Cox Powertrain, the British engine company, just introduced its new 300-hp diesel outboard at the Fort Lauderdale International Boat Show, calling it “the highest power-density diesel outboard engine ever developed.” Cox says the diesel outboard offers more torque, 25 percent more range, and three times the lifespan than gas outboards with comparable horsepower.
The new diesel builds on the continually growing popularity of outboard power, even for large cruising boats. Indeed, the new MJM 53Z, scheduled for next summer, will be powered by four 350-hp Mercury Verado gas outboards, with a predicted top speed of 50 mph. The demand for outboards on new boats has outstripped the ability of some of the largest producers, such as Yamaha, to supply their dealers and boat manufacturers.
Cox developed its new CXO300 after winning a contract from the British Ministry of Defense for a diesel outboard for its fast response boats. It’s based on a four-stroke, V-8 architecture while providing greater fuel efficiency, range, higher torque and total cost savings when compared to gas outboards.
The company says the engine, which weighs 827 pounds, has low-end torque to push heavy hulls through the water with less strain on the engine, while also offering more torque than gas outboards at higher ranges. As a result, the company says a boat owner could use three CXO300s instead of four 300-hp gas outboards and end up with the same, or better, performance.
The new CXO300 costs $50,000, but the company says a user could save money over the course of time because of the engine’s longer life, based on 6,000 hours of use and an overhaul at 3,000 hours. Read more:
