KOCHI: The Kerala State Industrial Development Corporation (KSIDC) has extended a helping hand to an Alappuzha-based machinist, B. Mohanlal, to develop an outboard engine for fishermen which might revolutionise the way in which traditional fishing operators go about their job and result in increased income.

According to the KSIDC publication Infinity, the engine developed by the machinist has already completed field tests and has even bagged an order for 1,000 engines from engine manufacturers like Elgi Equipments. The machinist has already got patent for his new product, first exhibited at the Kochi Boat Show here last year.

Technical details

The engine with Z-drive gear system has low maintenance cost and can do the job for Rs.20 in the place of Rs.110 needed for running an ordinary outboard engine for an hour.

Ordinary engines have no clutch, making them less fuel-efficient and difficult to control. However, the one designed by the Alappuzha entrepreneur comes with a clutch and two forward and reverse gears each. "While the ordinary engines with no silencers trend to drive away fish, the new engine comes with a silencer.

Helps to reduce pollution

It also helps reduce pollution by using an exhaust pipe which pushes the smoke to the air whereas the ordinary engines leave the polluting oil and gas into the water,'' says the publication.

The engine when designed on a commercial basis would not cost more than Rs.60,000 though the designer had to spent close to Rs.27 lakhs for the prototype.

Mr. Mohanlal is now looking for a commercial partner for starting commercial production of the engine and is looking up at funding agencies.

He may be contacted at moroja05@yahoo.com or on mobile 09847899964, says the publication.

Printer friendly page  
Send this article to Friends by E-Mail