Lombardini Saildrives

[Whimsical]

I have been trying to research these drives but have not found much. I see Fastcat is the distributor in S.A. so I am hoping for an unbiased reply from him . Does anybody have any experience.
They are the lightest available that I have found. I would like Kubota based but the Nanni version has a weight penalty of 40 Kg each at 30 HP
Reliability
Servicability
etc

Mike

[fastcat435]

Hallo Whimsical

Yes we became the distributor 4 years ago and have sold around 80 engines with saildrives since then ,
The reason for us to install them is the low weight , low fuel consumption and high power output on the prop.
We have had no problems besides a leaking intercooler on the Prototype after 700 hours of running time , we notified the US distributor in New jersey and the next day it was fixed.
The 13 Hp version is especcially light , being developed for small racers and completely build in aluminum.
So far we have been very happy with them , BTW Kohler in the US owns Lombardini.
Gideon Goudsmit

[Whimsical]

Originally Posted by fastcat435

BTW Kohler in the US owns Lombardini.

I thought Lombardini was part of the Fiat group. In Aus the exact same unit is also sold as an Iveco, Fiat, but at 50% more than the Lombardini.
How easy are they to service. E.G. Can the leg oil be changed without hauling, Yanmar
Mike

[scotte]

Originally Posted by Whimsical

I thought Lombardini was part of the Fiat group. In Aus the exact same unit is also sold as an Iveco, Fiat, but at 50% more than the Lombardini.

From what I could find, the Italian parent company, Lombardini Srl, was recently sold to Kohler by Mark IV Industries, as Fastcat mentioned. I couldn't turn up a connection to Fiat, but that doesn't really mean anything... If the reliability difference between Japanese and Italian cars holds true to marine engines, I'll stick with my Yanmars. (That was a joke for the humor impaired. And yes I've got a French boat. Bring on the jokes, I've heard 'em all ).