Yanmar Marine Engines – Winning hearts and minds

by Bob Wonders on 11 Jun 2010 It has been more than 15-years, as near as I can recall, since I first experienced Yanmar engines; at the time, I was impressed and I can report now that nothing has changed in the impressive stakes.

It comes as no surprise to hear Michael Blair, Marine Sales Manager for Yanmar's Australian and South Pacific Region distributor, Power Equipment Pty Ltd, state that 'Yanmar continues to enjoy excellent sales.'

The Yanmar range of engines, and it is extremely extensive, I assure you, is performing well in both the recreational boating and commercial re-power markets.

'With a pleasure craft range of engines from 9mph to 900mph and a dedicated commercial engine range from 12mph to 911mph, the Power Equipment team can produce a model allied wit the experience e to handle any inquiry,' Mr Blair said.

Visitors to the 2010 Sydney International Boat Show (July 29-August 2) will see the first unveiling of an all-new Yanmar engine, the 6CX-530CR.

'With a power rating of 530mph and dry weight (less gearbox) of just 837kg, it continues on with the Yanmar tradition of being the lightest engine in its class,, in fact it is more than 200kg lighter than some engines in the class' Mr Blair added.

The 6CX530 is a 7.4-litre unit specifically developed for the pleasure boat market.

For those with a technical mind, the engine is an electronically-governed, common-rail, freshwater-cooled, six-in-line unit developing its maximum power at 2900rpm.

It boasts EPA Tier-2 emission certification and is ready for Tier-3 which comes into force in 2012, meaning this Yanmar engine is even ‘cleaner' than current regulations demand.

Described as 'technology packed', the 6CX-530 has already created strong interest.

'Boat builders we have previewed the engine with have been particularly impressed and that is a very encouraging sign for us,' Mr Blair said.

'Some of our own engineering and sales people have been able to attend prototype testing and training with the new engine in Japan and they came home with displaying sheer enthusiasm for the engine's performance, its unique characteristics and praise for the Japanese design team involved,' he added.

One man who does not need to be told how good Yanmar engines are is life-long boater Grant Burley.

In 1999 he chose Yanmar 6LP-STE 300hp engines to re-power his then 12-metre sport cruiser.

In opting for the Yanmar engines he halved his fuel bill!

Now proud owner of a Sunseeker 62, Grant did not hesitate when one of his new (non-Yanmar) engines suffered a catastrophic failure.

Grant loves the boat; 'Sunseeker produces a magnificent range of craft and as an up market family boat it boasts all the opulence and appointments associated with a multi million dollar vessel,' he says.

Electing to re-power, Grant commenced 'doing his homework', scouring websites and printed matter from various diesel manufacturers.

One by one, he began an elimination process.

'Most were to big to fit into the Sunseeker engine room and then someone asked me had I considered Yanmar; at the time I did not realise there was a suitable Yanmar engine available,' he recalled.

Remembering how reliable, durable and fuel efficient his Yanmar engines had been back in 1999, Grant decided upon a pair of Yanmar 8SY-900M diesels, V8 power plants of 15.6-litre capacity and rated at 900mph at 2300rpm.

Mobile Marine Repairs, operating out of Rozelle Bay's Sydney City Marina, performed the re-power operation.

In addition to the engines, Grant also took the opportunity to have Mobile Marine Repairs upgrade the generator with a Yanmar-powered Mase 12Kw diesel genset complete with sound shield.

Grant Burley could not be happier.

On the water, the Yanmar engines have delivered what he calls 'stunning results'.

Fuel consumption has dropped from 180-litres per hour to 160-litres per hour (both engines at 20 knot cruise speed).

An aviation enthusiast and helicopter pilot, Grant applies his strict aviation training and standards to his engines and as he puts it, 'I come away absolutely delighted.'

For further information contact Power Equipment Pty Ltd, telephone (03) 9709-8500 or visit the website, www.yanmar.com.au