Gas VS Diesel Boats
As you may know, diesel engines aren't something you should take lightly. There are good reasons why the rush to put them in cars back in the 70s flopped. Diesel isn't the ideal power source for all applications.
Engine speed Diesel engines gained the reputation for long service life early on in the history of the engines, mainly from engines that were used in commercial operations. These were big, very slow to turn engines that were usually in the 600 - 1,000 RPM range.
The long service life of the diesel engine isn't really a myth when used in the proper application. It's only a myth in pleasure craft, where the engines are operated in-frequently at high and low speeds, normally under very heavy loads and adverse conditions.
Fuel consumption If you plan to engage on some serious long range travel, especially if fuel stops aren't available, then fuel consumption will become an issue. Diesel engines will normally burn 1/3 to 1/2 the amount of fuel as their gas equals. Considering the cost of the engines versus the amount of fuel you'll burn during the time you own the boat, fuel savings isn't really important.
Dilemma Most questions of choice arise for boats that are in the 28 to 34 foot range where either type of engine is available with adequate horsepower. Gas engines do have the advantage that they are cheap to buy and also cheap to repair.
Diesel boats are just the opposite, as for the price of one you could buy three gas engines. For the price of a smaller in-line 6 cylinder diesel, you can buy two gas engines.
Therefore, cost wise, unless you really need diesel power, diesels aren't very practical. The advantage to diesel comes only at the point where the extra torque is needed because a gasoline engine would simply be under too much strain to have an adequate amount of service life.
If you have a choice of gas versus diesel, your first concern should be to determine whether or not you can really afford to own a diesel, as the initial price is only part of the cost.
If you simply can't afford to write a big check for routine maintenance, then you will probably be better off going with gas. On the other hand, if you have a lot of money, diesel would be your best bet. Diesel engines are great to have, although they cost a lot of money to up keep and they generally aren't the way to go for those on a budget.
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