Alämärin waterjets signs Mermaid as distributor

By IBI Magazine / Bob Greenwood

Finnish waterjet manufacturer Alamarin has appointed engine mariniser Mermaid Marine as its exclusive UK distributor in the commercial and recreational boating markets. The agreement was announced at the Southampton International Boat Show and extends the Finnish company's European distributor network to 10 countries.

Alämärin Jet Oy, based at Harma, midway up Finland's Gulf of Bothnia coast, produces four basic models plus two variants of waterjet, for petrol engines from 20hp-420hp and diesel engines from 20hp-320hp. Typical is the 230 model, which can accommodate diesel engines from 130hp up to 240hp and is available with both electric or hydraulic reversing bucket control. According to Alamarin export co-ordinator Mika Anttila, "Some jet manufacturers need two models to cover this power range. Our customers have found that this is a considerable cost saving advantage." Owing to the inherent safety of waterjet propulsion, Alämärin jets have been selected by several police, naval and search and rescue services in northern Europe. The company claims that its units are lighter than those of its competitors and offer better acceleration, bollard pull and top speed. Recently, recreational craft builders have also started to use them, says Mika Anttila. Companies such as Bayliner, Targa and Silver Boats have now installed Alämärin jets. He believes that his company now ranks with New Zealand manufacturer Hamilton Water Jets as one of the two major players worldwide at the smaller end of the waterjet market.

One reason that waterjets have grown in popularity among pleasureboat owners in Finland, says Anttila, is because of their shallow draft and absence of exposed moving parts. That's particularly appreciated in on Scandinavian coasts with their many submerged rocks, and particularly in Finland where the land is rising out of the sea at the rate of 1cm a year.

The jets add to Mermaid's product portfolio, which is predominantly Ford-based marine diesels of 40hp-400hp. However, Mermaid also distributes Steyr marine diesels and Crusader petrol engines, whose higher speeds make them more suitable for waterjet applications. The company will be offering Alämärin jets coupled with Steyr 144 diesels as well as individual units for fitting to most makes of engine.

(17 September 2002)