Initial diesel outboard tests successful

Cox Powertrain, the British developer and manufacturer of high-powered diesel outboards, has reported the successful completion of the first round of in-field outboard validation tests for its CXO300 diesel outboard by the US Navy. Naval Sea Systems Command (NAVSEA) testers were enthusiastic following the trial of two CXO300s on a 9m RIB, when the engines achieved a cruise speed of 43 knots at 3,600 rpm, said Cox Powertrain.

Cox Powertrain’s global sales director, Joel Reid, commented: “NAVSEA’s testers seemed impressed by the smoothness of the engines and the absence of noise and smoke, which is historically associated with diesel engines. We were delighted that the two CXO300s went beyond their target to achieve a cruise speed of 43 knots”

Single-fuel compliance

The CXO300 diesel outboard offers the ability to meet the demands of NATO’s single-fuel policy, as a safer alternative to gasoline, while also providing exceptional performance and greater range than equivalent 300hp gasoline outboards.

With a four-stroke V8 architecture and a package of similar size and weight to a gasoline outboard equivalent, the CXO300 delivers the performance and efficiency of an inboard with the convenience and flexibility of an outboard. The CXO300 offers at least a 25% better range and 100% higher torque than leading 300hp gasoline outboards, enabling the craft to move higher displacement vessels more efficiently, said Cox Powertrain.

Production of the CXO300 is set to commence later this year.

By Rebecca Jeffrey