The 8LV is the V8 of Yanmar's common rail leisure diesel range: an eight-cylinder engine developed around a proven Toyota automotive V8 diesel block and marinised by Yanmar, with Denso common rail direct injection, turbocharging with intercooling and fully electronic engine management. Rated to 3,800 rpm, it behaves more like a refined petrol V8 than a traditional marine diesel — quick to spin up, smooth and notably quiet — while keeping diesel economy, torque and range. We supply the family in two ratings: the 8LV320 at 320 mhp and the 8LV370 at 370 mhp.
Yanmar pitches the 8LV as having class-leading power-to-weight among diesels of this output, and its compact V8 layout keeps the installation short and low — a big part of why it has become a popular diesel conversion for boats originally fitted with big-block petrol V8 sterndrive packages. Electronic controls, NMEA 2000 connectivity and a high-output alternator as standard suit modern, electronics-heavy boats, and twin sterndrive installations can add Yanmar's joystick docking system.
The 8LV range
The 8LV320 and 8LV370 share the same V8 block, injection system and installation envelope, so choosing between them comes down to how much power your hull actually needs. The 8LV370 suits heavier boats, twin-engine flybridge installations, and repowers where you want to restore or improve original performance with headroom to spare; the 8LV320 is the sensible pick for lighter or more easily driven hulls, or owners who cruise at moderate speeds and value a less stressed engine. Because the two are dimensionally alike, the installation work is essentially the same either way — we size the engine against your boat's displacement, gearing and propeller, then confirm the numbers on a sea trial before sign-off.
Drive options
Shaft drive (KMH marine gears)
Paired with Yanmar's KMH50A (8° down-angle) or KMH52V (integral V-drive) hydraulic marine gears for conventional inboard shaft installations — the typical choice for flybridge cruisers and offshore fishing boats.
ZT370 sterndrive
Yanmar's own twin counter-rotating-propeller sterndrive with a hydraulic clutch, purpose-matched to the 8LV in Z-drive form. Twin installations can be optioned with Yanmar's JC10 joystick control for close-quarters handling.
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 8LV from Mariner
Automotive-refined V8 performance
Built on a modern automotive V8 diesel platform with Denso common rail injection, the 8LV revs to 3,800 rpm with petrol-like throttle response and low noise and vibration — with Yanmar claiming class-leading power-to-weight for a diesel of this output.
Repower-friendly package
Short, low and compact for a V8 of this power, the 8LV is a natural diesel conversion for boats running large petrol V8s — with sterndrive or shaft configurations to match most existing layouts. We handle the full changeover, from engineering assessment to installation and sea-trial commissioning.
Authorised Yanmar dealer support
Mariner Engineering in Spotswood supplies new 8LV engines with factory-trained installation, commissioning, servicing and genuine Yanmar parts — local, ongoing support for owners across Port Phillip Bay and Victoria. Call (03) 9399 5888.
Yanmar 8LV — your questions answered
Should I choose the 8LV320 or the 8LV370?
They share the same V8 platform, so it's a question of load, not layout. Heavier hulls, twin flybridge installations and owners chasing higher cruise speeds are usually better served by the 370; lighter sports cruisers and boats that spend most of their time at moderate cruise often don't need more than the 320. Bring us your boat's weight, current engine details and how you use it, and we'll run the sizing and confirm it on a sea trial.
Can the 8LV replace the petrol V8 in my sterndrive boat?
Often, yes — the 8LV was designed with exactly this conversion in mind, and in Z-drive form it pairs with Yanmar's ZT370 sterndrive. That said, every repower depends on transom geometry, leg compatibility, engine bay space, weight distribution and wiring, so we inspect the boat and confirm feasibility before quoting rather than assuming a straight swap.
Sterndrive or shaft — which should I choose?
For a repower, the existing configuration usually decides it: converting between shaft and sterndrive is rarely economic. For a new build or major refit, the ZT370 sterndrive offers trim control, shallow-water ability and joystick docking in twins, while shaft drive via the KMH gears is the simpler, proven choice for offshore and flybridge boats. We'll talk through your boat and usage before recommending either.
Can you service the 8LV locally after installation?
Yes. As an authorised Yanmar dealer we service 8LV engines with factory-trained technicians and genuine Yanmar parts from our Spotswood workshop, following Yanmar's factory service schedule — which also keeps your warranty position clean. We support owners across Port Phillip Bay and wider Victoria.
Ask about the 8LV 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 8LV model and drive, with pricing, usually within 1 business day.