DIESEL OUTBOARDS
Diesel outboards represent a small segment of the recreational boating market, primarily utilized by government and military agencies implementing the use of diesel instead of gasoline for their vessels. This shift contributes to the increasing acceptance of diesel outboards in commercial applications.
Similar to their automotive equivalents, diesel outboards are reliable workhorses that provide extended service intervals, superior range, and are significantly less smelly and smoky compared to older models. The military favors diesel fuel for its lower combustibility compared to gasoline.
Below is a summary of several diesel outboard models available today.
Oxe Marine AB
OXE Marine has positioned itself as a disruptor in the diesel outboard market by offering high-horsepower models. The Swedish manufacturer claims its designs provide superior torque, fuel economy, range, and longevity compared to gasoline engines.
The company features four models ranging from 150 to 300 horsepower. Notably, the OXE300 25-inch diesel version weighs 947 pounds, contrasting significantly with the gasoline-powered Mercury Verado 300, which weighs only 600 pounds.
OXE Marine rates the 300-hp engine at 10,000 hours, having adapted a BMW diesel automobile engine for marine use. Its unique engine position lays horizontally (contrary to most vertical designs) and utilizes a belt system to transfer power to a transmission that drives the lower shaft. This innovative belt design minimizes vibration typically associated with diesel engines and absorbs torque effectively.
OXE Marine’s diesel lineup includes the OXE150, OXE175, OXE200, and OXE300. The company has recently launched a new ultra-high-performance waterjet suitable for its diesel outboards, acting as a bolt-on replacement for standard lower units.
www.oxemarine.com
Cox Marine
Cox Marine exclusively produces the CXO300 diesel outboard, designed for both commercial and recreational use. Reportedly, the 300-horsepower engine boasts 30 percent greater fuel efficiency than its gasoline equivalent.
Generating 479 foot-pounds of torque at 2,250 to 3,000 rpm, the CXO300 reportedly emits 25 to 35 percent less CO2 than gasoline outboards. The CXO300 meets the rigorous BSO-II Bodensee emission standards for both single-engine and, more recently, dual setups operating in Lake Constance’s protected waters.
Founded in 2010, Cox Marine attracted over $130 million in private investment prior to entering full production with the CXO300 in May 2020.
The CXO300 is supported by a five-year or 1,500-hour warranty for recreational applications, while commercial users receive a one-year or 1,000-hour warranty.
www.coxmarine.com
Mercury Marine
Mercury Marine’s sole diesel outboard is tailored for patrol boat applications. While many center console crafts utilize outboard models, some sport fishermen prefer inboards, and Mercury offers various diesel engine alternatives.
The company’s 6.7-liter engine package is available with 480-, 500-, or 550-hp configurations, specifically designed for sport yachts. It is compatible with Mercury Zeus pod drives and incorporates Mercury Joystick Piloting for inboard systems. The 550-hp variant generates an impressive 1,580 foot-pounds of torque at 1,900 rpm.
Mercury’s 2.0-liter diesel engine is offered in powers of 115, 130, 150, and 170 horsepower. For example, the 170-hp version weighs less than 600 pounds and consumes a mere 9.6 gallons of fuel per hour.
The 3.0-liter version features options such as a 150-hp sterndrive, 230-hp inboard, 230-hp sterndrive, as well as 270-hp sterndrive and inboard models. An air filter on the 3.0L functions as a silencer, reducing the typical turbo noise associated with diesel engines, while motor mounts minimize vibration.
Mercury’s diesel outboard employs a two-stage direct fuel injection producing 175 horsepower. According to the company, “an on-board Propulsion Control Module (PCM) microprocessor optimizes fuel and spark timing for enhanced performance across the engine’s operating spectrum.” The 3.0-liter diesel outboard is available in both 25” and 30” shaft lengths.
www.mercurymarine.com
Explore more in the 2023 Outboard Buyers Guide here: https://www.centerconsolelifemag.com/reviews/2023-outboard-buyers-guide/
Find out more about the 2023 Electric Outboards here:
2023 Electric Outboard Buyers Guide