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.

Williams SOLAS 565 RIB Detailed Walkthrough

SOLAS 565 RIB tested on the Williams’ Test Lake

This video takes you on a guided tour on board the DieselJet SOLAS 565, a high-end super yacht tender.

SOLAS stands for Safety Of Live at SEA. It’s a convention generally regarded as the most important of all international treaties concerning the safety of merchant ships. It showcases in detail all the adjustments needed to be SOLAS-proof.

This jet-driven SOLAS-compliant Rigid Inflatable Boat is a “rebuilt” standard DieselJet 565 tender designed specifically for yachts exceeding 500GT.

The company offers two more Solas RIBS: the 505 and the 625.

I’ve posted more Williams jet tenders videos here on RIBsONLY.com for your information on this brand.

This video was published on the Williams Jet Tenders YouTube channel.

Specs

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RIBCRAFT 8.0 Police and Military Range

Police and Military Range

This RIBCRAFT 8.0 is a line of rigid inflatable boats (RIBs) designed specifically for use in law enforcement and military applications.

The 8.0 model measures 26 feet in length, and is built to withstand harsh marine environments and rough seas.

The Rigid Inflatable Boat features a deep-V hull and high-buoyancy tubes for improved stability and manoeuvrability, as well as a heavy-duty rub rail and reinforced transom for increased durability.

Other features of the RIBCRAFT 8.0 Police and Military Range include a non-skid deck, self-bailing cockpit, and various options for engine and electronics packages.

These RIBs are commonly used for coastal patrol, interdiction, and rescue missions. Here are more videos of the Ribcraft RIBs..

Proud to share that RIBCRAFT UK is a Friend of RIBs ONLY.

RIBCRAFT 8.0 Police and Military Range @ RIBs ONLY - Home of the Rigid Inflatable Boat
RIBCRAFT 8.0 Police and Military Range

The video was published on the RIBCRAFT YouTube channel.

Ring RIB Vampire – Rapid Deployment Transporter

Ring has teamed with top tier marine companies to deliver a high performance transport platform with the ability to meet multiple operational requirements.

The open aft deck with quick release track mounting system facilitates deployment and recovery of everything from Drones to Quad Bikes.

For more information on Vampire and the Ring Powercraft range of Sports Boats and RIBs please visit www.ringpowercraft.co.uk or contact enquiries@ringpowercraft.co.uk

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