Updated on October 19th, 2024
If you were interested in motorboats from De Antonio Yachts, you probably noticed that their entire model range is equipped with outboard motors, right up to the latest 18-meter flagship of the shipyard D60, which will be launched in 2025. Most likely, you wondered what advantages this solution has and whether there are any at all.
In fact, many would prefer to see an inboard diesel engine with a stern drive in the configuration on boats up to 12 meters, and a direct drive (shaft drive) on larger models. The fact is that both of these options make the center of gravity of the boat lower, and the shaft drive also allows you to move the engine closer to the midship.
Well, and besides, diesel is more economical, durable and a little less fire hazardous. Yes, among outboard motors there are also diesel options, but then they will be much heavier and will immediately lose some of their advantages.
However, in installing outboard motors in this case, there is a certain rationality. Firstly, De Antonio are relatively fast planing boats, so at high speeds the shaft drive will be less effective and will not allow trim adjustment. And the stern drive is not suitable for boats over 12 meters and does not go well with the swim platform.
Secondly, you can very easily install two, three or even four outboard motors, while they will still remain easily accessible for maintenance. You can change motors on the transom quite quickly in case of repair and even use them in different combinations. Want to add an electric motor? No problem.
Thirdly, the draft with outboard motors can be less than with direct drive shafts, and their ability to tilt up when hitting an underwater obstacle can save your wallet from expensive repairs. Although, to be fair, it should be noted that, in our experience, this only works successfully at low speeds.
Fourthly, you automatically get rid of additional technological openings in the boat hull, which must be constantly monitored, such as the water intake of the cooling system and the propeller shaft hole.
Fifth, we like the idea of the engines being located as far away from the saloon and cabins as possible.
It is no coincidence that as the power of outboard motors has increased, they have become increasingly common on larger boats. Not only are they initially cheaper than inboard engines, but they are also cheaper to install and maintain. All in all, this helps shipyards reduce the final cost of the boat, while the buyer gets significant benefits.
We really like outboard motors because they make life much easier for the boat owner, allow easy replacement of propellers and also free up space inside the hull.
And even adding a swim platform on cabin cruisers with outboard motors is no longer something unusual. A great example is right in front of you. And the design of the stern, as on the De Antonio Yachts models, allows you to move the motors a little closer to the midship and free up space not only for safe swimming, but also for additional stabilizing stops on the sides of the hull.
So, while De Antonio Yachts does have a MY65 prototype on the horizon that will likely feature inboard engines (it might be a fully electric version), the existing range is perfectly compatible with outboards and we are definitely in favour of this decision.