Review: Scania DI16 1150hp V8 Marine Engine
A Powerful Statement
When I set out to test the new Maritimo M70 Motor Yacht, something surprised me. Knowing the out-going M65 from previous experience, the M70 was quieter and more refined underway. Prompting the sales team, I discovered the team had moved to Scania DI16 V8’s over the M65’s Caterpillar C18 ACERTs.
The choice of Scania powerplants – each 1150hp and displacing 16.4 litres – was partly down to performance, being near the hull’s maximum power rating, but also on account of their long service intervals and cruising economy. Having cruised aboard an M65 running CAT C18s, I found the Scanias noticeably smoother and quieter.
Power delivery from the twin 1150hp V8’s is smooth, with very little lurch as revs and turbo pressures rise to deliver full power at 2200rpm. The engines are exceptionally well insulated, the optional privacy door on the Maritimo M70 Motor Yacht isolating the salon from the bridge further softening their deep V8 rumble.
FUEL MISERS
Inside the seclusion of the broadwater, at a fast 18kt cruise, we saw only 200 litres per hour combined fuel burn, a surprisingly good result for a 48,000kg vessel bearing testament both to the efforts of Scania and the design efficiency of the slippery shaft-driven hull. Opening the throttle out to an indicated 100 per cent load gave us just shy of 30kt at 2300rpm, the engines peak rpm. The hull had just been cleaned but the engines were still in break-in hours, so I feel confident 30kt will be a reality for the M70 once the Scania’s have loosened a touch.
Impressively, at full flight fuel consumption only jumped to 400 litres per hour. Slowing the pace and relaxing the hull back into the water, economy steadied at 15 litres per hour at 7 knots. With the optional 2000L fuel tank added here, the total 8300-litre capacity makes a 3800nm trip possible, putting the whole Pacific in reach from mainland Australia and with planning, a DI16 equipped M70 has true global reach.
LOW MAINTENANCE TECH
The Scania DI16 V8 has its roots in heavy vehicles and was first marinised in 2015. At 16.4 litres it features wet cylinder liners and individual cylinder heads with four valves each, making major servicing easier and more affordable. A service interval of 500 hours is one of the longest and I’m told they’re relatively cheap compared with rival brands’ equivalent motors. Power ratings run from 550hp to the gargantuan 1150hp here, and all feature direct injection. The DI16-076M is also IMO Tier II and EU Stage IIIA emissions compliant. Impressively, the engine is rated above 1000hp at only 1800rpm while at the same rpm and a 25 per cent load is claimed to consume only 200L/h – impressive for the power.