Innovations in Marine Propulsion: Yanmar and Its Subsidiaries

Yanmar’s E-Saildrive Engine: Pioneering Electric Propulsion

Yanmar Marine’s Recreational Business Unit is making waves in the world of marine propulsion with its innovative E-Saildrive engine, a standout in the electric propulsion category. This impressive engine recently secured the Innovation Award at the 2025 Discover Boating Miami International Boat Show, spotlighting its impact on eco-friendly boating. Additionally, the E-Saildrive SDe 48V series bagged not one, but two DAME Design Awards at the 2024 METSTRADE show in Amsterdam, clinching wins in both the Propulsion & Dynamics and Environmental categories.

The E-Saildrive range marks a significant milestone as Yanmar Marine’s first electric propulsion product. It comprises three models: the SDe7 kW, SDe10 kW, and SDe15 kW, capable of delivering power outputs of up to 15 kW for sailboats measuring up to 40 feet, depending on application and displacement. Operating on a 48V electrical platform, the E-Saildrive ensures smooth integration and a reliable, emission-free power source for sailors. Its plug-and-play design simplifies installation, eliminating the need for significant hull modifications. The system seamlessly replaces traditional combustion engines thanks to its integrated gear, motor, motor controller, and cooling system.

For more details, visit yanmar.com.

VETUS: Pioneering Electric Propulsion Technology

Complementing Yanmar’s innovations is its group company, VETUS. VETUS provides an extensive range of electric propulsion systems that maintain high standards in performance and control. A noteworthy feature of their systems is the Active Electronic Braking, which allows boats to be stopped within a single boat length without the need for a conventional gearbox and clutch. This high torque capability of the electric motor facilitates rapid changes in rotation direction, enhancing safety and maneuverability.

VETUS offers the E-LINE AIR Cooled series, featuring three models—EAIR05024, EAIR050, and EAIR070—delivering 5 kW at 24 volts, 5 kW at 48 volts, and 7 kW at 48 volts, respectively. Additionally, the E-LINE Liquid Cooled series includes models like ELINE060, ELINE080, and ELINE110, featuring power outputs of 6 kW, 8 kW, and 11 kW at 48 volts. These electric propulsion systems can be paired with VETUS’s BOW PRO thruster systems, delivering comprehensive propulsion packages that include thrusters and steering components suitable for a wide array of vessels.

Explore more at vetus.com.

Smartgyro: Enhancing Stability in Multihull Vessels

Another exciting development comes from Smartgyro, which has risen to the challenge of improving the stability of Bluegame’s new luxury BGM75 catamaran. While multihulls are generally known for their natural stability, there has been a market demand for enhanced comfort, prompting Bluegame to focus on advanced stabilization solutions with Smartgyro’s SG80 stabilizers.

The BGM75 catamaran represents a significant evolution in design, featuring a unique length-to-width ratio that sets it apart from traditional catamarans. The collaboration between Bluegame and Smartgyro commenced in 2023, aiming to tackle the complex task of stabilizing a multihull. This endeavor was particularly intricate, given the absence of existing mathematical models specifically designed for catamarans.

Smartgyro’s dedicated research and development team worked diligently to determine how to effectively install two gyroscopes that would operate in unison within the dual hulls of the catamaran. Successful parallel operation required precise adjustments to the control systems and modifications to the software used in the gyroscopes.

Through rigorous sea trials, the teams conducted essential testing to fine-tune the stabilization algorithms, ensuring optimal performance across varying sea conditions. The results have been overwhelmingly positive, leading to significant roll reduction that boosts comfort levels on par with those of stabilized monohull vessels.

Carla Demaria, CEO of Bluegame, emphasized the project’s importance by stating, “Understanding the high standards of our expert and sophisticated clientele, we were resolute in pursuing this project, confident that it would surpass their expectations for comfort.”

For further information, visit smartgyro.com.

Embracing the Future of Marine Technology

As Yanmar and its subsidiaries continue to innovate in the marine propulsion sector, the focus on electric and advanced stabilization technologies signals a promising future for sustainable and enjoyable boating experiences. The synergy among these companies illustrates the collaborative spirit necessary to tackle the pressing demands of modern-day marine transportation, setting a course for a greener, more efficient tomorrow.