Isuzu Power at the heart of Super Silent Marine Generator
by Isuzu Power Solutions 14 Aug 16:47 AEST
Vortum © Isuzu Power Solutions
With our population concentrated along vast coastal regions and kilometres of major waterways, it's perhaps a bit of a given that we have a fascination with life on the water. In fact, one in every 10 Aussies currently hold a boat licence.
The growing popularity in boating has seen an increase in not only new recreational boat sales, but also larger pleasure vessels, as part of a booming industry worth $10.12 billion annually.
According to Boating Industry Australia (BIA) statistics, larger pleasure vessels (+10 metres) represented an 8.4 percent growth in registrations over the past five years, contributing to an overall increase of five percent in 2024.
On-water power
Customers investing in this premium marine segment demand some of the highest levels of comfort, efficiency and build quality, including the uninterrupted (and quiet) operation of power supply to the vessel.
Outside of a vessel's propulsion system, power generation for all alternating current (AC) equipment needed on the boat is provided via an onboard diesel generator set, powering lighting, refrigeration, water pumps and much more.
Designed and built in Brisbane by Zenith Engineering, a specialist in commercial marine power generation, the all-new Vortum range is powered by a selection of Isuzu Power Solutions' (IPS) diesel engines.
Making a mark
Vortum, has introduced an off-the-shelf range of diesel-powered marine generators underpinned by a range of Isuzu engines including the naturally aspirated four-cylinder 4LE1NYGV02 at the heart of the 18.5kVA unit.
Manufactured in Japan, the ultra-reliable 4LE1NYGV02 2.2-litre diesel engine produces a continuous rating of 19.5 kW @ 1500 RPM emitting low noise, while also achieving low fuel consumption and low maintenance.
"The broader Zenith Engineering business has been built on supplying high-quality commercial-grade marine generators, said John Jennings Director of Sales for Vortum.
"We saw an opportunity to bring that same level of quality to the pleasure boat market.
"All Isuzu engines are 'marinised' by Zenith using proprietary water-cooled ancillaries that have been proven over more than 45 years in the commercial marine environment.
"We've been using Isuzu diesel engines since the 1970s and this long-term partnership has been built not just on quality of the product produced but also the ongoing personalised support from Isuzu."
Only the best
Vortum is designed for premium vessels where owners only want the very best, from engine quality and reliability, right down to the sound attenuation and finish.
Through the performance testing period Zenith Engineering approached Rodney Stevens Acoustics, a third-party sound engineer, to carry out sound pressure testing on the unit at full load. The 18.5KVA unit achieved a sound pressure rating of just 57dB.
"The Vortum slogan is, 'Australia's Most Forgettable Marine Generator' because we wanted to highlight that you won't hear it, and you'll rarely need to see it, due to unrivalled reliability," said Michael Jennings, Vortum Business Development Manager.
"The cutting-edge sound attenuation combined with the power delivery from the reliable Isuzu range of engines; is what boat builders and owners are attracted to in the Vortum range.
Upcoming models include:
- 13.4kVA - Powered by the Isuzu 3CE1 three-cylinder engine
- 7.4kVA - Featuring the compact and efficient 3CB1
Changing tides
When it comes to on-water power, reliability is the number one priority with the new Vortum range offering a standardised pre-engineered solution.
"All of our standard open set builds are made-to-order to suit customer requirements in the commercial marine market," said Michael Jennings.
"However, with the Vortum range we have utilised all the best parts of our commercial offering and standardised the build so that we can get a production line going, with the aim of always holding the Votum range in stock ready to go.
"We were hearing regularly from customers that the biggest issue they were facing when procuring a new marine generator was availability.
"With some even being advised of up to eight months lead times. So, we really wanted to produce a high-end product that was readily available, and that's what we have achieved with the new Vortum range.
"No expense has been spared in the selection of components within the Vortum range. Incorporating only the highest quality genuine components such as the Isuzu Power Solutions engine coupled with Mecc Alte alternator.
This combined with Zenith's 45 years of fabricating highly reliable marine cooling packages fitted to every unit.
"With our knowledge and experience in this space, we've considered a number of elements, including power and outlet requirements, interchangeable wet exhaust outlets on both ends of the unit and the use of ultra reliable componentry of the highest quality," said John Jennings.
"What we're hearing back from interested parties is that we've ticked all the boxes satisfied all the customers' requirements in our design and build.
Two of the best
John Robinson, Isuzu Power Solutions Manager for Queensland and New South Wales, said the Vortum-Isuzu release is an exciting opportunity for Zenith Engineering and IPS.
"The Jennings family are passionate about the marine generator business, and they continue to be an outstanding Isuzu Power Solutions Dealer," said Mr Robinson.
"The Vortum range is a product designed and built around the Isuzu engine models and Zenith Engineering has involved IPS in the process.
"IPS is extremely impressed with what has been produced and know that Vortum will be backed by continued support from Zenith and Isuzu."
Country-wide support
John Jennings added that Isuzu's vast dealer network is set to be an added bonus for Vortum customers.
"Isuzu has over 70 dealer sites that are all diesel engine specialists with strong parts supply," said Mr Jennings.
"This means consumables and engine spare parts are readily available all over the country, which is unmatched for competing brands.
"Plus, the dealers know Zenith Engineering as an Isuzu marine engine specialist and can easily reach out to us if they have a customer needing further assistance.
"With the Vortum introduction we have done our homework with the pleasure boat industry, and with the help of Isuzu, we've also ensured that this marine diesel generator is a cut above the rest in terms of supply and ongoing support."