Yanmar

Renowned for making compact, efficient, and well-engineered engines with a high power-to-weight ratio, Yanmar produces a diverse range of marine diesel inboards and outboards from 9bhp to 440bhp that are optimized for various types of leisure boating. The company also produces much larger engines for commercial shipping.

Yanmar Marine is led by Shiori Nagata and is part of a large, diversified Japanese manufacturing group based in Osaka which was founded in 1912. Yanmar started off making petrol engines but has been specializing in diesels since the 1930s, when it launched the world’s first practical and commercially successful small diesel engine. In addition to engines, Yanmar makes hulls for commercial fishing boats and cargo ships, agricultural vehicles including tractors and combine harvesters, diesel generators, and helicopter drones. Yanmar has also dabbled in leisure boat production with Toyota. The two companies launched an 8.5m (28ft) coupé-style sportscruiser with a carbon fiber composite hull in 2016.

At present, Yanmar makes its own range of controls and drives including sterndrives for 150bhp-370bhp engines, steerable pod drives, joystick controls, and several series of sail drives. A partnership with Vetus supplies the other elements that make up a complete marine inboard engine system. In addition to its ranges of powerboat and motor yacht engines, Yanmar is a manufacturer of engines for commercial fishing boats and workboats, sailing yachts, and other small leisure craft such as canal boats. This is useful for motor yacht owners because it boosts the number (and geographic coverage) of dealers offering spare parts and mechanics who are familiar with the brand.