Propulsion Options



 Outboard Power

  • Lowest maintenance option 
  • No submerged running gear to be fouled by marine growth or corrode
  • Very shallow draft
  • Super quiet interior noise levels at speed
  • Greatly enhanced storage space in cockpit lazarettes
  • Most affordable option

        By volume, we believe the Buzzards Bay 42 is one of the largest vessels available today with outboard power.  For owners who want the simplest, easiest to own "big boat" that requires as little attention as possible, outboards are your ticket.  Their ability to simply tilt up and out of the water, leaving no submerged hardware to foul with marine growth or corrode is an unmatchable benefit.  No need to pay a diver to regularly clean your vessel, and no large holes in the bottom of your boat to worry about.  Outboard power is especially appropriate for owners who will be absent from their boat for long periods of time.  For power, we recommend Yamaha's excellent 350HP v8 outboard.  Its big cubic inch displacement and ability to swing large props produce the kind of thrust we are looking for.  This power will produce a cruise speed between 20 and 25 knots, and a top speed around 32 knots.  Range at 20 knots will be approximately 550NM's with the extended range fuel tanks. For those looking to travel faster and who desire the latest in high tech, Seven Marine is producing an outboard motor based on Cadillac's CTS-V engine, producing 557HP from a small block super charged v8.  This engine should push a Buzzards Bay 42 to about 38 knot's top speed, and bring cruise speed to a steady 30 knots.  Perhaps most intriguing about the Seven Marine engine is the ZF joystick steering that it comes with.  

 

Pod Drives

  • Most fuel efficient 
  • Longest range
  • Joy stick steering for easy control

        For those with less draft restrictions, the Volvo IPS400 system will reward a Buzzards Bay 42 owner with maximum fuel efficiency and excellent maneuverability.  We are expecting a 32 knot top speed, and cruise speeds to 28 knots.  Fuel efficiency at 20 knots is estimated to be 1.5NM/g producing a range of 675 NM's with extended range fuel tanks.  

 

Water Jets

  • Shallowest running draft
  • Robust and reliable design
  • Swimmer safety
  • Joy stick steering for easy control

        If your life is a non-stop beach party then water jets are for you.  Seriously though, a water jet propulsion system does have a lot to recommend it.  They are powerfully maneuverable, amazingly so, and can match the moves of any pod driven boat.  They can also be equipped with joy stick steering to simplify controls.  Water jets are simple devices, and with the right marine coatings, are very simple to care for and are reliable.  If you want diesel power but are concerned about the complexity and vulnerability of Pod drives, then water jets are your best choice.  Jets do get knocked around for being less efficient at slow speeds, but at 25 knots and above they are real performers and will produce some good performance numbers.  We recommend Hamilton Water Jets in conjunction with a high RPM diesel, like the new Cummins ATDI 350, which is basically a marinized version of a Volkswagen v8 turbo diesel, producing 350HP each.  This package should push a Buzzards Bay 42 to 33knot top speed, with cruise speeds to 30 knots.