Introduction of the Newly Established Digital Transformation Division
About Digital Transformation Division
In July 2021, the Digital Transformation Division was organized in the Marine Business Unit. Do you know about Digital Transformation (DX)?
DX is defined as “using data and digital technology to transform products, services, and business models based on the needs of the customers and society, while at the same time, establishing an edge over the competitors, innovating the business operations, organizations, and the process.”
The digital transformation has begun throughout Yamaha.
As Mr. Iida explained in the previous Chantey, “Marine CASE strategy” is our main focus. In order to enhance this, the DX division was created in July.
Here is a message from Mr. Takayanagi, the General Manager of the Digital Transformation Division.
Hello everyone. I am Kurt Takayanagi, General Manager of the Digital Transformation (DX) Division in the Marine Business Unit.
I previously wrote articles about fishing in the “Sport Angler Kurt on” for Chantey, so I am pleased to have another opportunity to be involved with Chantey.
The DX team is working on mainly 2 fields in the Marine CASE Strategy, “Connected” and “Shared.”
In Connected, we are creating a platform to collect “big data” from the market. The big data analysis will allow us to provide better value to the customers in the future. Our plan is to analyze and utilize the data in three areas, operational process, products, and customer experience.
For example, real-time monitoring will increase the reliability of products. One-on-one digital marketing will customize the consumer experience.
In Shared, our aim is to provide a better marine experience to more customers. Yamaha Marine has been running Sea-Style boat club business in Japan. Utilizing our know-how from Sea-Style, and working together with other elements of CASE, “Connected, ” “Autonomous,” and “Electric,” we will transform our business to respond to new trends.
Yamaha will make a company-wide effort towards the digital domain over the long span for a richer marine life.
Kurt Takayanagi, General Manager of Digital Transformation Division
Previously written articles for Chantey
Title: Sport Angler Kurt on
Published in the Chantey No.142 - No.153
The 2022 WaveRunner lineup hit the market on August 17th of this year.
Unveiling the all-new JetBlaster, incorporating an entirely new concept, this WaveRunner promises to deliver a fun and exciting ride.
The Engine is a three-cylinder 1Liter TR-1 HO Yamaha Marine Engine. The lightweight material NanoXcel2 Hull & Deck forms the compact body.
The new raised, extra-wide handlebars and round grips, foot chocks placed on the back of the footwell, and the new custom-tuned Electric Trim offer riders a playful and agile ride.
JetBlaster
Also, the 2022 Luxury Series have more refined FX Models with Infotainment Connext Touch Screen and factory-installed audio(*1).
In addition to the up-to-date Drive Control and Security System, the New FX's Connext has the feature to connect to a smartphone via Bluetooth. The rider can operate the audio, talk on the phone and display text messages on the Connext Touch screen and Touch Pad.
The Connext Touch Screen is GPS-Map ready. By installing additional GPS Map data(*2) sold separately, the operator can add and follow GPS waypoints, record and follow tracks on the touchscreen.
The newly added Geofence feature enables riders to display and set a riding area where the watercraft can be operated.
FX
Using the Drive Control, operator can set and save different trim modes for performance or comfort, set top speed limits, and designate preferred acceleration curves.
The other lineups have new colors and graphics.
Please click the link for details. https://global.yamaha-motor.com/business/waverunner/
*1 Factory installed audio for FX models is optional when ordering. Please contact your YMC sales representative for details.
*2 The availability of GPS Map data may vary depending on the region. Please contact your YMC sales representative for details.
Yamaha to Begin Pre-orders of Next-Generation Boat Maneuvering System HARMO in Europe
More comfortable, smart package boat with electric motor quietness
September 15, 2021, Yamaha announced that European pre-orders for spring 2022 have begun for HARMO - featuring a new boat-maneuvering technique integrated with an electric propulsion unit and steering control system.
HARMO is a “next-generation boat-maneuvering system platform” consisting of a propulsion unit powered by an electric motor, a remote control box, and a joystick that enables more intuitive operation.
Developed with the aim of providing a smart package boat that brings passengers more comfort due to the quietness unique to that of electric motors.
With a focus on Europe, where environmental awareness is ever increasing, HARMO has been exhibited as a prototype in Amsterdam, the Netherlands in 2016, and Dusseldorf, Germany in January 2020, where it attracted a lot of attention.
A great deal of insight was also gained through initiatives such as the promotion of demonstration operations on the Otaru Canal Cruise in Otaru City, Hokkaido which started from August 2020.
HARMO Features
Motor drive adopts a rim drive method*, realizing highly efficient electric propulsion. In particular, as strong thrust (propulsion force) can be generated at low speeds, HARMO enhances intuitive operation, with significantly lower vibration and noise, allowing a more comfortable ride.
The steering mechanism with its large rudder angle enables on-the-spot turning, providing a greater sense of enjoyment and unity with the boat.
One can easily maneuver the boat with simple operation of the joystick.
When using two units, you can move the boat horizontally by simply tilting the joystick sideways to assist difficult berthing and/or docking.
*Drive By Rim method: A system of driving the impeller by a motor mounted on the rim (edge) of the impeller blade.
Yamaha Rightwaters
Yamaha Motor Corporation, U.S.A. Martin Peters
Yamaha Rightwaters™ Enhances Marine and Watercraft Premium Brand Images
Conservation initiatives Increase Overall Outboard Share of Voice in U.S., Drive Additional Consumer Web Traffic to Watercraft Products
Yamaha Rightwaters™ is a conservation initiative supported jointly by Yamaha Marine and Watercraft. Serving as the umbrella for all marine sustainability projects, Yamaha Rightwaters champions environmental stewardship and supports marine habitat restoration, invasive species control and scientific research. In addition to improving the quality of boating and fishing waters and ensuring healthy marine ecosystems, Yamaha Rightwaters also contributes significantly to the overall Yamaha premium brand position.
“Through Rightwaters, Yamaha fights to protect the most essential natural resource - water,” said Martin Peters, Division Manager, Government Relations, Yamaha Marine U.S. Business Unit. “We’ve also discovered that Yamaha Rightwaters has the ability to elevate the brand by generating additional positive share of voice over that of our competitors in the general media. Conservation is a cornerstone of our business and during the last two years, we’ve made significant strides. We plan to continue and even step up our efforts in the future to help ensure clean water and sustainable fisheries for everyone.”
On the Watercraft side, consumers who visit the web site for more information about Yamaha Rightwaters also have tendencies to browse product offerings.
“Our web site analytics show us that visitors who seek information about Yamaha Rightwaters are also potentially interested in purchasing our products,” said Andrew Cullen, Digital Marketing and Communications Manager, Watercraft Group. “It’s clear that conservation and good social corporate responsibility are important to our customers. When they see we care about protecting the environment in which they enjoy our products, Yamaha creates an additional level of loyalty.”
Introduced on World Oceans Day in the summer of 2019, Yamaha Rightwaters supports organizations including the Billion Oyster Project, the South Carolina Floodwater Commission, NOAA® Channel Islands National Marine Sanctuary, the Potomac Riverkeeper, Keep the Tennessee River Beautiful and Keep Golden Isles Beautiful through efforts including clean up events, outboard-powered research vessels and continued conservation education. Yamaha Rightwaters also works with organizations such as the Bass Anglers Sportsman Society (B.A.S.S.®) and the Coastal Conservation Association® to improve conservation techniques, mitigate invasive species and support habitat restoration projects.
Recently,Yamaha Rightwaters became a sponsor of the Ducks Unlimited Gulf Coast Initiative,a multi-year conservation initiative dedicated to rebuilding wetlands lost to erosion, subsidence and sea level rise in Louisiana and Texas. The program will restore designated seagrass and wetland habitats and contribute to climate mitigation through a combination of protecting buried carbon and sequestering atmospheric carbon at rates up to 530 metric tons of carbon dioxide per year.
Working in conjunction with Nexus Fuels® of Atlanta, Ga., and Tommy Nobis Enterprises, of Marietta, Ga., Yamaha Rightwaters launched a recycling program this summer that aims to return 10,000 pounds of Polyethylene and Polypropylene sheet plastics back into their base materials before the end of the calendar year. It will serve as a proof of concept for an envisioned national program intended to reduce plastic waste in the nation’s waterways.
This fall, Yamaha Rightwaters™ joined forces with the Florida Agricultural and Mechanical University – Florida State University® College of Engineering (FAMU®-FSU® College of Engineering) to study and prove a land-based trash interceptor concept. The device will assist in cleaning debris out of waterways before trash can reach the ocean. The Yamaha Rightwaters team plans to deploy the finished product in Brunswick, Ga.
Yamaha has a long history of natural resource conservation. Within the last eight years alone, Yamaha has given support to the Georgia Department of Natural Resources, the Kenai River Sportfishing Association, WoundedNature.org, the Pacific Marine Mammal Center®, the Provincetown Center for Coastal Studies, OCEARCH®, the National Aquarium® and the Clearwater Marine Aquarium®.
One-point Service
Daito Fukuizumi Service Division, Marine Business Operations YMC
About “Torque Control”
Hello everyone. In this Chantey, I will explain “torque control,” which is essential when inspecting and performing maintenance.
1Importance of torque control
The engine is made up of many bolts, and the torque to tighten each bolt is specified. Why do we need to determine the amount of torque required? First, I will go over the bolt tightening concept.
2Mechanism of bolt tightening – The relationship between a bolt and axial force
How does a bolt get tightened? You might have thought of it when working. The answer is linked to the relationship between a bolt and axial force.
I think the word “axial force” is unfamiliar, so I will explain by showing images.
When the nut in the figure is tightened, the nut seat touches the fastened part. After that, further tightening (with the appropriate amount of torque) will extend the bolt. At this time, the bolt is strongly stretched in the axial direction. Once tightening has been finished, the bolt will try to return to its original shape. This “returning force” is called the axial force. The returning force is equal to the axial force, which is generated on the bolt, creating a frictional force. Friction is formed between the nut and thread. Friction also appears between the fastened area and the nut seat. This frictional force prevents the bolt from loosening.
I hope you understand now how the “relationship between the bolt and the axial force” maintains the bolt's integrity to the fastened parts.
3About elastic range and plastic range of bolts
In the previous chapter, the bolt tightening concept explains how the bolt stretches, and the axial force generates. However, bolts are limited to how much it can stretch. Therefore the question becomes, how far can it extend? Let's delve deeper into the knowledge of bolts. Upon loosening the bolt with the proper amount of torque, the bolt changes from a stretched condition back to its original shape. However, when you increase the tightening force, at some point, the bolt will not return to its original shape anymore. This boundary is called the “yield point.” The range that returns to the original shape is called the “elastic range,” and the range that does not return to the original shape is called the “plastic range.” If the bolt is tightened further from the plastic range, it will break. This is called the “breakage point.”
It is dangerous to use excessive power to prevent the bolt from loosening because of the breakage point. Furthermore, once the bolt reaches the plastic range, it cannot be reused because it does not return to its original shape. The bolt extends up until the yield point in proportion to the axial force, but when it exceeds the yield point, the proportional relationship disappears. Extra caution is necessary because the elongation in relation to the axial force rapidly increases when the yield point is exceeded.
4Axial force control by the angle tightening
If the tightening torque exceeds the elastic range and reaches the plastic range, the increase in axial force slows down, making the axial force stable and easier to control. The tightening method using this phenomenon is referred to as the “plastic range tightening.” The angle controlling tightening uses both plastic region tightening and elastic region tightening. When the angle control tightening is required on the bolt, use the appropriate torque to tighten and then tighten it at the specified angle. If the specified torque is not initially correct, the angle control tightening will not result in an accurate fasten. For example, angle control tightening is required for the cylinder head of an outboard motor. The diagram below shows the required torque when tightening for the first and second times, and finally the angle is specified for the third time. Why is the angle control tightening necessary? The reason why is each axial force has to equal each other. Even if the torque can be controlled when tightening, it is not possible to obtain accurate and equal axial force because each bolt has a different frictional force. However, the angle tightening makes it possible to obtain a more accurate and equal axial force by controlling the angles of bolts and nuts rotations.
Since there is regulation for the outer diameter of the cylinder head bolt, replace the bolt if the outer diameter difference is over the regulated limit. If the bolt is tighten over the regulated limit, it cannot obtain the correct axial force due to deformation. Refer to the image below.
Following rules have to be followed when performing angle control tightening.
Be sure to apply oil to the threads and seats.
Check the markings to see if bolts are tightened at the correct angle.
The reason for applying oil to the threads and seats is that the oil reduces the coefficient of friction and maintains proper torque. In addition to oil, a screw locking agent or sealing agent should be used. Also, the angle control tightening may be specified differently from place to place. Be sure to refer to the Service Manual to confirm the correct torque control.
5Conclusion
I introduced the importance of torque control and knowledge of bolts. How do you like this article? We will keep presenting useful information, so please look forward to the next Chantey.
Meet the Yamaha Family
Hai Hwang Trading Company
The Next Generation of Distributors
In Meet the Yamaha Family, we would like to introduce dealers and distributors from around the world dedicated to their continued sales and service of Yamaha marine products.
Starting from this Chantey, we will focus on young managers and staff members who forge the future of Yamaha Marine.
The first person is Mr. Tan Kan Boon from Brunei of the Hai Hwang Trading Company.
Mr. Boon started his career at Hai Hwang Trading Company in 2007 and is currently working as the Operation Manager.
Mr. Boon expressed what motivates him when working.
“ In general, my satisfaction comes from daily operations and task management whilst having the vision to improve the company's business expansion. The special kind of worth/satisfaction is how we can bring up and maintain the brand we represent. It takes risk, trust, patience, and determination within the years to grow to get to where we are. Yamaha has given us the identity to represent in Brunei. That is a special kind of satisfaction that I get and continue to hope to achieve.”
He also revealed his future aspirations.
“Currently, Brunei Marine / Boating main markets are still Commercial Fishermen and Transportation. I foresee that with the new generations, we will be able to improve the safety boating/fishing guidelines and expand more in Pleasure boating/watersports.”
Comment from YMC staff (Jun Yoshimatsu, Middle East & Asia Group)
“The impact of COVID-19 gave rise to the demand for personal pleasure in Brunei. HHT holds the majority of Brunei's market share and contributes to the marine market. We desire to work together to expand the market.”
About Hai Hwang Trading Company
Hai Hwang Trading Company has been in business since 1987 as a boating & marine center. We became Yamaha's sole-distributor in 2005 for Yamaha Marine Products (Outboard Motors & WaveRunners).
Yamaha OBM market share is 95% in Brunei Darussalam. And the WaveRunner market share is 80% in Brunei. Hai Hwang is the biggest marine center in Brunei!
The WaveRunner wins many awards annually. Yamaha OBM won many awards in boat racing during Brunei National Day & Sultan's birthday events.
In addition, we are the sole-dealer of Garmin and the distributor of Lowrance & Simrad. We look forward to securing more agency lines in order to sustain and improve our business.
Information on Brunei Brunei is ruled by the Monarch, Sultan (king) with our 400,000 population. The country is rich in petroleum and natural gas as this is the main national income. Islam is the official national religion.
IMEMSA Alejandro Cortina
IMEMSA Develops a New Pleasure Boat
The pleasure market in Mexico
Mexico has a very wide coastline and a dynamic tourist market. Beach destinations in Mexico including the Yucatan peninsula, the coasts of Oaxaca, Jalisco, Nayarit and Baja California are growing significantly. The growth derives from foreign tourists along with Mexican citizens who live in inland urban areas such as Mexico City, Guadalajara and Monterrey, but are seeking to acquire apartments or houses along the beach. The COVID pandemic has accelerated this process. The market for luxury boats for sport and pleasure fishing is dominated by high-value boats from the United States and Europe.
IMEMSA has been working on a project to convert some of its hulls (pangas) into luxury boats in order to serve a market segment that is looking for pleasure boats at a more competitive price.
Utilizing panga boats to attend the high-end market
The newly launched boat serves a market segment in Mexico that currently has no other option but to import a similar boat at a much higher cost.
The boat is based on panga boats, a commercial fishing type boat, which IMEMSA is a leader in the market. These boats acquire attractive characteristics which are also appealing to the luxury clients. For example, pangas can be navigated very well in both shallow waters and in the open sea. Also, by design, pangas are more consumption efficient and generally require less maintenance than boats imported from the United States.
Features of the boat
IMEMSA's new boat has all the accessories that luxury boats have, including central console, roof (T-Top), floor, seats, coolers and other storage compartments, live bait for fishing and other accessories (GPS, compass, communication radio).
Comercial Ultramotor Xavier Villeda Guiot
YTA Basic for Central American Importer Staff
The world has changed in many ways since March 2020, and for that we needed to prove our ability to seek solutions, adapt to remote work and take our creativity to new levels.
Since the beginning of the Covid 19 Pandemic, Comercial Ultramotor Staff in Honduras adopted to new ways of communicating through virtual platforms which included training of our workforce. Our advanced technical staff and improved communication skills prompted an opportunity to organize a YTA Basic from Honduras for Central American Service Technicians. This was the first remotely organized TTT YTA Basic program which provided a lower risk of contagion through travel and physical group sessions, which is of great value for all participants.
This web based YTA Basic is an original program for OMDO’s territory and the content of the training is the basic knowledge required for a YTA Marine Bronze to be held in Tegucigalpa early 2022.
We had participants from all Central American countries and the Dominican Republic with more than 30 attendees from 8 different importers who joined this 25-hour training, where they have been evaluated through completely virtual exams. Due to time constraints, we organized 10 sessions of 2.5 hours early morning for 2 weeks.
Tests for intelligibility verification were performed on a daily basis using a smartphone app. The top 3 scorers were recognized for encouraging competition and desire to study. A review of complimentary explanatory matters was also carried out. Daily homework was provided and responses were reviewed at the beginning of the next day's training.
The training was prepared in order to keep the students attention, utilizing many interactive tools like virtual whiteboard, virtual measurement tools, fastest finger first contests and in-session polls with real time stats for opinion exchange, and also several videos to make the contents clear for everyone. It was very enriching due to the diversity of opinions and somewhat different market conditions from all participants, ensuring an interactive exchange of experiences full of learning in both ways.
This program was conducted by local trainers from Honduras: Wagner Martínez, Alexander Castro and Daniel Vasquez in Spanish, the participants' native language ensuring complete understanding of the contents. It was curious to know the same words in different languages.
All training sessions were recorded and all the materials were shared with each participant so they can replicate the training with their staff ensuring an increased service level to our customers.
TAKU Saito Field Group, Service Division, Marine Business Operations
Newly Designed Coveralls for Yamaha Marine Service
The Marine Service Division redesigned the exclusive marine service coveralls for the distributors and dealers worldwide to boost Yamaha's brand image and staff motivation.
The Yamaha logo in compliance with VI standards is used on the new coveralls. The coveralls were designed with various new features to enhance work efficiency. They will help distinguish Yamaha service from other companies, improve professionalism, and promote a new Yamaha image to our customers.
Its stretchable polyester fabric* makes it easy to wear. The flap (cover) on the zipper prevents damage to the boat, and there are pleats on the waist, a zipper on the chest pocket, a penholder on the right sleeve, etc.
Also, we have prepared long-sleeve coveralls for all seasons, and for summer, both long-sleeve and short-sleeve versions are available. The summer type has a mesh on the areas of the armpits and back of the knees, with slits on the back to increase air ventilation.
* With the 65% polyester fabric, sweat and water are quickly dried. Prevention of oxidation stains is improved, and it is resistant to discoloration or shrinkage.
The service staff in charge of your area will notify overseas availability.
Discover the Fishery of Japan
Rockfish Paradise
What Is Rockfish?
Japan has a unique custom in which fish are named according to the bait or lure used to catch them. What do you picture when you hear the name rockfish? In the Japanese lure fishing community, fish living in the vicinity of a reef are referred to as rockfish.
The term reef in Japanese can also mean “ root,” which is a fishing jargon. However, the same fish using bait in a traditional fishing style are referred to as negyo “ rootfish.” Please imagine a tangled tree root. It is similar to a reef. People in the world who like fishing can easily envision these types of fish inhabiting the tangled reef. In English, rockfish can mean jacopever and seaperch. In the Sanriku region of Japan, greenlings are also categorized as rockfish. Groupers exist in areas with warm currents and are also considered rockfish. It goes without saying that rockfish include scorpionfish and seaperch that live in the rocky reef.
How To Fish with Fishing Rigs
Simple rigs are used when fishing for rockfish. Just imagine the Texas rig for bass fishing. It's common to get a snag when fishing, but using these rigs avoids it. The lure is dropped without getting caught in the deep, intricate reef and the cracks between the rocks where the big fish hides. The rockfish stalks shrimps, crabs, and small fish behind rocks. The primary way to catch rockfish is by first casting and bottom fishing because rockfish reacts to things falling from above. And then use the lift and fall technique. Of course, depending on the place, vertical fishing can also be used. If the reef is insight, you can also cast a line that barely touches the reef. Another tip is letting a lure drop to the bottom by using the lift and fall technique. By utilizing lifting height and bottom touching, figure out the shape of the seafloor. In deeper areas, you can disengage the clutch and put the lure closer to the bottom. When you feel a bite, quickly hook the fish and reel in the line with all your strength. Once the fish is hooked, the fish will try to return to the reef. This signals the beginning of the fight. Take the initiative and try to make the fish face you. It's a thrill to feel a strong pull from the fish trying to escape back to the seafloor.
Fishing Points and Boat Positioning
Rias coast is a rocky reef zone with many awash and sunken rocks. The tides clash into the rocks creating an environment desirable for big rockfish. In order to catch rockfish, fishers must proceed into these rocky areas, so an advance level of seamanship is required. If the fishers are operating the boat by themselves, the aft station is an essential boat equipment. I use FSR (Fishing Support Remote controller.) Previously, I had to manage all the tasks such as shifting, handling, managing rods, and reeling. I was frequently adjusting the shift lever, but now shifting is automatically controlled by the FSR. This allows me to concentrate solely on fishing. Normally, I use the bumping technique along the shoreline while leaving the shift operation to the FSR. You can approach the point with little adjustments to the helm, allowing additional free time. It's advantageous to have more time and concentration on fishing. If you also use i-Pilot (made by MINKOTA), the rockfish game will become even more effortless. When floating a lure along the rocky shore or while the boat can't be operated during a fight, you can use the spot lock function to maintain position and continue fishing.
Lastly, I would like to mention that it is important to be aware of any danger. It is safer to have a boat position leeward to secure a buffer margin between the rocky area. It's no doubt that the fishers always have to watch the surroundings, but there is a possibility that the operation might be delayed while fishing. We hope to have no engine troubles, but just in case, it is necessary to be prepared for an emergency where the boat loses power. In a power loss situation, the wind will push the boat to an open area. Be ready to anchor at any time.
Texas Rig : It’s a rig that involves a bullet-shaped sinker (weight) and a hook hidden by a worm. The offset hook makes the rig easy to go through. The rig can avoid obstacles because a worm covers the hook.FSR : Fishing Support Remote Controller. A system that is often used for Yamaha outboard motorboats. It was developed for maneuvering and fishing for a single person.
Author: Shu Sasaki
Born in 1978
Born and currently living in Iwate Prefecture
Daiwa Field Tester
From the age of three, he was fishing on the breakwater.
He is now a multi-angler and open to fishing in any genre.
Editor’s Note
Takeshi Hino
It's my pleasure to publish Chantey for a second time as the chief editor. I appreciate everyone's huge support.
The Tokyo Olympics 2020 was held this summer, and with it, people from all over the world paid close attention to Japan.
Therefore, in Chantey No.177, we decided to introduce the Japanese sea culture in “Discover the Fishery of Japan.” We will keep reporting on the wide variety of Japanese fishing methods and marine species, so please look forward to future publications.
The rugby season will start in January of next year. I will work hard so my team, “Shizuoka BlueRevs” can achieve victory. My aim is to enter the Rugby World Cup France in 2023.