Yanmar Expands Saildrive Offering

YANMAR Marine International has announced the market launch of custom solutions to pair with the new SD15 saildrive by ZF, strengthening its range of products for the sailing sector. The new systems for larger vessels up to 65 feet enables more boat owners and boat builders to benefit from the combined technology and efficiencies of YANMAR’s higher power common rail engines and compatible saildrive models.

Following the roll-out of the full range of easy-to-install and low-drag SD15 systems, YANMAR Marine International's (YMI) line-up of saildrive solutions covers an engine range from 10 HP up to 150 HP.

The new YANMAR SD15 saildrive, developed by partner ZF, is now available with the 4JH80 and 4JH110 engines, with the 4LV150-SD15 solution scheduled for launch in Q3 2022.

Suitable for a wide range of applications, the latest YANMAR saildrive propulsion systems provide a new option for a vastly extended range of sailboats and catamarans, using engines from 80 HP upwards that have previously relied on conventional shaft drive lines.

YANMAR’s electronically-controlled common rail engines pair seamlessly with the electric-controlled SD15 saildrive, providing clean installation and safe, smooth operation with hydraulic shifting.

Experiencing increased comfort on-board for motoring while not under sail, the boat owner and crew will benefit from low vibration and noise, with low drag and excellent hydrodynamic efficiency improving performance and fuel consumption, Yanmar said.

The SD15 saildrive, which has a light aluminum casing treated to maximize corrosion resistance, is durable and reliable to ensure longer service intervals. YMI also offers custom motor mounts and brackets.

Compact, easy and safe to install with no specific alignments required, the SD15 simplifies the production process and reduces costs for OEMs while also allowing increased design flexibility and improved serviceability.

The SD15 matches with a Flexofold foldable propeller, renowned for its extremely low drag performance, for safe and efficient operation.

For smaller sailboats, the YANMAR line-up of saildrives also includes the SD25 for engines from 10-30 HP (1GM and YM Series). The SD60 saildrive, with mechanical clutch, is custom engineered to match the 3JH5/4JH5 and 3JH40/4JH45/4JH57 Series from 40-80 HP.