PSP Southampton Boat Show 2009
11th - 20th September 2009, Stand E072
Following the highly acclaimed launch of the Caudwell Axis Drive petrol engine, Southampton based UK distributor, Golden Arrow, brings the amazing Caudwell Marine diesel engine to the Southampton Boat Show. This is the first time a single unit, high performance, super efficient diesel has been developed for the marine market and is set to become another award winner.
Mike Beachy Head, the originator of the concept will attend the Southampton Show and commented, "Our new engine is greener, cleaner and has higher fuel efficiency, better torque and better power to weight ratio than the equivalent stern drives or outboards. It is quite simply ground breaking technology."
Like its petrol version the cooling system is closed, with no salt water entering the engine, the entire drive is constructed from surgical stainless steel, reducing friction and making it virtually corrosion-proof.
Traditional stern drives systems are larger and heavier relying on a universal joint that can be noisy, unreliable, and prone to corrosion and handling difficulties. Outboards eliminate some of these problems but create others, such as top-heaviness and are more vulnerable to damage due to being hung from the boat's transom. The Axis Drive is designed to pass through the boat's transom close to the waterline, freeing up internal space without protruding excessively or raising the boat's centre of gravity. A patented mid-section gearbox enables the drive to move in "yaw" (steering left or right) and in "pitch" (trim and tilt) without requiring a universal joint, or having to move the engine as with outboards.
The new diesel range comprises V6 and V8 turbo diesels from 270 - 450 hp. Importantly the weight is only slightly more than its petrol stable mate, weighing in at 380 kg for the V6 300 against the petrol's 360 kg. The engine can therefore be fitted to the same style of boat. Both engine and drive function are linked electronically to an advanced drive control unit that monitors performance and makes automatic adjustments to ensure maximum efficiency.
The company has such faith in the Axis Drive system that if the unit suffers a breakdown, not caused by the operator's negligence and cannot be repaired within 24 hours, Caudwell Marine will replace the unit within 48 hours at no cost.
The Caudwell Axis Drive Diesel can be seen on the Golden Arrow stand in Mayflower Park E072.