PHOTO COURTESY YAMAHA RIGHTWATERS

Yamaha was named the official outboard and boat of the Partnership for the Delaware Estuary through a five-year agreement between the nonprofit and Yamaha Rightwaters. PDE is using a 20-foot G3 Gator Tough jonboat with a Yamaha V Max SHO 115-hp outboard for its work to protect the Delaware River and Delaware Bay.

“The continued health and maintenance of coastal environments is a key focus of Yamaha Rightwaters,” Joshua Grier, sustainability program manager, Yamaha U.S. Marine Business Unit, said in a statement. “Working with the Partnership for the Delaware Estuary, Yamaha Rightwaters supports marine environment research, as well as marsh and freshwater mussel restoration projects, which boost water filtration and act as ecosystem engineers. We look forward to participating in the growth of the program.”

PDE scientists spend an estimated 60 days a year in estuary waters and wetlands conducting research on water quality, impacts of climate change and sea level rise, and other environmental challenges. The boat can transport up to five people, plus samples and equipment.

“With this vessel donated by Yamaha Rightwaters, our scientists can access remote tidal wetlands, as well as explore on-the-water opportunities in the urban areas of the estuary,” said LeeAnn Haaf, assistant director of estuary science, partnership for the Delaware Estuary. “There’s also significant savings, too. We no longer have to rent a boat or spend time coordinating those rentals. The impact of this boat cannot be underestimated, and the opportunities it will unlock are substantial.”