ZF and U.S.-based Gator Tail partner to introduce new air-cooled outboard for extreme conditions

ZF and Gator Tail's new GT-Z air-cooled, heavy-duty, outboard engine, incorporating a unique, patented transmission with custom gear ratio and U-drive shaft arrangement from ZF © Gator Tail

ZF and Gator Tail Outboards introduce a new air-cooled, heavy-duty, outboard with a rugged, customized ZF transmission. The new Gator Tail GT-Z incorporates a unique, patented transmission with custom gear ratio and U-drive shaft arrangement from ZF.

This innovative product allows specialized aluminum boats to traverse harsh swamp and marsh-type environments with unmatched power and reliability. Field-tested and proven for over three years, GT-Z is available now for pre-sale, with deliveries beginning in Q1 2024.

This innovative product meets boaters' desires for more robust and reliable technology to navigate through some of the harshest swamp-like environments in the world. For ZF, a leading manufacturer of marine propulsion systems, the partnership with Gator Tail expands the company's portfolio into new markets.

"ZF is pleased to establish a foothold in this demanding, action-packed market and to contribute additional durability and reliability to these incredible outboard engines," said Keith Stanley, Senior Manager Pleasure Craft, for ZF's Industrial Technology Division - North America & Central America. "Incorporating ZF transmissions into the Gator Tail portfolio truly sets this engine brand apart. There is nothing else on the market like this."

For Gator Tail, a leading manufacturer of air-cooled outboard motors for swamps and marshes with over 20 years of design and manufacturing experience, this collaboration achieves a long-held desire to propel their own product innovation.

"Gator Tail had a vision many years ago to incorporate ZF transmissions into our outboard design. Doing so gives our products additional robustness, simplicity and reliability. It's a highly durable gear box," said Kyle Broussard, Gator Tail founder.

With the GT-Z, boaters will have the ability to go up to 35 MPH through waters of nearly any depth and condition. This includes shallow water, areas with dense vegetation, mud and even over stumps and logs. Its innovative air-cooled engine eliminates overheating in these harsh environments. The air-cooled 40 HP EFI engine, coupled with the specialized ZF gearbox and robust belt-driven drive leg, allows boaters to execute uninterrupted missions in extreme conditions.

Able to traverse shallow water with ease, the GT-Z is designed for both commercial and recreational anglers, government entities, search-and-rescue entities, hunters and more. ZF made the new transmission for the GT-Z possible by cleverly reconfiguring an existing model into a "U Drive" with a special gear ratio. Testing and validation have been under way for over three years to deliver unmatched durability and reliability.

The GT-Z comes standard with a three-year warranty and is currently available for pre-sale, with deliveries starting in Q1 2024. It will be formally introduced at the Fort Lauderdale International Boat Show (FLIBS), from October 25 through 29, at ZF's booth 1051. For more information, customers should contact ZF, Gator Tail or visit ZF's booth at FLIBS.