The new Yanmar 6LY440 highest power to weight ratio in its class

Published on: 17/05/2016

The new Yanmar 6LY440 is one of a new 6LY-CR family of inline six- cylinder units which build on the Yanmar tradition of producing state-of-the-art compact and powerful marine diesels that are class-leading in performance, fuel-efficiency, low emissions, and smooth, quiet and dependable running.

The new model, rated 440hp at 3,300rpm has a power-to-weight ratio of 1.7:1 (kW per kg) giving it not only a significant advantage over the previous 6LY models but also outstripping the offering of all its major competitors in the leisure marine propulsion market. This engine joins the Yanmar 6LY400.

“If performance power cruiser owners detect something familiar about this new engine, that’s quite deliberate on Yanmar’s part, comments Robert Plant, General Manager for the Marine Inboard Division at Barrus. “The engine is a development of the mechanically controlled 6LY2A engine series that have sold in their thousands over the years. In fact, it uses the same narrow and lightweight LY2 block that made it a favourite for installing in small, cramped engine rooms that are often found in boats designed for high top speeds.”

Just about everything else concerning the new turbocharged 6LY engine is new. Single mechanical injector units are replaced by a Denso digital controlled common-rail fuel injection system with new pipework designed to cope with higher injection pressures. The 24-valve cylinder head is all-new too, as is the newly-designed inlet and exhaust manifold for optimal engine breathing to give high levels of torque throughout the entire speed range. The engine operation is also fully digitally controlled making it ideal for fly-by-wire operation – as the market expects today.

Like all new Yanmar electronic engine models introduced since 2011, the latest units have the full benefit of Yanmar’s Vessel Control System (VCS). This plug and play control system offers Yanmar’s advanced joystick system as an option for fingertip control low-speed manoeuvring and docking by vectoring the outputs of the shaft drive and stern drive vessel and thrusters.

“The latest 6LY-CR series engines will not only be of great interest to customers seeking to buy a new sailboat, displacement or planing cruiser equipped with state-of-the-art technology, but also to boat owners who want to repower their existing craft,” concludes Robert Plant.

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