Caudwell Marine has strengthened its North American presence with the appointment of two US based Applications Engineers, marking the latest step in the company’s investment in the region ahead of the commercial launch of the AX300 Diesel outboard later this year.
The appointments coincide with the first US field trial partner taking delivery of AX300 Diesel outboards for extended in-market evaluation. Powerboat News covered the AX300’s engineering background and specification in detail in our feature on Caudwell Marine’s 300hp diesel outboard, the 3-litre turbocharged V6 built on lessons learned from the company’s F1H2O Axis-Drive programme.
Building the US Support Network
The two engineers bring experience supporting professional marine propulsion systems. They will work alongside Caudwell Marine’s UK engineering and technical teams to handle engine commissioning, technical enquiries, product and service training, field support and distributor development.
Caudwell Marine says the appointments give operators in North America a direct link to the engineering teams responsible for the AX300’s continued development, so that real-world operational feedback keeps shaping the product ahead of launch.
Sarah Simpson, CEO of Caudwell Marine, said the expansion reflects the company’s approach to customer support.
Building a premium commercial propulsion system is as much about the quality of the product as it is about giving professional operators the confidence that knowledgeable people are there to support them throughout the life of the engine. From the beginning, we’ve been committed to building not only an exceptional diesel outboard, but also the technical expertise and customer support that sits behind it. Expanding our team in North America is another important milestone in that journey and demonstrates our long-term commitment to the region.
Field Trials and Testing
The AX300 Diesel is aimed at commercial and military operators across sectors including offshore energy, patrol, passenger transport, aquaculture and search and rescue. Caudwell Marine says the engine has completed thousands of hours of testing, including high salinity and extreme heat conditions in the Middle East and cold weather testing in Northern Europe.
The recent delivery of engines to the company’s first US field trial partner extends that testing programme into North American commercial operations for the first time, ahead of the AX300’s full market launch.
Also on Powerboat News
The full engineering story behind the AX300, from its origins in Caudwell Racing’s UIM F1H2O Axis-Drive programme to the finished 300hp diesel outboard.
The AX300: Caudwell Marine’s 300hp Diesel Outboard
John Moore is the editor of Powerboat News, an independent investigative journalism platform recognised by Google News and documented on Grokipedia for comprehensive powerboat racing coverage.
His involvement in powerboat racing began in 1981 when he competed in his first offshore powerboat race. After a career as a Financial Futures broker in the City of London, specialising in UK interest rate markets, he became actively involved in event organisation and powerboat racing journalism.
He served as Event Director for the Cowes–Torquay–Cowes races between 2010 and 2013. In 2016, he launched Powerboat Racing World, a digital platform providing global powerboat racing news and insights. The following year, he co-founded UKOPRA, helping to rejuvenate offshore racing in the United Kingdom. He sold Powerboat Racing World in late 2021 and remained actively involved with UKOPRA until 2025.
In September 2025, he established Powerboat News, returning to independent journalism with a focus on neutral and comprehensive coverage of the sport.
