EdgeWater Power Boats has introduced its first diesel-powered model, the 228CCD, equipped with a fuel-efficient 180-hp Yanmar 4BY2 supplied by Mastry Engine Center, the boatbuilder announced.
Where EdgeWater historically relied on outboard propulsion, the 228CCD reflects a deliberate shift toward diesel alternatives. The model traces its origins to a custom gas sterndrive commission for a fishing lodge in British Columbia. That project prompted the company to consider different propulsion options that deliver improved fuel economy and long-term durability. Confident in Mastry Engine Center’s support and aware that many dealers worldwide favor Yanmar diesels, EdgeWater chose the 180-hp 4BY2 for this launch.
The 228CCD blends the practical layout anglers expect with the seaworthiness EdgeWater is known for. The cockpit is organized for fishing efficiency: a leaning post with storage beneath keeps gear accessible and stowed, while an aft-facing seat above the engine provides a versatile seating option for passengers or a comfortable spot when trolling. The transom is unobstructed to facilitate boarding, working the deck and handling fishing tasks, and the full-width swim platform doubles as a convenient staging area for diving and water sports.
Hull and handling characteristics were engineered to suit rougher conditions. EdgeWater emphasizes that the 228CCD maintains predictable, confident performance in choppy water, making it suitable for both coastal anglers and weekend boaters who prioritize stability and a steady ride. While the boat’s dimensions and layout support active fishing, the diesel powerplant is intended to broaden its appeal to buyers focused on fuel economy, dependability and long-term operating costs.
“There is a niche of people who want EdgeWater styling and are already fans of the dependability, durability and fuel efficiency of diesels,” said company president Peter Truslow. He noted that the 228CCD also addresses a growing market segment of owners of larger boats who are seeking smaller, simpler, and more economical vessels to run for everyday use amid higher fuel prices. EdgeWater’s experience building custom boats informed the 228CCD’s design, and the model represents an entry point for the company to explore additional fuel-efficient concepts.
Choosing a diesel option brings several practical advantages for the intended buyers without altering the boat’s core identity. Diesel engines like the Yanmar 4BY2 are widely regarded for robust torque at lower rpm, longer engine life under heavy use, and efficient fuel consumption compared with many gasoline alternatives. For operators who spend extended time on the water—commercial users, serious anglers and cruisers—those attributes translate into longer ranges between refueling, greater peace of mind and potentially lower lifecycle costs.
EdgeWater’s dealer network played a role in the decision to adopt diesel power. Feedback from dealers across different regions indicated a strong preference for Yanmar diesels among customers seeking reliable, well-supported diesel systems. Partnering with Mastry Engine Center, which provides installation and service support, helps ensure owners can access experienced maintenance and warranty service tailored to the new diesel platform.
While the 228CCD continues to reflect EdgeWater’s design language—sturdy construction, functional running surfaces and a cockpit oriented to outdoor life—its diesel propulsion opens up new possibilities. The model is positioned both as a practical fishing platform and as a versatile dayboat for families and divers who want simpler systems and the reassurance of diesel performance. It also serves as a testbed for future models in which EdgeWater may expand its diesel offerings or other fuel-efficient drivetrains.
For buyers weighing propulsion options, the 228CCD offers a compelling combination of traditional EdgeWater build quality, a fishing-friendly layout and the operating advantages of a modern diesel engine. As fuel costs and owner priorities evolve, EdgeWater’s first diesel model marks a careful step toward providing alternatives that emphasize efficiency and durability without compromising the brand’s familiar seaworthiness and utility.