Vetus VH4.80 vs Yanmar 4JH80
The Vetus VH4.80 is a 80 hp 4-cylinder marine diesel aimed at larger vessels, and a common alternative to the Yanmar 4JH80. Both are 4-cylinder marine diesels. Both sit in the same power bracket — the Vetus at 80 hp and the Yanmar at 80 hp, so the real differences come down to mechanical versus electronic injection, weight and local support.
VH4.80 · 80 hp
View full specs
4JH80 · 80 hp
At a glance: Vetus VH4.80 vs Yanmar 4JH80
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 VH4.80
- High-output marine alternator fitted as standard (115 A).
- Self-bleeding fuel system — no manual bleeding after filter changes.
- Mechanically governed indirect-injection diesel — no engine ECU or common-rail electronics to fault, easy to service away from a dealer.
- Counter-balanced shafts for exceptionally low vibration.
- 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 4JH80
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 4JH80 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 VH4.80 counters that 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 VH4.80 vs Yanmar 4JH80 — FAQs
Is the Vetus VH4.80 lighter than the Yanmar 4JH80?
Not in this case — the Yanmar 4JH80 is the lighter of the two (229 kg vs 245 kg for the Vetus VH4.80).
Can I get the Vetus VH4.80 with a saildrive?
Yes — the Vetus VH4.80 is available with both shaft drive and saildrive, as is the Yanmar 4JH80.
Which has the longer warranty, the Vetus VH4.80 or the Yanmar 4JH80?
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 VH4.80 have electronic or mechanical injection?
The Vetus VH4.80 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 4JH80 uses electronic common-rail injection, which is refined but adds electronic dependence.
Where can I buy the Vetus VH4.80 in Victoria?
Luxfords Marine Industrial Solutions in Mornington is the authorised Victorian Vetus distributor and can supply, advise on and support the Vetus VH4.80, including parts and around-the-engine packages. Call (03) 5973 6444 for a quote.
Get a Vetus VH4.80 quote
Tell us about your vessel and we'll confirm whether the Vetus VH4.80 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 6444
