by sarah simpson, caudwell marine ceo
The marine industry is evolving. Vessels are being asked to do more, operate longer, and perform in tougher environments than ever before. At the heart of that performance is a single requirement: a propulsion system you can depend on.
For commercial and military operators, reliability is not optional. That is why we are preparing to launch the Caudwell Marine AX300 V6 Diesel Outboard in 2026. This is not about adding another name to the list. It is about answering a very specific need for a system that has been designed from day one, with operators front of mind, to perform where it matters most.
Why This System Exists
In designing and developing the AX300 Diesel, we have focused on delivering a diesel outboard system that solves the real-world challenges faced by professional operators. From the skipper’s interface and vessel control systems through to how we transfer power to the water with our dual propeller technology, every part of the AX300 Diesel is engineered to make the vessel easier to handle, more predictable, and more dependable.
This product is being created in response to direct conversations with the people who keep vessels moving in the harshest conditions. Offshore crews, military and commercial operators who rely on their equipment to perform without compromise, often in situations where downtime is non-negotiable.
They told us what they needed. We built around it.
More Than a Diesel Outboard: A Fully Integrated System
What sets our system apart is not only the efficiency of diesel, but how the entire package delivers performance where it counts. Every component is configured to work together so that the skipper feels the benefit in control, responsiveness, and reduced maintenance demands:
• Dual contra-rotating propellers for better control, stronger grip in the water, and more efficient power delivery, particularly when manoeuvring or operating at speed
• The Axis-Drive® integrated steering system, which articulates from the lower part of the outboard leg only, keeping the powerhead and upper leg section stationary during turns. This provides tighter turning, improved low-speed manoeuvrability, stable high-speed handling, and precise control in confined or high-pressure environments
• A unique easy-service hatch that allows fast access to key systems without lifting the engine or hauling the vessel out of the water, paired with extended service intervals that minimise downtime and keep boats operational for longer
These features are not optional extras. They are core to how our system works because they solve the real problems faced by those who operate in demanding environments every day.
Designed to Withstand What Operators Face
We have tested our system for thousands of hours in extreme conditions, from sub-zero environments to the hottest operational climates, in both saltwater and freshwater, and in deep and shallow water. We don’t simulate real-world use. We test in it.
Every decision we have made has been about delivering a product that performs under pressure. Because when our engine goes into service, failure is not an option.
Leading With Accountability
In my career, across VW Group, Bentley Motors, and later as CEO of Porsche Cars GB, I have learned that product integrity is everything. It is not just what a brand promises. It is how it delivers, supports, and stands behind that promise when the product is in the field.
At Caudwell Marine, I work with a team who share that mindset. Our launch next year is not a rush to market. It is the result of disciplined development and the confidence that comes from real testing, real refinement, and real results.
Looking Ahead: A System Built for Those Who Cannot Afford Downtime
We are here to offer a dependable solution for professionals who operate in high-stakes, high-pressure, and unforgiving environments.
The Caudwell Marine AX300 is not just another diesel outboard. It is a complete system, purpose-built to support those who demand more from their equipment and more from their partners. It is engineered to give skippers confidence, to make their vessels easier to control, and to keep them operating when it matters most.
That is what we’re building. And soon, you will see it for yourself.