The Yanmar 4LV series is a five-model family of four-cylinder marine diesels spanning 150 to 250 mhp — the 4LV150, 4LV170, 4LV195, 4LV230 and 4LV250. All five share the same turbocharged, intercooled block, developed from a proven Toyota automotive diesel, with Denso common rail direct injection giving the quiet, smooth, virtually smoke- and odour-free running the series is known for.
Introduced in 2017 as Yanmar's modern mid-range, the 4LV sits between the compact JH sailboat engines and the larger six-cylinder 6LY and V8 8LV families. It complies with US EPA Tier 3 and EU RCD 2 emissions standards, and can be specified with full electronic controls and NMEA 2000 connectivity for modern displays, or conventional mechanical controls where simplicity is preferred.
The 4LV range
All five 4LV models share the same four-cylinder block, so the ratings differ mainly in calibration and rated engine speed and the installation footprint stays very similar across the range. The 4LV150, 4LV170 and 4LV195 make peak power at 3,500 rpm and suit heavier hulls, sailing yachts and owners who cruise at moderate speeds, while the 4LV230 and 4LV250 rev to 3,800 rpm for planing hulls chasing stronger top-end performance. The right pick is the rating that reaches your target cruise speed at relaxed revs with a realistic load on board — we're happy to run the numbers against your hull, gearbox ratio and propeller before you commit.
4LV150
150 MHP4-cylinder · 3.31L · Denso common rail direct injection
View engine4LV170
170 MHP4-cylinder · 3.31L · Denso common rail direct injection
View engine4LV195
195 MHP4-cylinder · 3.31L · Denso common rail direct injection
View engine
4LV230
230 MHP4-cylinder · 3.31L · Denso common rail direct injection
View engine4LV250
250 MHP4-cylinder · 3.31L · Denso common rail direct injection
View engineDrive options
Shaft drive
Paired with Yanmar's KMH-series hydraulic marine gearboxes — the down-angle KMH50A or the KMH50V V-drive, each in a choice of reduction ratios. The V-drive suits aft engine rooms and centre-cockpit sailing yachts where the engine sits well back in the hull.
ZT370 sterndrive
Yanmar's own diesel-rated twin-propeller sterndrive, offered on selected 4LV ratings as the Z models. Twin sterndrive installations can add Yanmar's JC10 joystick for close-quarters manoeuvring — we can confirm which ratings are currently available with the ZT370.
Waterjet
The 4LV can also be matched to waterjet propulsion for shallow-draft, high-manoeuvrability or commercial applications — ask us about suitable jet pairings for your vessel.
Boats this family suits
Pricing, repower advice or a spec for your boat
Tell us your vessel and how you use it — we'll recommend the right model and drive, with dealer pricing.
Why buy your 4LV from Mariner
Quiet, clean common rail power
Denso common rail injection continuously matches fuelling to load, so the 4LV runs smoothly and quietly with virtually no smoke or odour — and it complies with US EPA Tier 3 and EU RCD 2 emissions standards.
Authorised Yanmar dealer
Mariner Engineering is an authorised Yanmar dealer in Spotswood, Melbourne. We supply new 4LV engines and back them with factory-trained servicing, common rail diagnostics and genuine Yanmar parts across Port Phillip.
Repower packages, done properly
We quote 4LV repowers as a complete job: engine and gearbox or sterndrive package, engine beds, cooling, exhaust and controls, then installation and sea-trial commissioning so the boat is handed back proven, not promised.
Yanmar 4LV — your questions answered
Which 4LV model do I need for my boat?
It depends on hull type, displacement and the cruise speed you actually run at, not just headline horsepower. Because all five models share the same block, the installation footprint barely changes — so the decision comes down to the 3,500 rpm ratings (150/170/195) for heavier or moderate-speed boats versus the 3,800 rpm 230 and 250 for planing performance. Bring us your boat's details and we'll size the engine, gear ratio and prop together.
Can I repower my existing shaft-drive boat with a 4LV?
In many cases, yes — the 4LV's compact automotive-derived package often fits where older, heavier engines of similar output once sat. We inspect the engine beds, shaft line, gearbox ratio, cooling and exhaust before quoting, and every repower we do includes installation and sea-trial commissioning. The KMH50V V-drive gearbox option helps where the engine needs to sit well aft.
Is there a saildrive version of the 4LV?
No — Yanmar doesn't offer a factory saildrive for the 4LV. It pairs with shaft drive (including V-drive) or the ZT370 sterndrive on selected models. Yanmar's saildrive packages are built around the smaller JH series engines, so if your yacht needs a saildrive we can advise the right JH combination; if it's shaft-driven, the 4LV is well worth considering.
Who services the 4LV in Melbourne?
We do. As an authorised Yanmar dealer we service 4LV engines with factory-trained technicians, genuine Yanmar parts and the diagnostic tools common rail engines require, from our Spotswood workshop serving Port Phillip and wider Victoria. Servicing with an authorised dealer also keeps your warranty position clean.
Ask about the 4LV range
Tell us your vessel, how you use it, and whether this is a new build or a repower — our team will recommend the right Yanmar 4LV model and drive, with pricing, usually within 1 business day.