Yanmar powers Mercedes styled motor yacht
Yanmar’s six-cylinder 6LY3-ETP diesel engine has been selected by Silver Arrows Marine to power its 14m Arrow 460 Granturismo motor yacht, which has been styled by Mercedes-Benz. A pair of the 5.8 litre units, each developing 480hp, gives the pre-production craft a maximum speed of approximately 38 knots and 26 knots for cruising.
The yacht, named Mercedes, is described by Silver Arrows as “a complete re-imagining” of luxury yachts of its size. She is the product of four years of development by Silver Arrows Marine, a U.K. builder of luxury yachts, in collaboration with the Mercedes-Benz Style group’s Italian studio in Como. Yanmar is a technical partner in the project, while naval architecture is by Dutch studio Van Oossanen. Decision SA, part of the Swiss Group Carboman, constructed the prototype yacht.
The design of the yacht includes a long foredeck above a planing hull with a narrowly tapered freeboard, arched roofline and gently dipping rear, intending to evoke the feel of today’s Mercedes cars.
The Mercedes-Silver Arrows partnership chose Yanmar’s engines to power the project for the engines’ smoothness and efficiency in operation.
“We know that Yanmar is a reliable company, with a philosophy that matches our thinking,” said a spokesperson for Silver Arrows. “The Kaizen philosophy (of continual improvement) drives the strategies of both companies.
“Another very important aspect is that the after-sales and assistance provided by the brand can be found all around the marine world. The Yanmar service points are extremely efficient, with very skilled engineers.”
The choice of Yanmar was reinforced by the fact that its marine engines are all purpose-designed for marine applications. For luxury carmaker Mercedes-Benz, that ruled out competing marine engine brands whose product offering is largely automotive-derived.
After its launch on France’s Côte d’Azure in April, the Mercedes is expected to be commissioned in May ahead of going into full production later this year.
“Building on our relationship with Yanmar, Silver Arrows Marine plans to create a new collaboration for engines that will be launched in the future,” the boat company said.
For more information, visit www.yanmarmarine.com.
