Yanmar SDe15 integrated electric saildrive motor and leg

Overview

Integrated 15 kW electric saildrive for sub-40-foot sailboats

Yanmar's 15 kW SDe15 is a 48 V integrated electric saildrive designed for new sailboats and selected YM-series repower installations.

Year

2026

Boat Type

Sailboat

Propulsion

Electric Inboard

Location

Netherlands / Japan

About the SDe15 Electric Saildrive

The SDe15 is the largest model in Yanmar's first electric saildrive range, above the 7 and 10 kW versions. It combines the permanent-magnet motor, gear, controller and liquid-cooling circuit in an integrated leg, simplifying the component layout compared with assembling a motor and third-party saildrive separately. Rated output is 15 kW at 2,700 rpm, with 14.7 kW published at the propeller shaft. Yanmar positions the range for sailboats below 40 feet, depending on displacement and application, and describes it as a drop-in replacement for compatible Yanmar YM installations without hull modification. That does not make every repower automatic: leg geometry, foundation condition, electrical space, propeller selection and vessel certification still need professional review. The 78 kg dry weight covers the motor, leg and gear but excludes the propeller and battery system.

Best For

Sailboats under 40 feet with a compatible saildrive installation
Builders wanting propulsion, controller and cooling from one supplier
YM-series repowers where the existing hull geometry is suitable

Performance in Context

The SDe15 has an S2-60 rating: Yanmar specifies at least 60 minutes at full rated output under its stated temperature conditions. It is not described as a continuous 15 kW rating for unlimited duration. Maximum forward motor speed is 2,900 rpm, with a 3,300 rpm reverse-boost mode and a 2.13:1 gear ratio. Boat speed remains a function of waterline, displacement and propeller. Yanmar does not advertise hydrogeneration for this model, so it should not be assumed.

Battery and Charging

Yanmar specifies a 48-volt LiFePO4 system and lists four LFP230 modules, totaling 23.2 kWh, as the minimum battery configuration for the SDe15. The brochure estimates about 4 hours 45 minutes at 30-percent power, 2 hours 45 minutes at 50 percent and 1 hour 15 minutes at full output with that minimum pack. These are estimated runtimes and exclude other onboard loads. Charging equipment and shore-power rate are installation choices rather than part of the standard motor package.

Availability and Pricing

The SDe15 is a current Yanmar product sold through its marine distribution network. Yanmar does not publish a fixed retail price and notes that the battery and propeller are not included in standard delivery. Quotes should separate the drive, four-module minimum battery system, controls, charger, propeller, installation and commissioning so competing proposals can be compared fairly.