OMC Zephyr, The curious OMC's Saildrive - Yachting Curiosities - Nautimundo

Discover the fascinating history of OMC's Saildrive, an innovative and pioneering propulsion system for sailboats that made a mark in the marine industry. In this video, we delve into how OMC, known for their Johnson and Evinrude outboard motors, ventured into the world of Saildrive in 1977 with their Zephyr. By adapting gasoline engines from their popular outboards, OMC created a powerful and efficient unit for sailboats ranging from 7 to 9 meters. With a clever mounting system and high-thrust propeller options, the Zephyr offered smooth and quiet performance, excelling in speed trials and fuel consumption. Despite its innovation, the Zephyr failed to establish itself in the market and was discontinued in 1984. Join us on this journey through the history of OMC's Saildrive and discover its unique legacy in sailing! #sailing #boat #yacht