| DEALERSHIP NEWS |
| Honda Marine Cape Personnel attend the National Boat Show |
Dave and Jeremy recently attended the National Boat Show which was held at the Dome in Johannesburg. Visitor numbers were up on last year clearly reflecting the generally perceived upswing in the marine industry, with the majority of exhibitors displaying more premium brand boats rather than entry level products. The premier and most proactive local boat builder was definitely Angler Boats who had many of their new models and developments on display, one of which quickly became the major attraction on the Honda Marine stand, namely the Odyssey Sundeck 650. Also announced at the show was that Honda is the fastest growing outboard engine brand in South Africa.
Angler Boats Launch Exciting New Vessels
Following on from the recent arrival of the stunning Odyssey 650 Sundeck Outboard and Inboard models, Angler Boats has followed this up with the launch of the sleek designed 'Benguela' range of boats, featuring the centre consoled Benguela 17 and 19 monohulls, as well as the 530 CAT version. With Angler Boats having already firmly established themselves as the leading South African manufacturers of superior crafted vessels, these new boats will only go to further enhancing their reputation.
(See Press Release for more details on the Benguela 530 CAT)
View even more Boats on our Website - www.hondamarineknysna.co.za
We've now set up a new 'Exclusive Boats' section on our website which will give you detailed information and specifications on boats priced over R500 000. We'll be building this section up over time so that we can offer you a comprehensive range of exclusive and aspirational vessels. The most recent arrival on the site is a superb Chaparral 236 SSX which can currently be viewed in our Waterfront Drive showroom.
More arrivals on our website are Angler Boats' full range of Panache speed boats powered by Honda outboards, as well as the previously mentioned all new Benguela range. In addition a new section has now also been set up for 'Sterndrive Inboards' which features a number of Panache models, together with the sleek new Odyssey 650 Sundeck, all being offered with a number of 'MerCruiser' sterndrive engine options.
So whatever your boating needs, please check out what we have available on our website and contact us for more info…
Major Honda Marine Presence at the Cape Town International Boat Show
This year the Cape Town International Boat Show will celebrate '10 Years of Excellence' when it takes place at the Cape Town International Convention Centre from 8-10 October. Honda Marine will have a strong presence at the Show through the Knysna and Somerset West dealerships, so if you're in Cape Town over this period come and visit Dave and Jeremy at the stand (No.A5) - they're looking forward to seeing you there.
Ingrid joins the Honda Marine Knysna Team
We warmly welcome Ingrid Pieterse to our team who will be running the front desk and looking after Parts & Accessories and much of the daily administration.
Formerly involved with customer service in the cellular industry with Digicorps Solutions in Cape Town, and before that with the Pastel Training Academy in Pretoria, Ingrid brings some useful work experience and much enthusiasm to her new role with us.
Servicing before Season
As previously mentioned, our workshop will be exceptionally busy over the peak season, therefore if you are planning to book a Boat/ Honda Outboard service over this period, please do it before November. To make your pre-November booking, please contact our Workshop Manager, James on Tel.: 044 382 4090 or e-mail : james@hondamarineknysna.co.za
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VISIT OUR WEBSITE
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| Monthly Tidal Chart |
| Weather Report |
| Photo Gallery |
| Nautical Info |
Decommissioned US Warship hit by Submarine Bomb.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=jQT6l-05UvQ&feature=related
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Dolphins Use Diplomacy in Their Communication, Biologists Find
ScienceDaily (June 9, 2010)
A Spanish researcher and a Paraguayan scientist have presented the most complete and detailed European study into the repertoire of sounds used by bottlenose dolphins (Tursiops truncatus) to communicate. The study reveals the complexity and our lack of understanding about the communication of these marine mammals.
Until now, the scientific community had thought that whistles were the main sounds made by these mammals, and were unaware of the importance and use of burst-pulsed sounds. Researchers from the Bottlenose Dolphin Research Institute (BDRI), based in Sardinia (Italy) have now shown that these sounds are vital to the animals' social life and mirror their behaviour.
"Burst-pulsed sounds are used in the life of bottlenose dolphins to socialise and maintain their position in the social hierarchy in order to prevent physical conflict, and this also represents a significant energy saving," Bruno Díaz, lead author of the study and a researcher at the BDRI, which he also manages, said. The study, published by the publishing house Nova Science Publishers in the book Dolphins: Anatomy, Behaviour and Threats, presents the most complete repertoire ever of these burst-pulsed sounds and whistles, gathered using bioacoustics since 2005 in the waters off Sardinia (Italy).
According to the experts, the tonal whistle sounds (the most melodious ones) allow dolphins to stay in contact with each other (above all mothers and offspring), and to coordinate hunting strategies. The burst-pulsed sounds (which are more complex and varied than the whistles) are used "to avoid physical aggression in situations of high excitement, such as when they are competing for the same piece of food, for example," explains Díaz.
Sounds that mark out hierarchies
According to Díaz, bottlenose dolphins make longer burst-pulsed sounds when they are hunting and at times of high aggression: "These are what can be heard best and over the longest period of time," and make it possible for each individual to maintain its position in the hierarchy. The dolphins emit these strident sounds when in the presence of other individuals moving towards the same prey. The "least dominant" one soon moves away in order to avoid confrontation.
"The surprising thing about these sounds is that they have a high level of uni-directionality, unlike human sounds. One dolphin can send a sound to another that it sees as a competitor, and this one clearly knows it is being addressed," explains the Spanish scientist.
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| PRODUCT NEWS |
Honda Marine Knysna and Somerset West to launch new 115 Horsepower Outboard
Honda Marine Knysna and Somerset West will be launching the new Honda 4-stroke BF115HP outboard engine on behalf of Honda Marine SA at the Cape Town Boat Show in early October 2010.
The BF115 is derived from the inline 4-cylinder 2.4 litre DOHC engine platform used in Honda's award-winning and popular Accord automobile. Due to this outstanding engine coupled with other advanced technologies, the BF115 is able to produce class-leading performance with unparalleled fuel efficiency and reliability. In addition, the new BF115 will feature design cues similar to its recent predecessors, the BF40 and BF50, BF75 and BF90 and 105 Jet, including the wing-form design of the cowling, a performance-oriented gear case, and a host of Honda-exclusive innovations.
In 2006, the company introduced its redesigned and best-in-class BF75 and BF90 EFI, and continued to build on its success in 2008 with the introduction of the 105 Jet, as well as the fuel-injected BF40 and BF50. Honda unveiled its new BF60, with many of the performance and efficiency hallmarks of the Honda 75 and 90 horsepower siblings, at last year's Miami Boat Show.
"Honda Marine continues to bring our customers new products that give them what they want: excellent fuel efficiency and performance," said Scott Conner, assistant vice president, Honda Marine. "The new BF115 is the latest in our mid-range offerings that delivers upon our commitment to our marketplace and the industry. It illustrates that Honda Marine is committed to the development of lightweight, high-performance, fuel efficient four-stroke outboards."
The new BF115 delivers the fuel efficiency and quiet operation of Honda's legendary four-stroke outboard engine technology combined with light weight and powerful acceleration. Honda's exclusive Boosted Low Speed Torque (BLAST) system and a high-performance gear case combine for a strong hole shot, while Lean Burn Control provides best-in-class fuel efficiency at cruise. Specifically, the BF115 reduces fuel consumption by 20 percent over the previous model.
The new BF115 is lighter than its predecessor. A lightweight engine cover and a highly rigid air intake manifold mated with a chain driven camshaft help to reduce total engine weight.
The BF115 also features Honda's all-new high-performance gear case. A longer anti-ventilation plate helps trap water flowing to the propeller to minimize cavitation, while a streamlined front and enlarged bullet reduce drag for enhanced acceleration and fuel efficiency.
A front-splash plate reduces spray from the hull bottom, helping to maintain a dry deck above. Important to most boaters, the ECU (Electronic Control Unit) on the new BF115 outputs signals that are compliant with NMEA 2000 standards. This design enhancement allows engine management information such as engine rpm, fuel consumption, cruising distance and alerts to be displayed on a variety of NMEA 2000-compatible onboard electronic display devices that are increasingly common and popular with customers.
Honda Marine pioneered four-stroke engine technology, setting a new benchmark for fuel efficiency, quiet operation, and low emissions. Honda's range of outboards (2 to 225HP) share the same unparalleled durability, quality, and reliability of its legendary automobiles.
NEW Dinghy/ Tender Wheels now in stock
These wheels (come in a pair) make moving your portable boat over sand, parking lots, slipways and any firm surfaces easy, ensuring that no damage is caused to your boat. They are suitable for all boats weighing up to 400kgs and 4m long, and which have a solid fixed transom. They are also made from light weight, non-corroding materials making them maintenance free and easy to install. What's more the wheels fold easily out of the way when not in use.
For an introductory special we'll be selling the Dinghy Wheels (a pair) for R977 (incl.VAT).
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| SEPTEMBER PRODUCT SPECIALS |
| Chaparral 236 SSX Sport Boat |
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The Chaparral 236 SSX is an exciting, high powered, unique 24 foot muscle sport boat with an award-winning extended V-Plane bottom and 375 horsepower. Balanced and efficient, the 236 SSX will offer you phenomenal pulling power, precision mid-range and eye watering top end. This 2008 Chaparral has been fully updated to 2010 specifications and also comes with a Thunder Exhaust, a Radar Tower, Garmin GPS, a complete closed cover, a multi-function stereo and a must-have on day trips, namely a Porta-Pottie. This particular Chaparral also comes with an aluminium trailer and for an additional R150 000 you can get yourself her purpose-built Sunstream Boat Lift.
Boat Make: Chaparral Boats
Boat Type: Chaparral 236 SSX
Boat Length: 24.1ft/ 7.34m
Engine: 8.1L V8 450 Magnum (Petrol) Bravo 3
Dry Weight: 4 400lbs/ 1 996 kgs
Maximum Horsepower: 375HP
Fuel Capacity: 55 gallons/ 208L
Water Capacity: 10 gallons/ 38L
Maximum amount of people: 12
PRICE : R750 000 (incl.VAT)
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| HONDA EU10i GENERATOR |
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Honda EU10i Inverter Generator is the ideal generator to take camping. It's just half the size of others in its category and a third lighter. It's so quiet that you'll probably need to wake up to check that it's running. Even more impressive is its fuel efficiency, being able to run for up to 8.7 hours on only two litres of petrol which translates into a 20-40% fuel saving. What's more if you need more power, you can link two Honda inverter generators in parallel operations with a simple connection cable.
Engine Model:GXH50
Type: Forced air-cooled, 4-stroke, OHV, single cylinder
Displacement (cc): 50
Max AC output: (kVA) 1
DC Output: 12V-8A
Max Power Output (kW): 1.32 (1.79HP) @ 6 000rpm
Ignition System: Fully Transistorized
Starting System: Recoil
Fuel Tank Capacity (litres): 2.3
Dimensions (L x W x H) (mm): 450 x 240 x 380
Dry Weight (kg): 13
PRICE : R6 970 (incl.VAT)
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| INFANTA 520 with 2 x Honda BF40HP's |
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This brand new Infanta 520 powered by 2 x Honda BF40HP outboards is the most popular selling Semi-rigid Inflatable that we have available. Whether for cruising, inshore and offshore fishing, or waterskiing and watersports, the Infanta 520 is a highly versatile and comfortable boat which handles all sea conditions well, allowing all those on board to experience a great sense of adventure each and every time she puts to the water.
Boat Make: Infanta
Boat Length: 5.20m
Engines : 2 x Honda 4-stroke BF40HP's
Maximum amount of people: 9
Standard Specifications
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Bow Roller
Boat Cover
Buoyancy Certificate
Breakneck Trailer & Winch
Grab Handles
Hydraulic Steering
Pump and Repair Kit
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Reversable Helm Seat
Ski Bar/ Trolling Bar
Spare Wheel
Stainless Steel Bow Rail
Standard Side Mount Throttle Control
Sun Canopy (Aquatex)
Wet Deck / Scuppers
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| PRICE : R215 000 (incl.VAT) |
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| PRESS RELEASES |
Angler Boats Launch Benguela 530 CAT CC
Angler Boats launched their all new centre console Benguela 530 CAT at the recent National Boat Show in Johannesburg. Powered by either 2 x Honda 4-stroke BF60HP outboards or a maximum of 2 x BF90's, this 530 CAT is the result of extensive research and development from Don Jarrett and his Angler Boats team.
As Don says, "It's with pride and great pleasure that we launch the arrival of our latest development. It has been almost two years since we started design with the arrival and installation of our new computer assisted design and plug cutting equipment. It has been a long and hard learning curve but, at the end of the day, one which will set us, and our boats, above the rest. We are absolutely delighted with the end result and look forward to future developments from this equipment. Water testing of the prototype surpassed our expectations and we are sure that this craft will be well accepted by the most discerning boatmen."
This 530 CAT comes with a high level of specifications including a good-sized open self-bailing deck, trolling bars with adjustable/ removable rod holders, plenty of storage areas, flush fish hatches with drain and split lids, as well as built-in rod racks, making this vessel an absolute fisherman's dream. As Dave Hoets, Managing Director of Honda Marine Knysna says, "We are very excited with the arrival of this 5.3m Cat, as it will further extend the overall range of boats that we can offer our customers, particularly those that want to go offshore fishing with what is a very sleek, beautifully designed boating package."
For more information please visit Honda Marine Knysna at 41 Waterfront Drive, Knysna.
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| BOATING TIP OF THE MONTH |
WEATHER PROVERBS
We have been attempting to forecast the weather since the beginning of recorded history. Long before the invention of radar and other meteorological tools, people relied upon "natural" clues to approaching weather. Many of these have a scientific basis and it can be explained why they "work," others have no such basis but often prove to be true.
Perhaps the most often quoted weather proverb among mariners is:
Red sky in morning, Sailors take warning.Red sky at night, Sailors' delight.
A red sky at night (when the sun is to the west) is caused by light passing through dust particles in the air to the west. Dust indicates dry weather and since most weather changes come from the west, a red sky at night usually indicates dry weather approaching. A red sky in the morning, however, indicates that the dry air has moved away. A gray sky at night means that the western air is filled with moisture and it will likely rain soon.
The first recorded use of this system of weather forecasting can be found in the Bible. In Matthew 16.2-3, Jesus says to the fishermen, "when it is evening, you say, 'It will be fair weather, for the sky is red.' and in the morning 'It will be stormy today, for the sky is red and threatening." Since it has lasted so long, we think there must be something to it.
Other variations on this theme include:
Evening red and morning gray, help the traveler on his way.
Evening gray and morning red bring down a rain upon his head.
Rainbow in the morning gives you fair warning
The sun is in the east in the morning, the shower and associated rainbow are in the west. Since weather generally moves from west to east, rain is approaching.
Beware the bolts from north or west; In south or east the bolts be best.
Same reasoning as the above.
Rainbow to windward, foul fall the day; Rainbow to leeward, rain runs away.
If the wind is coming from the direction of the rainbow, the rain is heading toward you. Conversely, if the rainbow is in the opposite direction, it has passed you.
Mackerel skies and mares' tails Make tall ships take in their sails.
Cirrus clouds (mackerel skies or clouds that looked as if they'd been scratched by a hen, according to the old-timers) often precede a warm front which brings winds and rain.
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| EVENTS & SPONSORSHIPS |
| The Knysna Seahorse by Kyle Smith (SANParks) |
I'm pretty sure that everyone has heard of the Knysna Seahorse and anyone who has visited the SANParks office at Thesen Island would have seen some in the reception area aquarium. I have been privileged enough to visit these curious creatures on numerous occasions and have often listened to the comments and questions made by all manner of visitors. It seems that the seahorse is well known but that not much is generally known about the seahorse. So I thought that for this article I would explain a little about our elusive and enigmatic talisman.
Seahorses are a bony teleost fish similar to other fishes in that they posses gills, fins and a swim bladder. They belong to the family Syngnathidae which is derived from the Greek words 'syn' (meaning together or fused) and 'gnathus' (meaning jaws). Next time you visit the SANParks office have a look and see if you can see why this is appropriate. Other species found within this family include the pipefishes, pipehorses and seadragons. Seahorses all belong to the one genus, Hippocampus, 'hippos' (meaning horse) and 'campus' (meaning sea monster).
Seahorses in general are particularly vulnerable to population decline due to their distinctive life characteristics including low mobility with a certain amount of site fidelity, small brood size with lengthy and vital parental care and a natural low rate of adult mortality. In addition anthropogenic disturbance tends to be both more frequent and severe in the shallow coastal belt where the majority of seahorses reside. The Knysna seahorse (Hippocampus capensis) is endemic to South Africa and because of its limited and fragmented distribution, its apparent vulnerability to ecological perturbations and the ever present threat of habitat degradation, was the first seahorse species to be listed as endangered on the IUCN Red Data List. In fact it has the smallest geographical range of any seahorse (only been found in Knysna, Swartvlei and Keurbooms estuaries) and is the only fully estuarine seahorse species amongst the 36 that are currently recognized. In South Africa the seahorse is further protected under the Marine Living Resource Act (of 1998) and it's important for everyone to realize that it is illegal to collect or keep the Knysna seahorse without a specific permit.
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| CUSTOMER FEEDBACK |
We warmly welcome the following new boat owners to our Honda Marine Knysna family.:
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| Tibo and family |
Shaun with Hans and Ronnie |
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| Derick Truscott and son (Honda Marine Somerset West) |
Barbara Mills with her son and his friend |
NB. We sincerely hope that you are enjoying our regular monthly Newsletter. With this in mind should you have a friend or 10 whom you would like to introduce to the world of Honda Marine Knysna then please send us their email addresses… Thank YOU!
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