More power. Improved acceleration. Optimized performance.
From factory our catamaran came with two Yanmar 4JH45 marine diesel engines. The same base block as the 4JH57, the 4JH45 motors are tuned to provide 45 HP per side. With a set of STEINBAUER PowerModules we were able to upgrade that to around 60 HP without any downsides.
Our PowerModules have been installed since 2022 and have worked flawlessly over the years, so in this article I’m going to share with you who STEINBAUER are, their close connection to sailing life, how the tech works, and our experience aboard SV Liger.
Who are STEINBAUER?#
STEINBAUER is an Austrian company named for the founder and CEO, Hebert Steinbauer, a fellow catamaran owner. In the late 1990’s he identified a new way to improve diesel engine tuning and began developing an intelligent plug and play module centered around fuel injection.
Today STEINBAUER PowerModules are available in over 30 countries around the globe, used within the automotive, construction, agriculture and marine industries. They continue to be made in Austria, as well as at their American facility in Michigan, and Herbert remains a key player in the development process.
How STEINBAUER PowerModules work#
STEINBAUER PowerModules improve engine performance by optimising the injector cycle.
Unlike ECU Flash Tuning or Rail Tuning Boxes, they don’t increase boost or common rail pressure, or override the manufacturers software, deactivate error codes or ignore safety parameters. In fact, there’s no ECU footprint at all.
Installing our modules#
STEINBAUER PowerModules have been part of the 4WD upgrade market in Australia for some time, but it was when we were buying out Leopard 45 catamaran that we connected with Herbet Steinbauer, and Sherie Dooly-Jones, the site manager of STEINBAUER Engineering USA.
General chats about yacht upgrades evolved into a discussion about having STEINBAUER PowerModules installed on the catamaran engines. The logic of how the system worked made sense to Trent, and in 2022 our Leopard 45 became the second catamaran to have them installed. Trent paid for his modules, installed them with Tynan, and our data was used by STEINBAUER for development. Since then, multiple other catamarans have installed the modules with positive results.
Benefits of marine diesel engine tuning#
There’s a range of benefits to having STEINBAUER PowerModules installed on your marine engines:
- Better fuel consumption and performance
- Engine fuels as intended
- No revving to clear carbon build up
- Reach RPM limit faster
- No ECU footprint
- Easy installation
- Optimise engine for a larger prop size – more power with less RPM
- Robust construction (dust, vibration, moisture & heat resistant)
Here’s what we’ve anecdotally noticed on our Leopard 45:
- The motor was more responsive (quicker to accelerate) during docking and undocking. This made it easier to turn and compensate for the wind, especially when it was blowing towards the dock.
- Conditions where we would have needed to run two motors previously, now only need one.
- Able to maintain a higher average speed with a single engine.
- Faster with the same or less fuel consumption, depending on the conditions.
- We don’t need to rev the engine to clear carbon build up
Marine engines PowerModules are available for#
Currently the modules are available for two diesel motors used by boat builders; the Yanmar 4JH45 engine (45 HP) and Volvo Penta D3 (110 HP). Just by optimising the injector cycle, the 4JH45 can perform at 60HP and the Volvo Penta D3 at 145 HP.
You can check their current availability directly.
Impact on engine warranty#
One of the major concerns owners express with installing the modules is the impact on the manufacturers warranty. The truth is, it shouldn’t have one.
I sat down with Sherie to discuss this topic, covering how STEINBAUER PowerModules impact warranty and what legal protections are offered for the installation of aftermarket engine components.
Things to keep in mind#
Here’s a few things to keep in mind if you’re considering installing a STEINBAUER PowerModule.
- For even better performance you can increase the size of your prop.
- It’s important ensure that your valve clearances remain within the manufacturers specifications. If you’re not sure how to do this then this tutorial might help.
- STEINBAUER ship worldwide so it’s no problem if you’re located outside of the United States or Austria.
For more information#
For more information head to the STEINBAUER USA website and if you have any questions you can email us or speak to STEINBAUER directly:
- Email us: travelsketchsailing@gmail.com
- STEINBAUER (USA): info@steinbauerusa.com or +1 (269) 230 0400
Travel Sketch is about using the time we have on this planet to seek adventure and live life to the fullest. Our crew says yes to experiences, tackling what life throws our way with a sense of humor and belief that we can do whatever we set our minds to. Today that crew includes Trent, Telicia, Lukasz, and Aussie Shepherd, Rose.
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