In a true spirit of international co-operation, Japanese engineered F100 Yamaha outboards have been fitted to power New Zealand built Stabicraft boats for use by the Australian Customs and Border Protection Service.

The contract called for the supply of nine identical boats to protect Australian shores from illegal importation of drugs and illegal immigrants.  

On a day to day basis, they will be used for routine inshore patrols, and border management in and around bays, marinas and harbours.   The boats will be initially stationed around both major city locations (Melbourne, Newcastle Brisbane) as well as more remote (Weipa, Cairns, Townsville) bays, rivers and estuaries with limited offshore use.  Since the boats are supplied on heavy duty trailers, they can be re-located as and when required to respond to changed circumstances or threats.

Power for this essential work is provided by the Yamaha F100 model, a 100hp four stroke outboard noted for its excellent power to weight ratio, low fuel consumption and quiet operation.

"We selected Yamaha because Stabicraft is a Yamaha dealer in NZ and quite a number of our dealers are also Yamaha dealers," Leeon Johnston of Stabicraft said.

"The Customs work is all about reliability and back up service.  With Yamaha's extensive dealer network, we are confident that Customs will be well looked after."

The F100 model in twin installation was determined by the Stabicraft designers as being the optimum power option.

"We're delighted to be supporting Stabicraft and Australian Customs with our outboard engines," said Brett Hampson, National Sales and Marketing Manager for Yamaha outboards.

"This is demanding and important work.  Operating in isolated areas demands efficient operation, absolute reliability and economical use of fuel.  The F100 fits the bill on all counts."

Each of the Stabicraft 659 Supercab boats are fitted with twin Yamaha F100 engines.

The Yamaha powered boats will be required to withstand the hard work and regular use that Australian Customs will subject them to.  The Stabicraft is widely recognised as a safe and dependable craft that is more than capable in a commercial environment.

According to Yamaha's Brett Hampson, there is an ever increasing demand for engines that satisfy not only on-water performance criteria, but also appropriate workplace practices.

"Employers in both government and in the private sector are today mindful of equipping their employees with outboard engines that are quiet and low in emission," Brett Hampson said.  

"The Yamaha F100 fits the bill perfectly as it is a very quiet engine and being four-stroke, also has minimal emissions.  For a crew to be on-board an Australian Customs Stabicraft boat for hours on end, we have to be mindful of the work environment in terms of noise and emissions."

"Yamaha is delighted to support both Stabicraft in New Zealand and the Australian Customs with this contract."

Yamaha outboards are available through an Australia-wide network of authorised Yamaha outboard dealers.  All Yamaha 4-stroke outboards are supported with a full 4-year manufacturer's warranty and all 2-stroke outboards are backed by a 3-year warranty - standard conditions apply.