More than happy to wear with the nautical grey nomad equivalent name of ‘Silver Sailors’, this couple has spent a great deal of time planning their ultimate boating package with Yanmar a key ingredient in their new cruising adventures.

Stepping up from a diesel-powered flybridge cruiser, Greg had a broad range of diesel choices for his new sailing cat and opted to go with twin 54mhp Yanmar 4JH4-AE diesel saildrives complete with Gori 3-blade folding propellers and Yanmar’s latest flywheel generator technology. Their new boat is a Lightwave 45 sailing catamaran designed and built on the Gold Coast and marketed as a long-distance yacht with global going capabilities.

“I did a lot of research before we made the decision to go with Yanmar,” said Greg.

“I knew that a number of high profile marine diesel brands would suit our needs. Despite this, we chose Yanmar because of their international parts availability, the simplicity of their engine design and the advantage of their new flywheel generator for our onboard power requirements. Yanmar also had the perfect horsepower rating for our boat.”

The first run onboard their new Lightwave 45 proved a good challenge after picking up the yacht from the Coomera factory on the Gold Coast. Heading down to Sydney for an appearance at the International Boat Show, the Page team encountered horrible conditions but were relieved to know their new boat stood up to the test.

“We had foul weather coming down from Queensland, but the whole boat worked terrifically,” said Greg.

“Because of the weather we motor sailed approximately 80% of the trip and only used a remarkable 400 litres between the two engines over the entire 850 nautical mile journey. Our onboard flywheel generator provided more than enough power for our electrical needs, including an air conditioner. I know our Gori 3-Blade Propeller setup with the unique overdrive function also helped our cruising efficiency.”

The Page team chose two 54hp Yanmar 4JH4-AE marine diesel saildrives for their propulsion needs. Based on a naturally aspirated 2.2 litre, 4 cylinder engine, the 4JH4-AE offers lightweight performance, low emission levels and low vibration plus direct injection for outstanding fuel economy. But it’s the new flywheel generator that has stolen the show.

Already generating a lot of interest from the cruising and sailing fraternity, the revolutionary KMG65E flywheel generator is bolted in-between the bell housing and the saildrive. Suitable for both Yanmar diesel 39mhp and 54mhp models, the generator can operate either one or two 3kVA power boxes and is capable of providing enough power to run a host of onboard electronics. The unit itself is only 105mm wide, 21kg in weight and can be rigged to single or dual 230Vac, 50Hz power boxes to deliver 3.2kVA or two times 3.2kVA at maximum output.
The list of sophisticated equipment continues onboard ‘Skedaddle’ with the Gori 3-blade folding propeller chosen to propel the twin Yanmar saildrive  diesels. Renowned for its high speed-low drag performance under sail and high thrust when motoring, the 3-blade Gori folding propeller also features a unique ‘overdrive’ function that can be selected from the helm to deliver the same speed from lower engine revs when motor sailing.

‘Skedaddle’ is the largest motor sailer in the Lightwave line-up with an overall length of 13.7m and a displacement weight of 6500kg at its lightest. Capable of sleeping up to seven people in a standard 3 cabin layout, the luxury sailing yacht is opening up a new world of twin hull sailing to a range of satisfied clients.

‘Skedaddle’ and her crew are now making preparations for their first real offshore ocean adventure with the Page’s adding all the extra comforts of home, including their piano for onboard entertainment.

With a host of live-in luxuries and the reliability of Yanmar behind them every step of the way, there is every reason for this enthusiastic sailing couple to call their new Lightwave 45’ a luxury apartment on water.

Power Equipment is the exclusive and authorised Australian, PNG and South Pacific distributor of Yanmar Marine and Industrial diesel engines importing product from Yanmar plants in Japan, Asia, USA and Europe. With an extensive marine dealer and branch network, Power Equipment has the expertise and experience to assist boat owners and boat builders for both new installations and repowers. Power Equipment also distribute the Yanmar powered MASE diesel marine generators range and Gori high quality folding sailboat propellers.

For further information on this story contact:

Michael Blair
National Marine Sales Manager
Power Equipment Pty Ltd
Tel (03) 9764 0711
Fax (03) 9764 0678
Email power.equipment@yanmar.com.au