Oracle Team USA chase boats are powered by Yanmar 8LV sterndrives

by Lisa Ramsperger on 25 Apr 2013 Led by CEO Russell Coutts and skipper Jimmy Spithill, Oracle Team USA is comprised of the best international sailing, design, build and support talent to defend the trophy on San Francisco Bay in September 2013.

The Oracle Team USA chase boats, named Chase Boat Yanmar1 and Chase Boat Yanmar2, are each powered by two Yanmar 8LV-370Z diesel sterndrive engines. Using the latest technology to create a superior power package, each Yanmar 8LV 370 mhp diesel engine is paired to a Yanmar ZT370 drive with dual propellers.

The Yanmar 8LV is a 4.46 liter, V-8 engine, using twin turbochargers and common rail fuel injection to deliver smooth, quiet and powerful acceleration paired with superior fuel economy. Without sacrificing Yanmar's excellent diesel fuel economy and durability, high-end performance is comparable to a V-8 gas engine. The 8LV is also EPA Tier 3 compliant.

This best-in-class diesel continues the company's long tradition of delivering superior horsepower-to-weight ratios. The 8LV dry engine weight of 992 lbs. is hundreds of pounds lighter than comparable models. With exceptionally low noise and vibration levels, this high-torque Yanmar diesel engine produces a broad power range, from 550 rpm at idle to 3,800 rpm at top end. The 12V/180 amp alternator charges all on-board electronics and provides power for each chase boat's bow-thruster.

Perfectly complementing the Yanmar 8LV diesel is the Yanmar ZT370 sterndrive. It features hydraulic clutch packs for exceptionally smooth and quiet gear engagement. Precision-forged gears provide an extra-long service life. Two counter-rotating Yanmar propellers with a through-hub exhaust enable powerful acceleration and tight tracking, with lower backpressure. Easy to maintain, the Yanmar ZT370 sterndrive comes complete with power steering and power trim.

The Yanmar 8LV-370Z sterndrive package utilizes Yanmar's own CAN-bus electronic vessel control system. Inclusive of controls, full-color digital displays with NMEA2000 or J1939 gauge output, and all cabling and wiring, the system was completely developed by Yanmar to meet the company's high standards of quality and dependability.

Yanmar has a wealth of experience in providing the world's marine and racing community with technologically sophisticated marine engines, drive systems, and products and service of unparalleled performance and quality. The company has earned an enviable worldwide reputation for the endurance and reliability of its engines.

Yanmar will pursue the highest levels of technological excellence towards assisting the crew of Oracle Team USA in their pursuit of victory in the 34th America's Cup. The chase boats are not just limited to towing before and after the race. With the AC72 racing catamarans set to reach speeds in excess of 40 knots (74.1 km/h), the chase boats are also responsible for the important job of tracking the progress of the race and monitoring the race boat's performance, ready to provide immediate support for any eventuality.