There's been a noticeable rise in diesel outboard motors lately, shaking things up in the boating world. So, we decided to discuss with industry experts to get the lowdown.
Diesel engines aren't just reserved for cars anymore!
There's been a noticeable rise in diesel outboard motors lately, shaking things up in the boating world. So, we decided to discuss with industry experts to get the lowdown.
But first, let's break it down: What exactly are diesel outboard motors?
Diesel outboard motors are highly valued for their outstanding fuel efficiency and torque.
Unlike gasoline outboards, diesel engines use less fuel while providing more power, which makes them perfect for long-distance cruising and carrying heavy loads.
Their durability and longevity also make them a preferred option for commercial vessels and extended journeys on the water.
Our discussion revolves around Diesel Outboard Motors with Hugh Hudleston & Eugene Cheong.
Hugh Hudleston is the Head of Sales at COX Powertrain and Eugene Cheong is the Head of Strategy and Business Development at Tractors and Machinery International.
Keep reading to find out more about their latest invention and what they have to say about the whole diesel outboard motor.
Dione: There has been a rise in interest in diesel outboard motors in the last few years. What’s been behind that rise?
Hugh: High-powered diesel engines are effectively a new product category. There’s a huge amount of excitement about them and I think this is a huge market-changing trend that’s happening right now. What we’ve been able to do is effectively make something that is much lighter and fit for purpose and bring it to a new application which is the outboard motor.
Dione: Why should a first-time boat buyer or a boat buyer in general, why should they be considering a diesel outboard motor?
Eugene: Well, one big advantage right off the bat is safety. Diesel is inherently safer than petrol due to its lower flammability. Plus, you'll notice significant savings over time with lower fuel consumption, contributing to a lower overall cost of ownership. With a diesel engine, maintenance intervals are longer, and the engine's lifespan is generally extended, which is a definite bonus.
Hugh: Absolutely. Another compelling reason is the efficiency of diesel outboards compared to their petrol counterparts. They consume significantly less fuel per hour, which not only saves you money but also has environmental benefits. Modern diesel engines have made great strides in emissions reduction, reaching a point where they're far more efficient than before. This technological advancement is a game-changer, offering a highly efficient option for boat owners concerned about their environmental impact.
Dione: What’s the product called that you guys have created?
Hugh: What we’ve come up with is the CXO300, which is the high-powered diesel outboard that we developed. It is a 300 horsepower twin turbo V8.
Dione: What sort of boats are suitable for diesel outboard motors and for your particular CXO300, what size boat would that most suit?
Hugh: Well, there are generally two main categories: commercial and leisure boats. When it comes to size, we're talking about vessels ranging from 25 to 50 feet. What's becoming increasingly popular are multiple engine setups, where you might find 3, 4, or even 5 outboards mounted on the back of larger boats. This trend reflects a shift away from bulkier, louder, and heavier inboard motors towards the versatility and efficiency of outboards.
Dione: Starting from scratch must have been quite the undertaking. What were the key design considerations you had to keep in mind?
Hugh: Absolutely, starting with a clean slate allowed us to tailor every aspect specifically for the marine environment. Unlike some engines adapted from automotive use, the CXO300 was purpose-built for boats. We had to ensure it delivered ample power while keeping weight in check, all packaged in a format suitable for outboard mounting.
Our testing process was incredibly thorough, reflecting the reliability advantage diesel offers over petrol. We logged countless hours both on the water and in dyno testing, and had our findings validated by external experts. This rigorous approach ensures that the CXO300 meets the highest standards of performance and dependability.
Dione: So, what's the story behind achieving higher performance and better reliability?
Hugh: Well, it all started with market demand. To meet those expectations, we had to make some strategic choices. For instance, utilising alloy blocks helped us achieve significant weight savings without compromising strength. Our team consists of experienced engineers who were given the freedom to innovate without the limitations of existing designs. This allowed us to create something truly exceptional.
Dione: When you’re talking about high performance, what are a couple of examples of what that looks like?
Hugh: Well, for starters, the engine boasts higher torque compared to its petrol counterpart. It's also impressively 30% more fuel-efficient than a typical gasoline outboard, all without adding significant weight. So, when you combine this improved fuel efficiency with a lightweight package, that's where you really see the extra performance shine through.
Dione: And what about reliability, how do you get better reliability?
Hugh: Well, it's all about putting the engine through rigorous testing. We conducted extensive field and workshop tests, pushing the engine to its limits to ensure it can withstand any challenges thrown its way.
Dione: Tell us a little bit about some of the features that people really like about this new diesel outboard?
Eugene: Absolutely. One of the key highlights is its high torque, which truly elevates the overall experience. Not to mention, it boasts less smoke, noise, and vibration, making for a much smoother and quieter ride compared to petrol outboards. Plus, it's environmentally friendly, with low emission levels meeting EPA Tier 3, IMO Tier II, and Recreational Craft Directive RCD Emission Standards.
Dione: So people are really enjoying the fact that the emissions are lower and there’s this comfort that comes from the technology that’s been put into it. Hugh, what else are people enjoying?
Hugh: Well, one standout aspect is just how remarkably quiet and smooth this engine runs. Typically, diesel engines are associated with noise and blue smoke, but the feedback we've received highlights just how different this outboard is.
We conducted extensive testing with our distributors, even with the previous generation engine, and the leap in smoothness and quietness with this production version is truly remarkable. I believe we may have set a new standard for what a diesel engine can sound like. The technology behind this outboard ensures an exceptionally smooth and quiet experience, and that's something we're incredibly proud of.
Dione: Just to summarise, what would be 3 main reasons that people should look at this if they haven’t looked at it before now?
Hugh: My 3 key reasons would be that they are efficient, they are dependable and they are reliable. And if I may add one more, they’re much safer as well.
Eugene: There’s extra better fuel efficiency that I want to stress on. This is where it justifies the value of the product.
Dione: Is it true that it is going to save me money over time? How does the cost benefit work?
Eugene: The upfront cost of a diesel outboard could be more expensive. It could be double the price. However, you get to save 25% to 30% of the fuel and you have a longer maintenance interval. That will save you a lot of time and money as well and also you don’t have to maintain it frequently. That really gives you a lot of savings that you may not be able to count straight away.
You also have a longer lifespan of the engine. The time between overhaul is 3,000 hours as compared to shorter time between overhaul for petrol outboards. That will really save the owners, especially heavy users, a lot of money over the lifespan of the product.
Dione: So a higher upfront cost but a lower total life cycle cost, is that correct? So a high-quality product that costs more at the beginning but it saves you money over a longer period of time.
Eugene: Yes, that’s correct. We have calculated, for heavy users, if they exceed a thousand hours of usage they will start gaining savings.
Hugh: One of the things you have to look at overall is the total cost of ownership. That’s where this product really excels. You really have to look at the use profile of how you’re going to use it. It does have a longer service life than a petrol engine and as a result, you do get those savings over the long-term.
Dione: To summarise then, what are the main features and benefits of this CXO300 diesel outboard motor over buying a similar petrol outboard motor?
Hugh: If you want a powerful, efficient, quiet, modern diesel engine, then this will be the engine for you and with all the benefits of an outboard package.
Dione: What would you share with people that are coming into the boating world around either outboards or boating in general?
Hugh: It’s always an exciting day when you go to buy a boat but it can be a confusing one. There are so many different types of boats and engines and configurations and that’s even before you consider the cost of ownership and moorings. My advice is to think very hard as to what you actually want the boat for and then look accordingly. Go and have a look around. Go and see what boat suits you and decide really what you want the boat for.
Eugene: For the first-time buyer, I would say that let’s look for the cost efficiency of your engine or your boat. Investing in a quality marine engine can save you a lot of headaches down the line.
Dione: What would be the reasons why people would want to buy a diesel outboard motor compared to a petrol outboard motor? What are the pros and cons between diesel versus petrol?
Hugh: I think you probably got to look at both the pros and cons of diesel versus petrol and then inboard versus outboard.
An inboard engine takes a lot more space and it’s a lot heavier. It’s much harder to get access to that engine when you need to service it. An outboard motor, generally speaking, is much easier to access. You can swap them on and off if you have problems. On the petrol versus diesel question, that’s an easy one because diesel is far more fuel efficient. It’s a much safer fuel and generally speaking, these engines are more reliable.
Dione: What is it that makes a diesel engine more reliable?
Eugene: Diesel engines have a longer lifespan. Generally, diesel engines are designed for longer hours.
Dione: What are the 3 main reasons why a boat buyer would want to buy a diesel outboard motor?
Eugene: Well, firstly, there's the safety aspect. Secondly, you've got the lower overall cost over the life of the engine. And thirdly, the high torque it offers.
Hugh: From my perspective, I'd highlight its efficiency, power, and the fact that it's a purpose-built, next-generation marine diesel engine.
About Hugh Hudleston: Hugh is the Head of Sales at Cox Powertrain Limited. He brings significant experience in developing high-growth SME companies, both in executive and non-executive roles. Additionally, he co-founded FIXR, a VC-backed online events platform and marketplace for students operating in the UK and US. Hugh is also an experienced sailor with a passion for classic powerboats.
About Eugene Cheong: Eugene possesses extensive experience in marketing Caterpillar marine engines and marine propulsion systems in Singapore and Malaysia. After completing his engineering degree, he developed a strong interest in business development and is passionate about identifying revolutionary products in his industry. His recent focus has been on introducing diesel outboard engines to the Asian market.
Note: This interview is being run for the Boat Buyer Expo (www.boatbuyerexpo.com). You can also watch the interview on YouTube HERE.
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