Australia’s love affair with the water is no secret. With the majority of the population living along our extensive coastlines and river systems, it’s no wonder one in ten Australians hold a boat licence.

This rising interest in boating is fuelling growth not just in recreational vessels, but in larger luxury craft, feeding into a marine industry now valued at $10.12 billion annually.

According to Boating Industry Australia (BIA), registrations for pleasure boats in the 6–8 metre category have risen by 18.9 percent over the past five years, contributing to a five percent increase across the sector in 2024.

 

Power on the water

For owners of high-end marine craft, comfort, efficiency, and flawless power delivery are non-negotiable. Beyond the vessel’s propulsion, electricity for AC-powered systems—such as lighting, fridges, and water pumps—comes from an onboard diesel generator.

The latest name making waves in this market is the Vortum range, designed and assembled in Brisbane by marine power specialists Zenith Engineering, and powered exclusively by Isuzu Power Solutions (IPS) diesel engines.

A premium build

The Vortum lineup features off-the-shelf marine generators built around proven Isuzu engines, including the naturally aspirated four-cylinder 4LE1N, which drives the 18.5kVA model.

Made in Japan, the ultra-reliable 2.2-litre 4LE1N produces a continuous 30.5 kW (41 hp) @ 2600 RPM, while delivering low fuel use, minimal noise, and reduced maintenance needs.

“The broader Zenith Engineering business has been built on supplying high-quality commercial grade marine generator equipment and we saw an opportunity to make a mark in the pleasure boat market,” said John Jennings, Director of Sales for Vortum.

The Isuzu engines are fully “marinised” with Zenith’s water-cooling systems and other specialist ancillaries designed for marine use.

“We’ve been using Isuzu diesel engines since the 1970s and this long-term partnership has been built not just on quality but also back-up in terms of engineering support, supply of the units and parts.”

Quiet achiever

“Vortum is designed for premium vessels where owners only want the very best, from engine quality and reliability, right down to the casing and finish.”

Upcoming releases will include a 13.4kVA generator powered by the IPS 3CE1 three-cylinder, and a 7.4kVA model using the 3CB1 engine.

“The Vortum slogan is, ‘Australia’s Most Forgettable Marine Generator’ because we wanted to highlight that you will not hear the unit in operation,” said Michael Jennings, Vortum Business Development Manager.

Thanks to advanced sound attenuation and a high-quality casing, noise is reduced to just 57 dB(A). The combination of this technology and Isuzu’s reliability is set to appeal to both boat builders and existing vessel owners.

“Our marine generators might be for pleasure craft, but operating on the water in all types of conditions means reliability is essential and it must be up to the task each and every time.”

Ready-made advantage

The decision to supply ready-built generators has already drawn interest at industry events, including the Sanctuary Cove International Boat Show.

“Most manufacturers of high-end pleasure boats purchase ‘built-to-order' marine generators, which means long wait times for customer delivery – sometimes up to 18 months,” said Michael Jennings.

With design features like interchangeable wet exhaust outlets and high-grade components, the Vortum range is proving attractive to manufacturers who can now “build around” these pre-assembled units.

Backed by two leaders

John Robinson, Isuzu Power Solutions Manager for Queensland and New South Wales, sees the partnership as a strong opportunity.

“The Jennings family are passionate about the marine generator business, and they continue to be an outstanding Isuzu Power Solutions Dealer.

“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.”

 

Nationwide support network

“Isuzu has over 70 dealer sites that are all diesel engine specialists with strong parts supply,” said Mr Jennings.

The extensive Isuzu dealer network ensures consumables and spare parts are accessible across the country, with technicians who understand both Isuzu engines and Zenith’s marine applications.

“With the Vortum introduction we really have not just 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.”


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