As the largest charter boat operator in the state, Riviera Nautic has a diverse range of 17 live-aboard motor cruisers and sailing vessels for hire on the Gippsland Lakes, Victoria. Maintenance and ease of turnaround between hires is important for this operator. When a seasoned Clipper 34 model in the fleet needed a repower, a John Deere 4045DFM70 marine diesel was brought in to take over propulsion duties. It’s not the first time Riviera Nautic has changed out engines to John Deere and won’t be the last.
Life can get a little hectic for the team at Riviera Nautic on the Gippsland Lakes in Victoria, Australia during high season. “During the busy season, we can sometimes have as little as 3 hours between the return of a vessel and the next charter preparing to cast off,” explains owner Cam Johns.
Cam and Sascha Johns own Riviera Nautic, a charter boat company that operates on the beautiful Gippsland Lakes – a system of three adjoining inland sea lakes that cover around 400 square kilometres.
This busy operation proudly boasts a diverse range of vessels for hire. They offer 30 to 38 foot sailing vessels and a number of flybridge displacement cruisers that can sleep up to 10. This year a luxury catamaran will also be added to the lineup.
As could be expected, engine maintenance is a constant duty on this fleet and when one of its older cruisers, the Clipper 34 MV Sunshine needed an engine replacement Cam says the choice was relatively easy.
“We’ve been replacing a few of the old Ford Lehman engines on vessels with John Deere,” explained Cam. “It just makes sense – they offer a similar performance in a low-revving marine diesel engine and the fit is relatively easy. They mate well with existing gearbox systems usually so that makes them a good match too,” he said.
The Clipper 34’s new propulsion came in the shape of the John Deere 4045DFM70 (M2 rating) which utilises the 4.5 litre PowerTech engine behind its 60kW (80hp) of reliable power. This naturally-aspirated, four-cylinder marine diesel needs little introduction to anyone familiar with the John Deere product – it’s a proven block across the brand’s range.
With water-cooled exhaust manifold and internal balancers, the 4045DFM70 delivers a cooler, quieter and vibration-free environment for skipper, crew and guests aboard.
But Cam particularly like the easy maintenance and “either side” service options of the John Deere, making life much easier for his team to keeps boats running reliably and safely. “Our own personnel can service the John Deeres easily which is a big advantage,” Cam explains.
“Upon each return of the vessels, they are put through a full 130-point check system which includes all the basics on the engines – we are very procedural in those checks and the ease of maintenance and access on the John Deeres makes that process smoother,” he says.
Dealing with Power Equipment was a bonus in the John Deere decision for the Clipper 34 too according to Cam. “We looked at a few options when the replacement engine was needed, but the John Deere stacked up best for sure,” he says.
“Better still, when the decision was made, Power Equipment had that engine to us within a couple of weeks so the downtime for the vessel was minimised – they are really good to deal with.”
The Clipper’s is not the first or only John Deere in service with the Riviera Nautic crew though, with two other 4045’s powering other cruisers (including a turbo-charged version).
A more powerful John Deere 6068TFM variant (John Deere’s six-cylinder, 6.8 litre marine diesel), was also installed in a Seamaster 36 cruiser in the Riviera Nautic fleet a few years before.
Largest charter fleet in Victoria
Riviera Nautic is one of the longest running boat charter companies in Australia, with 17 liveaboard flybridge cruisers and sailing vessels available for hire all year round.
The Gippsland Lakes – an impressive area of water available for these vessels to explore – is described by the company as “An inland sea, sheltered from the ocean by a thin line of sand dune, and bordered by national park, beaches and farmland, and dotted with quaint, yet vibrant waterside villages.”
It certainly provides a safe yet diverse waterway where your boating adventure can provide myriad opportunities to enjoy nature, quiet coves and rivers as much as portside dining, cafes and nights at a quality Australian pub.
With nine staff ensuring charters are booked, prepared, launched and returned smoothly, there is precious little time for problems with marine engines, hence the popularity of the John Deeres.
Next time you’re down at Metung on the Gippsland Lakes, be sure to drop in on the Riviera Nautic team and take a look at their fabulous selection of vessels for hire. Who knows – you may find yourself commanding a comfortable cruiser with the sweet hum of a John Deere in the engine room. No experience or skippers licence required!
Book your Gippsland Lakes boat charter at rivieranautic.com.au
