A brace of outboards is the most popular power choice for the current generation of large center console models, day boats and sport cruisers, but it is no longer the only choice. Volvo Penta is making a strong case for its DPI Aquamatic D6-440 as an alternative to outboard power, and a number of production boat builders now offer this diesel sterndrive powertrain for boats ranging in size from about 42 to 56 feet in length. They’re adding the Aquamatic to the list of power options for select models because the diesel sterndrive offers significantly better fuel economy and more range than outboards at a similar cruising speed. Outboards will still deliver more top speed, but many experienced boat owners have learned that conditions don’t always permit running at wide-open throttle.
Solace Boats of Florida, is one company offering a diesel sterndrive option. The builder refit its 41 CS—a 41-foot center console originally designed for Mercury or Yamaha outboards—to accommodate Volvo’s DPI Aquamatic. That boat is called the 415CS.
“In our 415CS, the DPI Aquamatic’s combination of diesel torque and
