Powering the Future: The Ultimate Guide to Marine Engines 2024

A Look at The Latest Marine Engines 2024 Available for Fishermen

No matter what size boat you have, there’s likely a new and exciting power option on the market to propel it. So, we reached out to 12 of the top manufacturers of marine power plants to see what they’ve got. From 2600-horsepower diesels to mid-range outboards and electric-hybrid options, here are some of those choices you have. We hope you find the right one for you! Enjoy the latest Marine Engines 2024!

Caterpillar C32B

The CAT C32B is a four-stroke, V12 diesel available in versions ranging from 1800 to 2400

horsepower at 2300 rpm. The C32B product line is based on a high power-density V12 engine capable of powering many of the world’s largest sport-fishers. The smaller, powerful engine enables more sustainable solutions and frees up valuable space onboard at the same time. It provides excellent power and efficiency, along with greatly improved noise reduction at lower speeds. The engine meets IMO II and U.S. EPA Tier 3 (recreational) emissions requirements and features an updated seawater aftercooler and HEX design. The optimized sequential air system maximizes performance and torque range, and the C32B uses the vessel’s bonding system instead of zinc anodes. Caterpillar; cat.com

Cummins X-15 DM

Cummins just released a new version of the tried-and-true X-15 DM diesel engine that features U.S. Coast Guard Class Type approval. The XM-15 is built on a 14.9-liter block and is available in variable speed versions up to 630 hp for main engine applications. But you can also get fixed- speed versions with Prime Rating specifications in horsepower ratings up to 570, for use as a generator. The Cummins CM2350 Engine Control Module (ECM) protects the engine with de- rate and automated shutdown features to prevent catastrophic engine failures. The XPI high-pressure, common rail fuel system maximizes efficiency and power, as does the Cummins Turbo Technologies HX60 turbocharger. The X-15 DM complies with IMO II and U.S. EPA Tier 3 emissions requirements. Cummins; cummins.com/engines/marine-propulsion

Lugger L4105 and L6105

Last fall, Northern Lights reintroduced two of the most popular diesel engines in history: The Lugger L4105 and L6105. Lugger’s have always enjoyed a deserved reputation as durable workhorses, built on a robust design for long-life use. They also meet all the stringent emissions and regulatory requirements. The L4105 come in ratings from 174 to 300 hp, and the L6105 is rated from 224 to 425 hp. The engines feature all the things that forged Lugger’s reputation for durability, including individual cylinder heads for easy service, forged crankshaft, replaceable wet liners and state-of-the-art electronics. The Luggers will be for sale in 2024. Lugger Propulsion Engines; northern-lights.com

MAN V12X

MAN’s new V12X is based on a completely new 29.6-liter block and is available in ratings up to 2200 hp at 2300 rpm. The V12X features over five more liters of displacement compared to the earlier 2000 hp MAN diesel, the V12-2000, and the maximum torque has increased as well, from 6500 Nm to 7350 Nm. A new coolant pump and new thermostat housing give the V12X an optimized cooling system for long service life, and it also comes with standard hydraulic valve lash adjustment, which eliminates the need to regularly check and adjust the valve lash. A new common rail fuel injection system creates a 2200-bar injection pressure for lower fuel consumption and reduced emissions. The V12X is also available in combination with the MAN hybrid system, the “MAN Smart HYBRID Experience.” MAN man-engines.com

MTU Series 2000

The 2000 Series from MTU comes in 10V, 12V and 16V configurations in ratings from 1360 hp up to 2600 hp. This M96L is both EPA Tier 3 Recreational and IMO Tier II certified and boasts a third-generation common rail fuel injection system. Patented improvements to the common rail system, the sequential turbocharging and the ADEC electronic control system have allowed MTU to achieve higher power outputs with lower fuel consumption and fewer emissions. SCR exhaust aftertreatment lowers emissions as well. The 2000 Series has become the power of choice for many builders who have pushed the envelope in terms of vessel size, leading MTU’s parent company, Rolls-Royce, to a record-breaking year for the 2000 Series, with engines totaling over 300,000 hp delivered in 2023. MTU; mtu-solutions.com

Scania E-Machine Hybrid

Scania introduced its new E-Machine at last year’s Fort Lauderdale International Boat Show. A new alternative propulsion, the E-Machine is a compact, modular, yet powerful solution with propulsion, inverter and a power control unit integrated into a single system. The E-Machine can be mated to a Scania combustion engine for hybrid propulsion or directly to a transmission for a fully electric system. The unit provides 230 kW of continuous power, with a peak performance of 280 kW at 1500 rpm. The oil-cooled system measures only 20-inches long by 24-inches wide and 23-inches high and weighs just over 550-pounds. The hybrid configuration has a potential CO2 emission reduction of up to 92 percent (assuming HVO), while the fully electric version allows for a potential CO2 reduction of 98 percent if the electricity is generated from renewable sources. Scania; scaniausa.com

Yanmar 6LT Series

Complementing the largest common-rail marine diesel engine lineup available, the 6LT range from Yanmar offers compact, lightweight and high-performance solutions ideal for the sport- fishing and light-duty commercial sectors. These global emission-certified inline six-cylinder, 8.71 L, four-stroke, vertical water-cooled diesel engines offer leading fuel economy and feature Yanmar’s proprietary fuel mapping for reliable and consistent output performance. The three output models from 500 to 640 hp are controlled by the next-generation Yanmar VC20 system, for three engines with up to four stations. The 2530-rpm engines are custom engineered to offer direct connectivity to NMEA and J1939 CAN-bus networks and are suitable for boats up to 55 feet. The 6LT640 model creates a high-power density of 75 hp/l. Yanmar; yanmar.com/marine

Honda BF350

Honda Marine introduced the all-new BF350 outboard last fall, the first Honda V8 engine to be available commercially. The BF350 combines a host of technologically innovative features and benefits, delivering premium power and exceptional performance. The all-new engine produces 350 hp at 5500 rpm, operating on 86 octane unleaded gasoline. Adapted from Honda’s famously reliable VTEC (Variable Valve Timing & Lift Electronic Control) automotive engines, the BF350 makes use of exclusive Honda technology. VTEC uses a mild cam profile to operate intake valves at low rpm and engages a high-output cam profile for higher rpm operation, for a broader, flatter torque curve. And Programmed Fuel Injection (PGM-FI) delivers precise amounts of fuel and air to each cylinder, resulting in quick starts, instant throttle response and low fuel consumption. Honda Marine; marine.honda.com

Mercury 7.6L V12 Verado

Mercury’s groundbreaking V12 Verado is the world’s most powerful outboard (since the demise of Seven Marine), producing 600 hp. The V12 is built using a quad-cam design, built to power big, heavy boats offshore and to provide excellent acceleration across the rpm range. Transient Spark technology calibrates spark plug timing for optimized low-end power, yielding faster hole shots. And the innovative two-speed automatic transmission transfers power to the gearcase smoothly and effortlessly. The steerable gearcase pairs with electro-hydraulic steering for easy maneuvering, and contra-rotating propellers deliver easy handling and exceptional fuel economy. Mercury’s Advanced MidSection (AMS) virtually eliminates vibration, and maintenance is easy with a flip-up cowling cover that affords easy access to important service points. Plus, Digital Throttle and Shift combines with Joystick Piloting to make handling a breeze. Mercury Marine; mercurymarine.com

Suzuki Marine Stealth Line

The “Stealth Line” outboards from Suzuki are new for 2024 and provide saltwater anglers with a bold and brash new look. A new matte black finish and new graphics are referred to within the company as “Shinobi,” the Japanese word for stealth. The new look comes on five models: The DF115BS, an inline four-cylinder outboard, the four-cylinder DF150S, the four-cylinder DF200S, and the big-block DF250S, and the new DF250ATS, both V6s. Underneath the distinctive exteriors of these engines, you’ll still find all the performance, advanced technology, fuel efficiency and rock-solid reliability boaters have come to expect from Suzuki four-stroke outboards. Suzuki Marine; suzukimarine.com

Tohatsu MFS 140A CR

Tohatsu’s four-stroke, 140 hp outboard is the flagship model of the Tohatsu outboard lineup, and features higher torque, faster top-end speed and acceleration from its unique 4-2-1 Performance Tuned Exhaust, an industry-first designed exhaust manifold. Each exhaust passage is engineered to be to be equal in length, and the merging of exhaust gases from each cylinder creates extra suction that helps pull the exhaust gases from the engine. This eliminates the possibility of exhaust interference and drastically improves the performance. Tohatsu recently released a counter-rotating version of the MFS 140A, making it an ideal choice for twin engine applications. Tohatsu Corporation; tohatsu.com

Yamaha 4.3L V6 Offshore F350

The long-awaited new F350 from Yamaha has arrived and brings with it the best power-to- weight ratio in its class. The new V6 F350 replaces Yamaha’s previous V8 F350. The new engine weighs only 629 pounds, comes in 25-, 30- and 35-inch shaft lengths, and runs on 89 octane gasoline. A center-mounted 81mm electronic throttle valve is eight percent larger than the one on the F300, and a 70-amp alternator (over 30 net amps at idle) makes sure your batteries always stay charged. An all-new clutch dog design in the gearcase transfers power from powerhead to propeller better for increased torque, and a new camshaft profile provides higher valve lift for longer opening duration for intake and exhaust. Combined with reimagined valve lifters, it creates precise clearance for increased combustion. The new F350 is available in Yamaha gray, pearlescent white or new classic white. Yamaha; yamahaoutboards.com

In conclusion, the marine engine landscape for 2024 presents an exciting array of options for boaters and fishermen, offering everything from powerful, high-horsepower diesels to innovative electric-hybrid systems. These advancements not only promise to enhance performance and efficiency but also align with the growing demand for more sustainable and environmentally friendly marine propulsion solutions.

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