Electric propulsion has struggled to be a practical reality for everyday sailors. Despite having been available, few sailors and boatbuilders have previously chosen electric propulsion with doubts around complicated systems, installation headaches and range anxiety. But Yanmar has developed a solution that addresses these barriers.
The Yanmar SDe series of electric saildrives has been designed for boatbuilders, engineers and refitters to offer customers a 100 per cent emissions-free propulsion option which is easy to install, use and maintain.
The series is designed to fit the same engine base as Yanmar’s YM and GM diesel range, meaning no hull modification – bolts can be reused, and nothing needs to be cut, even on older boats.
Fuss-free integration
The SDe is a completely integrated system where the gear, motor, motor controller and cooling system are all contained in a single compact unit. For boatbuilders and installers, that means fewer connectors, fewer cables through engine bays, and a much quicker installation.
The SDe electric saildrive series, available in 7kW, 10kW and 15kW power outputs, runs on a 48V platform and is built for sailboats up to 40ft.
Rather than drawing seawater for the cooling system, the SDe uses a closed-loop system: the same oil that lubricates the leg’s gears is also used to cool the motor and controller, circulating internally before returning to the leg. Because there’s no saltwater contact, internal corrosion is minimised.
Servicing follows the same logic as a standard saildrive: an oil evacuation pump means fluid changes are as simple as connecting a hose to a bucket, without the external pumps a diesel installation typically demands.
Connectors and cabling are protected by metal and plastic housings designed to withstand the marine engine bay environment, reducing the risk of damage during installation or in service. A hardwired backup panel gives a direct, network-independent way to control the boat as an extra reassurance.
Range data
For the end user, one key barrier to electric propulsion has been range anxiety. The range remains dependent on load, displacement and how the boat is used, but when tested on Yanmar’s Saffier 33, after running at 2.5kW power for two hours, 80 per cent state of charge remained. The SDe series is also easy for end users to maintain with fewer moving parts compared to combustion engines, while making the onboard experience better with no noise, smoke or odour.
This article was originally published in Marine Industry News magazine. Read more issues here.
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