latest American-made Johnson OceanRunner and Evinrude OceanPro V6 outboards were hailed by the trade press as "a major advance in two-cycle marine power'' and reflected the value of Outboard Marine Corporation's back-to-the-drawing-board policy of the late 1980s.

"Where once the emphasis was on minimising costs and maximising manufacturing efficiency,'' wrote Power and Motoryacht magazine, "it is today on simple, solid engineering.'' The result is a range of engines with a sleeker all-white look - market research showed buyers wanted engines more colour-coordinated with their boats - improved durability, economy and better protected against corrosion in salt water.

"It's a very exciting product,'' enthuses John Powell, Marine Centre manager at PWs, agents for Johnson. "OMC spent $25 million on research and development. They really listened to the consumer.

"They've improved the carbuerration, tuned up the tolerances and the fuel economy is 100 percent better. The reduced cowling is smoother, not as boxy, and it's easier for a mechanic to work on. And with the new computer technology, they can make a whole part in the same mould so you end up with a one-piece product instead of several pieces they have to put together.'' OMC says the revolutionary one-piece `Lost Foam' cylinder block with cast-in exhaust system with its fewer parts also improves protection against corrosion and leaks and improves fuel economy.

The top-of-the-line Johnson 225 hp with a 25-inch shaft will retail for about $9,456. The 175 and 150 sell for about $8,230 and $7,915 respectively. All prices include control box, stainless steel prop, basic gauges, trim harness and control cables.

Craig Selley, president of Evinrude dealers Marine Locker, says customer response has been positive to the OceanPro 200 and 225 - particularly whn it comes to fuel economy. "Depending on the RPM, they're saving about 20 percent on fuel, which is pretty significant with the price we pay for fuel here.

"The other point is that there has been a perception that the Japanese are best when it comes to performance, quietness and fuel economy. With this product, we've demonstrated that we're as quiet and have superior fuel economy and performance. It demonstartes that people haven't been standing sitting back and picking their fingernails. It's a very competitive field and they have responded quicker than say the automotive industry.'' Selley, a five-time winner of the Round the Island powerboat race with Evinrude, is also impressed with the company's newsmall outboards, the 9.9hp and 15hp. "They are very strong performers in their class,'' he says. "They are extremely fuel efficient and quiet. They also have a freshwater flushing port which is not offered on other small engines.'' Evinrude's OceanPro 225 and 200 retail for $9,400 and $8,900 inclusive respectively. The 9.9 and 15 sell for $1,489 and $1,539.

Michael Araujo of A & P Marine is excited about two new Yamaha engines at opposite ends of the performance spectrum.

He describes the top-of-the-line V76X 250 as "absolutely amazing'', which it should be for $11,000. What distinguishes the 250, he says, is its state-of-the-art Micro Computer Ignition System which "does anything you think it can do.'' The computer makes continuous timing adjustments according to engine speed, load and temperature, and richness of fuel.

Yamaha claims it is "the most advanced outboard ever built'' with a narrow 76-degree V-block engine designed to give greater torque at low and mid-range speeds. It also includes a multiple battery charging system that keeps the starting battery separate from other batteries to ensure a powerful start every time. Yamaha's V6 and V4 engines all come with standard digital instruments that measure ten engine functions, plus control harness and stainless steel propeller.

At the other end of the scale, Yamaha's 9.9hp four-stroke is a powerful little package for small boats for about $2,500. A dual thrust propeller and extra-low gearing give it the thrust of a 30hp two-stroke, yet according to Araujo it is "a very quiet, clean-running engine.'' Meanwhile, Williams Trading is bringing in Bermuda's first diesel outboard `on spec'. The Yanmar 36 is a powerful, smooth-running small engine but at about $12,000 it is likely to appeal mainly to commercial users.

But whatever your price range, if you're in the market for an engine it pays to `buy Bermuda', claim dealers.

Says Marine Locker's Craig Selley: "I know I speak for all the dealers when I say that we have a price advantage when it comes to buying abroad and paying duty. The best someone could pick up an OceanPro 225 (Bermuda retail price $9,400), for example, would be around $8,500 but with 33.5 percent duty, that's $11,500. Engines are one of the products that people can buy cheaper locally than abroad.'' Top of the line: Johnson's 225 (above) and Yamaha's V76X 250.

RG MAGAZINE MAY 1993