Vetus M4.45 vs Yanmar 4JH45
The Vetus M4.45 is a 42 hp 4-cylinder marine diesel aimed at larger sailboats and powerboats, and a common alternative to the Yanmar 4JH45. Both are 4-cylinder marine diesels. The Yanmar rates slightly higher on paper (45 hp vs 42 hp), though both target similar vessels, so the real differences come down to mechanical versus electronic injection, weight and local support.
M4.45 · 42 hp
View full specs
4JH45 · 45 hp
At a glance: Vetus M4.45 vs Yanmar 4JH45
Side-by-side specifications. The highlight tags are generated from the published figures — where the Yanmar genuinely wins a measure, we show it.
Specifications sourced from manufacturer data sheets and correct at time of publishing — confirm current specifications before purchase. *Vetus warranty: 3 years standard plus a 2-year driveline extension with a Vetus around-the-engine package.
Why choose the Vetus M4.45
- High-output marine alternator fitted as standard (110 A).
- Self-bleeding fuel system — no manual bleeding after filter changes.
- Lighter installed weight — 199 kg vs 220 kg.
- Mechanically governed indirect-injection diesel — no engine ECU or common-rail electronics to fault, easy to service away from a dealer.
- Approved for HVO renewable diesel.
- Backed by Luxfords Marine, the authorised Victorian Vetus distributor — local advice, stock and genuine parts support.
Things to weigh up with the Yanmar 4JH45
Where the Yanmar is strong
- Own-design engines with a strong reputation
- Cheaper consumables/parts, widely available
- Strong Australian distributor support
- JH-CR models use electronic Bosch common-rail — refined, but adds an engine ECU and diagnostic-tool dependence versus a fully mechanical diesel.
The verdict
The Yanmar 4JH45 is a sound choice in its own right — known for own-design engines with a strong reputation. For recreational and cruising owners in Victoria, the Vetus M4.45 counters that it's lighter to install (199 kg vs 220 kg) and its mechanical injection is simpler to service away from a dealer — and it adds a high-output alternator as standard, a self-bleeding fuel system and local backup. As the authorised Victorian Vetus distributor, Luxfords can advise on, supply and support it locally, with genuine parts.
Vetus M4.45 vs Yanmar 4JH45 — FAQs
Is the Vetus M4.45 lighter than the Yanmar 4JH45?
Yes. The Vetus M4.45 has a lower dry weight (199 kg) than the Yanmar 4JH45 (220 kg) — around 21 kg lighter on a like-for-like basis.
Can I get the Vetus M4.45 with a saildrive?
Yes — the Vetus M4.45 is available with both shaft drive and saildrive, as is the Yanmar 4JH45.
Which has the longer warranty, the Vetus M4.45 or the Yanmar 4JH45?
Vetus offers up to a 5-year warranty (3 years standard plus a 2-year driveline extension with a Vetus around-the-engine package). Yanmar's Australian warranty terms vary — confirm the current Yanmar cover with the supplier so you're comparing like-for-like.
Does the Vetus M4.45 have electronic or mechanical injection?
The Vetus M4.45 uses mechanically-governed indirect injection — there's no engine ECU or common-rail electronics to fault, which makes it straightforward to service away from a dealer. The Yanmar 4JH45 uses electronic common-rail injection, which is refined but adds electronic dependence.
Where can I buy the Vetus M4.45 in Victoria?
Luxfords Marine Industrial Solutions in Mornington is the authorised Victorian Vetus distributor and can supply, advise on and support the Vetus M4.45, including parts and around-the-engine packages. Call (03) 5973 6444 for a quote.
Get a Vetus M4.45 quote
Tell us about your vessel and we'll confirm whether the Vetus M4.45 is the right fit, with pricing, drive options and availability. As the authorised Victorian Vetus distributor, Luxfords offers local advice, stock and genuine parts support.
(03) 5973 6444Get a Quote — Vetus M4.45
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