ONBOARD Magazine autumn 2023

miles of cruising on a single tank of fuel
of around 16,000 litres.
As powerful as Britain might be, when
it comes to yacht design and small
boatbuilding, it is not that well known for
the power modules. That might well be
on a course of change. In recent years,
diesel-powered outboard motors have been
gaining popularity as the preferred choice
for powering tenders in the superyacht
market. There is still not a huge choice
when it comes to diesel outboards in the
200hp+ size bracket required to power
planing craft, but two new manufacturers
have been quick to the market, neither
of which, to the surprise of some market
commentators, represent the existing US
and Japanese ‘household names’ that had
dominated in gasoline outboards for so
many decades. Of these two enterprising
entrants, Cox Marine is very much flying the
flag for high quality British manufacturing,
with its state-of-the-art facility in Shorehamby-Sea
capable of producing more than
4000 of its CXO300 motors per year.
Great Britain is certainly not a low-wage
economy, though, so any fool could tell
you that an (outwardly) similar engine
could be built more cheaply elsewhere,
particularly if using the far east or other
areas with unprotected labour. However, the
watchword at Cox is ‘quality’, and when this
enters the equation, everything changes.
CEO Gavin Wesson says, “Introducing our
manufacturing facility to our UK-based
headquarters allows us to continue to focus
on building a no-compromise ethos; in both
how the business operates, the product
quality and the talent of the team. It also
allows us to work closely with our UK-based
suppliers to deliver a quality-assured product
to the global marketplace. Our production
facility is fitted with a ‘no-fault forward’
system; in conjunction with Wi-Fi-controlled
tooling, we track every item fitted to an
outboard throughout the build process,
greatly reducing the margin for error.”
Additionally, Cox has recently formed
OEM partnerships with Finland-based
crossover boat manufacturer XO Boats,
Florida-based USV manufacturer MARTAC
and world-renowned yacht manufacturer
Hylas Yachts, providing a number of models
with the CXO300 as the default, factoryfitted
propulsion option.
Another man with his eye launching a new
outboard motor is billionaire entrepreneur,
John Caudwell, who is himself a superyacht
owner. Based in Lowestoft, Caudwell Marine
A milestone for Arksen, their first eco-conscious Explorer Vessel, ‘Project Ocean’ in
production. Built from the ground up to be capable and efficient for true off-grid adventures.
“Our goal is be recognised as the brand that powers the future of the global marine industry,
through sustainable innovation from our facility in the UK.” Cox Marine CEO Gavin Wesson
is a start-up marine engineering company
words in this round up of British talent rests
created to bring new technology to the
with the designer John Vickers.
marine market. It is hoping to elevate
outboard boating systems to a new level.
He says, “There is incredible talent and
Currently a small but growing team, the
expertise in Britain with many of the
company has announced that its new diesel
most experienced captains, crew, project
300hp outboard will be delivered in early
managers, not to mention yacht brokerages
2024. The company is confident that its
and of course the MCA regulatory bodies and
first outboard product will exceed the
insurance teams here. While the assembly
expectations of the market. The outboard
of luxury yachts seems to have moved away
is primarily aimed at the commercial and
to other shores, there are a huge number
military markets which require their high-
of yacht critical component makers and
performance outboards to work, day-in
interior finishing teams that are successfully
and day-out, in all conditions. That sort
based here in the UK.”
of sales pitch will undoubtably ignite
interest in the superyacht market where
The yacht industry has a strong future in
fuel economy, performance and reliability
Britain. The passion and huge expertise in
are also important requirements.
many cases is world leading. The intricacies
of our new relationship with Europe are
The outboard features a, 300hp, V6 turbo
challenges which we are all working round
charged diesel engine and is undergoing
but our British yacht industry is a huge
fierce durability testing in the UK, northern
export and something we should all be
Europe and hot environment testing in Dubai.
very proud of. The large yacht business
“Watch this space” says Caudwell. The final
has a very real home in the Britain.”
ONBOARD | AUTUMN 2023 | 139