Fuel Efficiency of the Yanmar 8LV370: What You Need to Know

Fuel Efficiency of the Yanmar 8LV370: What You Need to Know

Fuel Economy of the Yanmar 8LV370: Everything You Need to Know

If you’re looking for a marine diesel that provides power, performance, and economy in a balanced package, then the Yanmar 8LV370 is one of the finest models on the market. When repowering your boat or equipping a new build, the engine provides the combination of economy and dependability that boat purchasers today demand. Fuel Efficiency of the Yanmar 8LV370

And yes—we do have the Yanmar 8LV370 for sale. That being said, in this article, we will look deeply into the fuel efficiency of the Yanmar 8LV370, discuss technical data about it, highlight why it is a top-choice motor among most boat owners, and introduce why buying one today is the way to go.


Why Fuel Efficiency Matters in Marine Engines

Fuel efficiency was the number-one consideration for boat owners when choosing an engine over the last decade. Here’s why:

  • Cost of fuel: Diesel fuel is prone to skyrocketing. A fuel-efficient engine will save you money in the end.
  • More miles per tank: The less fuel you burn, the farther you’ll go on a tank, perfect for more extended trips.
  • Planetary responsibility: Less fuel burned means less emissions, so your boat is more environmentally friendly.
  • Resale value: Boats with efficient, reliable engines will retain their value better.

The Yanmar 8LV370 is designed to offer superior fuel economy without sacrificing performance. Let’s see how.


Overview of the Yanmar 8LV370

Before taking a closer look at the fuel efficiency figures, here’s a brief overview of the key specs of the Yanmar 8LV370:

🔧 Technical Specifications

FeatureDetails
ModelYanmar 8LV370
Power Output370 HP (272 kW) @ 3,800 RPM
Engine Type8-cylinder, V8 design
Displacement4.46 L
AspirationTwin Turbocharged
Fuel SystemCommon rail direct fuel injection
Cooling SystemClosed freshwater cooling
Dry WeightApproximately 450 kg (992 lbs)
Emissions ComplianceEPA Tier 3, EU RCD II
Fuel TypeDiesel
ControlsIncorporate Yanmar’s high-performance electronic control system
Compatible DrivesZT370 sterndrive, KMH50 or KMH70A transmission

Let us proceed now to the subject of fuel efficiency and how the engine is designed for maximum performance per liter of fuel.


1. Common Rail Fuel Injection for Precision Efficiency

One of the features of Yanmar’s 8LV370 is common rail direct fuel injection. With comparison to traditional diesel engines with mechanical injection, common rail technology offers:

  • More precise fuel metering
  • Improved fuel atomization
  • Lower fuel consumption
  • Lower exhaust emissions

This sophisticated system ensures that the engine burns only the optimal quantity of fuel at the optimal time regardless of load conditions. And the dividend? More efficient at all RPM points—not just cruise.


2. Light But Powerful

The 8LV370 is a mere 450 kg, very light for a V8 diesel. This reduced weight has numerous positive impacts on total ship efficiency:

  • Lighter = less water drag
  • Increased vessel trim and balance
  • Optimized fuel efficiency with reduced hull load

Yanmar 8LV370’s power-to-weight balance allows you to sacrifice neither performance nor handling for excellent fuel efficiency.


3. Twin Turbochargers = Power with Economy

Double turbocharging in this engine is a high-performance car engine technology applied worldwide. Double turbos provide:

  • Enhanced throttle response
  • Smooth power
  • Improved economy under both low-speed and high-speed operation

You get all the power you need without burning up excess diesel—ideal for pleasure cruising yachts, sportfishing yachts, and light commercial vessels.


4. Broad RPM Range for Clean Burning

Yanmar 8LV370 operates up to 3,800 RPM, significantly more than other marine diesels. Its high-rev capability allows:

  • Cleaner combustion
  • Less carbon buildup
  • Better fuel burn per cycle

The engine is cleaner and more efficient with age, reducing maintenance and increasing overhaul intervals.


5. Electronic Controls Improve Fuel Management

Yanmar offers electronic control systems with throttle, shift, and monitor functions integrated within. Intelligent controls like these are used to:

  • Improve engine operation in real time
  • Provide real-time fuel flow feedback to the user
  • Prevent over-throttling or fuel excess

By using real-world feedback, cruising patterns can be adjusted to maximize fuel economy according to existing conditions.


6. Optimum Cruising Efficiency Zone

Whereas exact fuel usage rates vary with boat length, payload, and ocean conditions, in-field testing indicates the Yanmar 8LV370 performs best between 2,800–3,200 RPM, where it will burn:

  • About 13–18 liters/hour (3.4–4.8 gallons/hour) under light to medium load

Place it side by side with other engines of comparable horsepower, and you’ll find the Yanmar 8LV370 burns less per nautical mile than a number of them.


7. Emissions Compliance Yields Efficiency

EPA Tier 3 and EU RCD II emission compliant engines are efficient by design. The Yanmar 8LV370 is compliant, which results in:

  • Cleaner burning
  • Less wasted fuel
  • Law-compliant for operation in most regulated waters

This compliance not only saves fuel, it also helps your vessel be ready for future emissions regulations.


8. Flexibility Is Fuel Flexibility

The Yanmar 8LV370 is compatible with:

  • High-speed cruising stern drives
  • Torque and ruggedness of straight shafts
  • Precise handling pod drives

Each installation will be unique, but because the engine is versatile, it can be configured to whatever kind of boat you have—cabin cruiser, center console, or utility boat.


Real-World Testimonials: What Boat Owners Are Saying

Boat owners who have made the upgrade to the Yanmar 8LV370 are reporting:

  • Up to 20% improved fuel efficiency compared to their old engines
  • Longer cruising distance per tank
  • Less downtime and service visits
  • Far quieter and smoother operating

“I installed twin Yanmar 8LV370s in my 35′ express cruiser and experienced fuel savings immediately. We’re traveling farther, quicker, and saving cash,” one customer said.


Why You Should Buy the Yanmar 8LV370 from Us

We don’t simply write about Yanmar engines—we sell them. When you purchase from us, you get:

Factory-direct pricing
Professional engine choice and installation advice
Genuine parts and accessories
Installation and running technical support
Authorized dealer warranty and registration

As a boat owner, DIYer, boatyard, or marine services company, we’ll make your Yanmar 8LV370 purchase simple and supported.


Typical Applications for the 8LV370

The 8LV370 is perfect for:

  • Luxury motor yachts (30–45 meters)
  • Sport fishing boats
  • Pilot and patrol boats
  • High-speed RIBs
  • Commercial tenders

Its compact size and efficient design make it ideal for use where space and weight are at a premium but power must not be sacrificed.


Fuel Efficiency Compared to the Competition

Here is a quick overview of how the Yanmar 8LV370 stacks up against others in its category:

Engine ModelPowerApprox Fuel Burn @ CruiseWeightNotes
Yanmar 8LV370370 HP13–18 L/h450 kgExcellent economy, twin turbo
Cummins QSB6.7380 HP18–22 L/h600+ kgHeavy, large footprint
Volvo D6-370370 HP16–20 L/h~570 kgProminent, with greater component cost
Mercury TDI 4.2370 HP14–19 L/h~470 kgGood motor, less worldwide support

The 8LV370 delivers consistently better power-to-weight and at-cruise or improved fuel efficiency.


Yanmar 8LV370 FAQs

Q: Is the Yanmar 8LV370 sufficient for twin engine installations?
Absolutely! Owners have them installed in twins for redundancy of power and balance.

Q: Does the 8LV370 require premium diesel fuel?
No, it is powered on regular marine diesel. Just maintain fuel clean and well-filtered.

Q: How is maintenance scheduled?
Every 250 hours or on a yearly schedule. Yanmar’s service network makes maintenance easy.

Q: How long do these engines typically last?
With proper maintenance, well over 5,000–7,000 hours.


Conclusion: The Smart Choice for Fuel-Efficient Marine Power

The Yanmar 8LV370 is not just an engine—it’s a fuel-efficient, reliable, long-term performance investment. With pioneering engineering, a proven history, and the best support in the industry, it’s no wonder so many boat owners are making the switch.

And the best part? We’ve got them in stock and ready to ship.
We can help you choose the right configuration, assist with installation, and walk you through everything from setup to service.


Get a Quote or Learn More Today

Time to upgrade or repower your boat?
📞 Call today for price, availability, and technical data on the Yanmar 8LV370.

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