With the RVI Sail 15, the Berlin-based company Arens has developed an innovative propulsion concept for small sailing boats up to
30 feet. At its heart is a very compact two-stroke boxer engine measuring 60 x 43 x 30 centimetres with common-rail direct injection and 15 hp output. The engine is installed on a foundation with an integrated gearbox. The boat is powered by a saildrive.
The manufacturer promises to combine the advantages of an outboard with those of an inboard engine: If the petrol supply line, exhaust hose and Bowden cables are removed, the engine can be detached from the foundation and lifted out of the engine room in a single movement. Thanks to the relatively low weight of 37 kilograms, this can be done by two people. The engine can then be stored in the attic at home for the winter or taken in for servicing.
This is made possible by modern two-stroke technology, whereby the oil is not added directly to the fuel as in the past, but is automatically sprayed in small quantities to the areas to be lubricated. This eliminates the need for an oil pan, oil pump, filter and oil pressure monitor, which are common on four-stroke engines and add a lot of weight. The engine with foundation (gearbox) and Saildrive weighs a total of 52 kilograms.
The Arens RVI Sail 15 will be available from spring 2019 and costs €11,290 with all components but without the tank.
The new two-stroke engine from Arens explains
Michael Rinck
Redakteur Test & Technik
