Yanmar’s six-cylinder 6LY3-ETP diesel engine has been selected by Silver Arrows Marine to power its distinctive, new, 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’ development by Silver Arrows Marine, a UK builder of innovative 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.
Design
The design of the yacht, with its long foredeck above a planing hull with a narrowly tapered freeboard, arched roofline and gently dipping rear, deliberately evokes the feel of today’s Mercedes cars. Beyond looks, an important part of the “sensual purity” of the design concept is smoothness and efficiency in operation. This is one reason why the Mercedes-Silver Arrows partnership chose Yanmar’s refined and efficient engines to power the project.
Collaboration
The choice of Yanmar was reinforced by the fact that its marine engines are all purpose-designed for marine applications. For luxury car maker 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. Looking ahead: “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 reveals.
