LOW SPEED/AMPHIBIOUS
 

ENERGY-EFFICIENT SAILING YACHT Twin UltraJet 305 waterjets provide auxiliary power for this new 25.3 meter (83') sailing yacht built in California (Sailing rig not installed for propulsion sea trials). Two Cummins 330B diesel engines provide power direct to the UltraJet 305 units. Sea trials to prove power to speed relationship for the displacement hull prior to the installation of a diesel-electric propulsion system. More about this project at http://www.energytechmarine.com/slideShow/index.html. Independent operation of reversing deflectors is with Ultra’s two-lever electrohydraulic control system. The builder stated “We are thrilled to death with the drives. Feel free to have anyone call me. Jet drives are going to allow me to increase Diesel fuel efficiencies on this vessel....” MP7832 Click here for a video clip of this boat.

WATERJET PROPULSION FOR HOUSEBOAT A single UltraJet 251 waterjet propels this private houseboat in Ireland. Power to the UltraJet unit is provided by a single 112 hp Perkins diesel engine without a gearbox. The vessel has a flat bottom steel hull with waterline length and beam of 16.75 x 4 meter (55' x 13’) displacing 25 tons. Control of the UltraJet 251 reversing deflector is with Ultra’s Hydromechanical control system. UltraJet propulsion provides excellent maneuverability in canals and eliminates the risk of underwater machinery damage in shallow water. The UltraJet propulsion permits the boat to rest on the bottom, without damage, at low tide when operating in tidal waters.

WORLD RECORD BOAT FREE FALL Norwegian boat builder Norsafe recently tested their GES 50 lifeboat by dropping the boat 52 meters (170 ft) from a crane. The realistic test included 90 simulated passengers of 90 kg each strapped into their seats. These lifeboats are used for evacuating crew from offshore oil rigs. While not the first time Norsafe have “dropped” their boats, this was the first to be equipped with UltraJet propulsion and for no damage to the hull and propulsion system. Survival includes being able to move away from the rig under own power. Click here for a video clip of this boat (1.2MB).

SAFETY & MANEUVERABILITY AT LOW SPEED A single UltraJet 305 provides loiter propulsion for a series of Aircrew Training Vessels built by FBM Babcock Marine in the U.K. The vessels are used by SMIT International to train military aircrew in marine survival techniques. Three diesel engines, two driving propellers with the center engine driving the UltraJet 305 for low speed maneuvering with personnel in the water. The loiter-jet allows the vessels to operate economically at slow speeds and for long periods. The reversing and steering deflectors are operated with an Ultra joystick control and an Ultra jet-driven hydraulic pump. Click here to request a PDF with more information.

LUXURIOUS RIVER & BAY CRUISING Twin UltraJet 305 waterjets propel this new 18 meter (59') cruise/dinner boat built by Artisans at Ynyslas, Wales. Power to the UltraJet units is from two 180 hp Cummins 6BT5.9M "low emission" engines, via ZF gearboxes. The steel catamaran will carry up to 50 passengers and a crew of 10. 'Seren-Y-Bae' passengers will cruise in low vibration, temperature-controlled, luxurious surroundings with dancing and entertainment as they enjoy the changing scenery of Cardiff Bay. The catamaran's design was dictated by low bridges and very shallow water in the upper reaches of the cruising range. At 36 tonnes she draws just under 46cm (18"). A low-wake hull ensures no disturbance to other craft or damage to riverbanks. Click here to request a PDF with more information.

ULTRAJET IMPROVES SPEED & CONTROL A single UltraJet 305 propulsion system propels the first of a fleet of amphibious fire vehicles in Italy. The Ultra 305 waterjets are scheduled to replace the existing Schottel propulsion system on all vehicles in the fleet. An UltraJet joystick system controls the steering, forward, neutral, and reverse when the craft is in the water. The operators reported "an increase of approximately 30% in the maximum forward and reverse speeds." Most important, and much appreciated from the operators was a "remarkable increase of the vehicle in-water maneuverability." Finally, "the static thrust increase permits operation in bad weather conditions thus increasing operational flexibility. Click here to request a PDF with more information.

HIGHER THRUST-BETTER CONTROL A twin UltraJet 305HT propulsion system propels this 97.5' landing craft. The vessel is powered by two Detroit Diesel 6.7LN diesel engines. This is the first UltraJet installation in New Zealand and the UltraJet units replaced Hamilton jets. The new propulsion system was specified and sold by Leigh Michau of Propulsion Alternatives of Auckland, New Zealand. Propulsion Alternatives is the UltraJet distributor in New Zealand. The operators are very pleased with the higher speed and increased thrust now available. The higher reversing thrust of the twin UltraJet drives allows the craft to back away from the beach and retain steering control, even when windy.

INNOVATIVE AMPHIBIAN A single UltraJet 305 marine jet drive is used for water propulsion in this new 39' (10.34 m) amphibious tour vehicle designed and built by TrolleyBoats, L.L.C. of Holly Hill, FL. This vehicle has USCG certification for 42 passengers and meets DOT and NHTSA regulations for a road passenger vehicle. This 38'-8" x 8'-6" craft is powered by a single Cummins ISC 8.3 diesel engine rated at 315 bhp. Water propulsion of up to 12 mph is accomplished with an UltraJet 305 marine jet drive via an Allison transmission and a transfer case. Forward, reverse, and steering in the water is achieved with an UltraJet joystick control system.

Twin UltraJet 250 jet drives propel new aquaculture barge constructed by ABCO Industries in Lunenburg, NS Canada. Each jet drive is powered by a 150 bhp John Deere diesel engine. Performance to customer expectations achieved on initial sea trials.