Petrol, diesel or electric? The outboard engineers continue to push the boundaries to deliver more powerful, lighter and more efficient engines
he past two years have seen a massive resurgence in the desire to strap a couple of outboard beasts on to the back of a powerboat. The USA has seen the greatest growth along with recreational boating, and much like their love for ‘muscle cars’, the bigger, louder and flashier – the better. Can you guess the largest market for SEVEN Marine and their 627SV engine?
The other producers of outboard engines are all seeing growth and there are even new kids on the block. After an element of consolidation, we now have the main five petrol outboard manufacturers and they all deliver a diverse range with regular updates in tech and design. However, our new kids (or not so new) are concentrating on different fuel. Diesel outboard manufacturers mainly aiming at the military and more commercial markets such as the superyacht industry are ploughing millions in to RnD and leaning on the expertise from engineers originally working in the automotive sector. For the superyacht sector, weight and power are the two crucial elements with the added benefits of no extra fuel storage required.
The major players are hitting the market heavy and let’s face it, if they stand up to the rigours of elite military use, then our delicate owners will surely love them – just keep the noise and smell to a minimum and with the limited maintenance you’re on to a winner. Lastly, we’re starting to see more powerful electric outboards hit the market, but as with their inboard cousins we’re still waiting to see more about the battery life, footprint on board and re-charge times.
EVINRUDE
E-TEC G2
Apart from the eclectic range of custom colours available on the hoods, direct injection on the two strokes is perhaps Evinrude’s one stand-out. It is a fuel-delivery technology, adopted from the automotive industry that allows gasoline engines to burn more efficiently, resulting in more power, cleaner emissions, and increased fuel economy.
www.evinrude.com
YANMAR
Dtorque Turbo Diesel
This diesel outboard offers a remarkably smooth and quiet engine, delivering 50 hp at the propeller with a stunning torque output of 111 Nm at just 2,500 rpm. The real innovation is the patented ‘Spaceball’ design and a unique system of dual counter-rotating crankshafts in an aluminum block. By rotating in opposite directions, the vibration is practically eliminated. The benefits are less vibration and less noise.
www.yanmarmarine.com
YAMAHA
F375 XTO
The new Yamaha XTO engines are the first 4-stroke engines in the industry to use direct injection. This high pressure injection directly into the combustion chamber improves the atomisation of the fuel and optimises its use.
www.yamaha-motor.eu
HONDA
BF225
Honda have redesigned the flagship BF250, BF225, and BF200 models inside and out, adding more features, updates and improvements that make these acclaimed Honda V6 outboards better than ever.
www.marine.honda.com
SUZUKI
DF350A
The most powerful of the brands outboard engines, introduces many innovations, like the new block and the counterrotating propellers.
www.suzukimarine.com
EVOY
150 hp Electric
Evoy delivers turnkey plug-and-play 100% electric propulsion. Since the summer of 2019, the prototype Evoy1, a Polarcirkel 860, has been in extensive testing and has now stepped up to serial production.
www.evoy.no
MERCURY MARINE
300hp SeaPro V-8
The new Mercury V-8 SeaPro outboard models bring more of everything to the table, more power, more efficiency and more durability. This outboard is designed for heavy duty work and delivers great fuel economy and performance.
www.mercurymarine.com
COX POWERTRAIN
CXO300
Cox has announced that assembly is about to begin of its high-powered diesel outboard at its UK head quarters. This milestone in its development represents a defining moment for Cox following 13 years of intensive investment, and job creation. The CXO300 has been designed to meet the requirements of the Tier III US Environmental Protection Agency’s (EPA) certification, Tier II International Maritime Organisation (IMO) and the Tier II EU Recreational Craft Directive.
www.coxmarine.com