Chevy 350 to Diesel ?????

[dam it man]

I have 24ft jefferson skiff that I'm thinking about repowering with a Diesel
I use this boat for shrimping and crabing in Louisiana and would like to see what you guys thought about what HP and type motor would be sufficent.
My chevy is still strong but I would like to start looking for a replacment now before I need it . Also speed is not important but low end power is I push against a falling tide a few hours a night when the shrimp are running.
Any help or comments good or bad willl be appreciated I have learned a lot from this site just by keeping my mouth shut and reading........

[Shamrock Fisher]

5.9 cummins.

[Mistress]

Depends what will fit. A lot of "engine rooms" on smaller vessels just can't handle the 5.9. The Cummins 4BT or QSB will get the job done. Yanmar has good diesels in a smaller package. I've heard positive things about Steyr diesels as V* gasser replacements. there's another outfit that marinizes the Chevy V8 turbo diesel in order to fit gasser V8 applications.

[MC]

It all comes down to money. Budget $25k, if things go really well, you should be able to get it done well under that, probably closer to $20k. A huge amount of issues come into play beside "will it fit"- fuel tank issues, prop shaft, ening mounts, exhaust routing. Not saying it cannot be done, just if it's economical.

What you need to do is contact the local area diesel supplier. They ususally have someone who specializes in repowers. They are pretty good about giving you some general informatoin, but until you actaually get an installer to spec your boat out, they will not commit to anything, but give you some good info.

There is nothing that cannot be done, just how many green backs you want to throw it's way.