Caudwell Marine announces 300hp outboard with integrated steering

Caudwell Marine says its 300hp V6 turbo-charged industrial diesel engine, due to be delivered in 2024, is the answer to the industry’s ‘demanding expectations’.

As well as the engine, the system features a patented, integrated steering system that it has called ‘Axis Drive’.

The company says the system articulates steering from the lower unit only, with the powerhead and upper leg section remaining stationary in the turn.

“This piece of engineering ensures the propellers are always effectively deployed to deliver full power throughout the turn,” says the company, which is aiming the outboard primarily at commercial and military markets that require high-performance outboards to work day in, day out, in all conditions.

“However, we also expect to see niche opportunities in the recreational market, where fuel economy, performance and reliability will also be a requirement,” the company says.

Final validation and durability testing are being carried out in the UK before hot environment testing takes place in Dubai – and the firm stresses that launch will only happen once that is complete.

“We know that the market is desperate for a solid and reliable diesel outboard, which delivers the highest level of performance,” said commercial director Peter Ordway. “We are completing our programme of very challenging product testing, so that we are sure to deliver a market-ready product that will perform ‘out of the box’, succeeding where others have failed.”

Caudwell Marine was founded by UK billionaire John Caudwell, the man behind Phones4U, which became one of the UK’s most successful high street retailers.

*Watch this space for Maritime Journal’s own review of the outboard – coming soon!