Brand Comparison
Force vs OXE Outboards
A straight, factual side-by-side — both are excellent builders that simply shine in different places. Here is how they line up and who each one suits.
| Force Outboards (US Marine / Brunswick / Mercury) | OXE Marine AB (formerly Cimco Marine AB) | |
|---|---|---|
| Founded | 1984 (from Chrysler Marine's outboard division) | 2012 |
| Headquarters | Fond du Lac, Wisconsin, USA (via Mercury Marine) | Helsingborg, Sweden |
| Ownership | Brunswick Corporation → Mercury Marine | Publicly traded (Nasdaq Stockholm: OXE) |
| Stock / Ticker | Parent: Brunswick Corp (NYSE: BC) | OXE.ST (Nasdaq Stockholm); OTC: CMMCF |
| Annual Revenue | Not separately disclosed (brand discontinued 1999) | Reported in OXE Marine AB public filings (SEK) |
| Employees | Supported by Mercury Marine | Reported in OXE Marine AB filings |
| Manufacturing | Historic: Hartford then Fond du Lac, Wisconsin | Assembly and engineering in Sweden |
| HP Range | Legacy range (supported by Mercury today) | 150 – 300 hp (+ HYBRID 450) |
| Fuel / Power | 2-stroke gasoline (legacy) | Diesel (compression-ignition) & diesel-electric hybrid |
| Product Lines | 1 families | 5 families |
| Signature Tech |
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| Famous For | Being the affordable outboard on entry-level package boats. Force is remembered as a divisive budget two-stroke — simple and cheap, later badged “Force by Mercury Marine.” | Inventing the practical diesel outboard. OXE is famous for its belt-drive diesel engines used by navies, coast guards and commercial operators where diesel logistics and range matter most. |
| Best For | Owners and used-motor buyers of legacy Force outboards looking for a simple, low-cost two-stroke. | Commercial, military, patrol and superyacht-tender operators needing diesel efficiency, range and single-fuel logistics. |
Revenue and workforce figures are point-in-time snapshots from company filings for the year shown (in several cases the parent company, not just the marine division). Stock price, market value, and ROI change daily — use the ticker for live pricing.
Where Each Brand Dominates
Force on the water
Value & Package Boats
Sold heavily in pre-rigged Bayliner/Maxum/Glastron boat-motor-trailer packages.
Simple Mechanics
Straightforward two-stroke design that home mechanics could service.
Legacy Support
Some parts and service remain available through Mercury.
OXE on the water
Commercial & Military
Built for patrol, security, workboat and defense duty cycles with diesel logistics.
Long-Range & Efficiency
Diesel economy delivers extended range over gasoline outboards.
Superyacht Tenders
Diesel-tender option that matches a mothership's fuel.
Which one fits you?
Choose Force if…
- ✓Simple, mechanically straightforward two-strokes
- ✓Later models share some Mercury components
- ✓Affordable used-market motors
Choose OXE if…
- ✓Major fuel efficiency and range vs gasoline (reports of 30%+ better economy)
- ✓Diesel safety and single-fuel logistics for pro/military users
- ✓Long service intervals and commercial durability
Browse & Official Links
Force Outboards
External links open in a new window.
The Honest Take
Both Force Outboards (US Marine / Brunswick / Mercury) and OXE Marine AB (formerly Cimco Marine AB) are top-tier outboard builders — you can buy either with confidence. Force leans toward owners and used-motor buyers of legacy force outboards looking for a simple, low-cost two-stroke, while OXE leans toward commercial, military, patrol and superyacht-tender operators needing diesel efficiency, range and single-fuel logistics. For most buyers the deciding factors are which dealer and service network is strongest in your area, and which brand your local mechanics know best. Whichever you choose, you can browse listings for both on OutboardListings.com.
FAQ
Is Force or OXE the better outboard?
Neither is universally "better" — they lead in different areas. Force is best for owners and used-motor buyers of legacy force outboards looking for a simple, low-cost two-stroke. OXE is best for commercial, military, patrol and superyacht-tender operators needing diesel efficiency, range and single-fuel logistics. The right choice depends on how you boat and what dealer support is near you.
What is the HP range of Force vs OXE?
Force Outboards (US Marine / Brunswick / Mercury) offers Legacy range (supported by Mercury today), while OXE Marine AB (formerly Cimco Marine AB) offers 150 – 300 hp (+ HYBRID 450).
Who owns Force and OXE?
Force Outboards (US Marine / Brunswick / Mercury): Brunswick Corporation → Mercury Marine. OXE Marine AB (formerly Cimco Marine AB): Publicly traded (Nasdaq Stockholm: OXE).