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Cape Town manufacturer claims outboard engine design breakthrough

TURBO DIESEL
The Caudwell 300 HP Axis outboard diesel engine uses a V6 engine format

TURBO DIESEL The Caudwell 300 HP Axis outboard diesel engine uses a V6 engine format

18th November 2016

By: Donna Slater

Features Deputy Editor and Chief Photographer

  

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The development of “world first” marine propulsion systems by Cape Town-based marine engines and drive gear company Caudwell Marine has been highlighted as the beginning of a global reach into the commercial, recreational and military marine markets.

The launch event of the Caudwell 300 HP Axis outboard diesel engine was attended by guest speaker Western Cape Economic Opportunities Minister Alan Winde.

Caudwell Marine CEO Mike Beachy Head says the new outboard engine was conceived and developed in Cape Town, with strong international supply and technology relationships. “Some seven years in development, Caudwell Marine has thus far attracted over $60-million in foreign investment and created over 100 new jobs during the development phase.”

He adds that, during production ramp-up, this new job figure is expected to treble, in addition to providing the local supplier base with growth and attracting further foreign investment. “The global marine market segment for diesel propulsion is one of the fastest-growing markets currently and is worth in excess of $1-billion.”

Beachy Head says that, although some improvements to marine propulsion systems have been developed over the past 20 years, there have been few fundamental changes. “This is why we have developed our innovative diesel marine propulsion systems, designed for the boating market in the 16′ to 40′ range.”

The new Caudwell Marine Axis-Drive propulsion systems will change the way marine propulsion systems are designed, he claims, adding that an exhaustive testing regime will continue in South Africa to demonstrate that the technology will significantly enhance boat performance, with improved handling and safety, corrosion protection, low power loss and reduced vibration, among other things.

The Caudwell Marine 300 HP Axis outboard diesel engine employs a four-stroke V6 300 VGT engine with turbo-emission intelligence systems, which are informed by the company’s Axis Drive efficiency principles and accompanied by the latest-generation drive-by-wire control system. Set at 45° and using a dry sump result in low power loss, while enabling easy access to primary servicing points.

Unlike other outboard marine engines, the Caudwell 300 HP Axis outboard diesel engine features an integral closed cooling system as standard. This on-demand cooling system does not use salt water for internal cooling of the engine, thereby improving corrosion resistance and reducing engine flushing after use.


Mated to an adapted Axis Drive gear-case arrangement, the steering function of the Caudwell Marine 300 HP Axis outboard diesel engine is actuated only at the lower end of the unit (the part usually submerged).

This steering mechanism provides steering benefits inherent in the Axis Drive trim-down geometry, thus allowing a vessel to be banked into turns, thereby improving high-speed manoeuvrability.

In addition, the Caudwell Marine 300 HP Axis outboard diesel engine mitigates movement of outboard engine pods at the rear of a vessel to serve as direct steering input. This improves user safety, enables neater and more refined control-wiring and piping configurations and gives vessel manufacturers greater flexibility in terms of deck design and use.

The outboard engine is available in counter-rotation and is fully compatible with Caudwell Marine’s Dynamic Vessel Control system, which is nearing development completion, and allows close quarters operability. This is made possible by the precision independent digital control of each twin Axis Drive and engine installed.

The combination of Nibral castings and claddings and high- tolerance stainless-steel castings and unique alloys gives the drives strength and corrosion resistance. All Axis Drive systems come complete with digital throttle and shift controls and specially developed engine and drive management systems that synchronise engine and drive activity for enhanced efficiency.

“Caudwell Marine has invested heavily in this project and is committed to becoming an export powerhouse for South African industry and will be showcasing its technology around the world in the coming months.”

Edited by Martin Zhuwakinyu
Creamer Media Senior Deputy Editor

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