Gas vs Diesel Boat Engines: All About Performance?

My Takeaways from this Video

Here are the main differences between gasoline and diesel boat engines.

  1. Gasoline engines prioritize speed and acceleration. They use spark ignition to deliver quick, high-RPM performance. This is ideal for lightweight recreational boats and fast weekend cruising.
  2. Diesel engines focus on torque and efficiency. They rely on compression ignition to generate powerful low-end thrust. This makes them especially suited for heavy-duty, commercial, or military applications.
  3. Gas engines are lighter and rev higher. They are perfect for planing hulls that skim water. Diesel engines are heavier. They typically stay in displacement mode.
  4. Diesel outboards are stronger internally. They have reinforced pistons and cylinder walls to handle extreme pressure. This adds durability but also significant weight and cost.
  5. Torque output is much higher in diesel. Models like the Cox CXO300 produce 650Nm at low RPM. This is ideal for pushing heavy hulls through waves and rough water.
  6. Gasoline outboards excel in recreational use. They stay light on the transom for better balance. This makes trailering easier and improves responsive handling, especially in boats under 25 feet.
  7. Diesel’s weight creates issues on small boats. It affects trim, stability, and safety. Often, it requires upgraded trailers, lifting gear, and reinforced hull structures.
  8. Maintenance and ownership differ greatly. Gas engines are simpler and cheaper to service. Diesel engines require specialized tools and training. They also need more expensive repairs.
  9. Diesel engines cost significantly more. Units like the Cox CXO300 are often priced $20,000 higher than comparable gas models for the same horsepower rating (according to this video).
  10. Fuel economy favors diesel. It burns 20–30% less fuel per hour and lasts longer under constant use. However, savings take decades for casual boaters to realize.
  11. Gasoline won early due to accessibility. It dominated marinas, supply chains, and consumer familiarity. This happened long before diesel outboards became small enough to compete.
  12. Diesel thrives in fleet operations. Uptime, long service intervals, and shared fuel logistics make it perfect for patrol boats. It is also ideal for offshore vessels and military craft.
  13. Gasoline leads innovation today. Four-stroke engines are gaining cleaner emissions, digital controls, and smart integration. Diesel progresses more slowly due to niche demand.

Performance

There you have it. When it comes to performance and choosing the ‘better’ engine, it all depends on your intended use.

Electric Outboards

They’re not taking the market by storm.

Even though Electric outboards offer quiet, clean operation they struggle with limited range, high battery costs, and slow charging.

These drawbacks, combined with current performance gaps, prevent them from dominating the boating market—especially for larger vessels.

I wrote an article about it: Why an Electric Outboard Is Not the Better Choice Now.

This video was published on the Nautical Nostalgia YouTube channel.

Assault Amphibious Pursuit 920 Review

Assault’s Intro

The Assault Rigid Inflatable Boats (RIBs) are a new brand featured on RIBsONLY.com, proudly designed and built in New Zealand.

They use the famous Gemini hulls as their platform (see how they’re built).

The Review

This high-performance RIB features the hydraulic Anura amphibious system and is powered by a 350 hp Yamaha engine.

It includes Yamaha’s Helm Master joystick steering, a 16-inch Garmin display, and full digital switching.

It has seating for eight and a spacious cabin. It also features bunks and a plumbed toilet. It’s ideal for both serious fishing and family adventures.

The Pursuit 920 is offered in both standard and amphibious configurations.

Anura™ is a New Zealand-based engineering company specialising in high-performance amphibious systems for marine craft.

The amphibious drive makes beach landings effortless. Its exceptional finish, stability, and versatility set it apart as a truly premium vessel.

This video was published on the Boating New Zealand YouTube channel.

Proud to share that Gemini Marine is a good friend of RIBs ONLY.

Specs

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RIB Grand G680 Model 2025 Walkthrough Down Under

The Grand model

In this comprehensive walkthrough, Dan from Grand Boats Australia, presents the G680.

This Rigid Inflatable Boat is the brand’s top-selling rigid inflatable boat in Australia, according to the presenter.

At 6,8 metres (22 feet), the G680 stands out as a superb family vessel.

It offers a high-performance hull and a host of premium features as you can see in the video.

The video covers various features of the G680. These features make it a standout choice for families.

This video was published on the Grand Boats Australia YouTube channel.

This Ukrainian brand is no stranger to RIBsONLY.com: Discover more models.

Specs

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Mirimare Sunrise 9.9S Twin Yamaha F300 – Test

Sunrise 9.9S Fuel Consumption by the Sea Team

Owning a Rigid Inflatable Boat (RIB) means enjoying performance, stability, and versatility.

However, fuel consumption is crucial to getting the most from every outing (more consumption by RIBs)

Efficient cruising starts with knowing your boat’s sweet spot.

For most RIBs, achieving optimal fuel economy requires maintaining a steady cruising speed as is the case with this Sunrise 9.9S.

This speed is typically between 20–30 knots depending on engine size and hull design.

Trim adjustment is essential. Properly trimmed engines reduce drag, letting the hull glide more efficiently and lowering fuel use.

Many modern outboards feature automatic trim assist—use it or learn to trim manually for best results.

Keep the weight balanced and avoid overloading by limiting passengers to half the maximum allowed (more articles about safety).

Even small changes in load distribution can impact performance and increase consumption.

Clean your hull regularly and service your engines as recommended—dirty hulls and neglected motors work harder and burn more fuel.

This video was published on the The Sea Team YouTube channel. Specs of this Sunrise 9.9S below as well.

By the way, this brand, Mirimare, today ranks 272nd on RIBsONLY.com!

Detailed Consumption per RPM

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Zodiac Pro 5.5 Review Performance, Specs & Features

Hands-on Zodiac Pro 5.5 Test

The Zodiac Pro 5.5 was reviewed by the Northern California team of the Boat Specialists.

This Rigid Inflatable Boat (RIB) is designed to accommodate a wide variety of marine activities.

It seems well-suited for everything from recreational outings to professional tasks on the water, according to the testers.

Built with adaptability at its core, the Zodiac Pro 5.5 caters to a diverse range of users—including divers, anglers, and underwater hunters.

As is the case with many RIB brands, the modular layout offers great flexibility. Customizable features allow owners to tailor the boat to specific needs.

One of the standout attributes of the Zodiac Pro 5.5 is its hybrid design.

It combines the key benefits of RIBs, including stability, lightness, and ease of transport.

Enhanced buoyancy contributes to a safer, smoother ride, making the Zodiac Pro 5.5 an ideal choice for both beginners and seasoned mariners.

Due to Its lightweight structure, it simplifies towing and reduces fuel consumption, so the testers claim.

This video was published on the Boat Specialists YouTube channel.

Want to see more Zodiac videos, including MilPro and Hurricane models? Dive in here!

Specs

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