gas or diesel?

[jeffrey ledge]

Greetings!
I'm considering purchasing my first Shamrock (1997, 220 Walkaround) and I'm wondering how the Yanmar diesel compares to the gas engine for performance. I know the diesel will last longer and give better fuel economy but what are the disadvantages?

[Hooked Up]

http://www.yachtsurvey.com/GasDiesel.htm


Read the 2 articles on this site. They are interesting.

[Agapemou]

I had a diesel sailboat and can tell you this. When you are just putting around slowly on hot summer days and the wind comes from the stern spreading the smell of diesel exhaust over the boat, everyone on the boat will be making a qick trip to Vomitoria. Nothing brings out seasickness and headacheches quicker then diesel fumes on a hot humid summer day. This does not happen with gas.

[LunaSea]

my FAVORITE subject! I am a diesel fan! However, I have a much heavier boat (270 Mac) and the 315 Yanmar performs very well in it. Very much worth the money (IMHO). I'm not so sure about the value in a 220 Open. While I really like diesels (I drive a Ford Excursion w/ diesel engine), I think some of the value declines in a smaller, lighter boat. I would say that if you expect to use the boat A LOT (over 500 hours per year), it might be worthwhile. If not, probably not...

[Tony]

Why not look around for a used diesel. My 20 was originally a diesel. You might find a 22 that way already. Be a whole lot cheaper than converting. Be prepared to go a little slower, in the older OEM diesel boats, than gas.

[Rapture]

I have a couple of Yanmars in my 290 and could not defend putting one in a 22 ft boat. They are expensive, they are expensive to work on and parts are expensive. Other than that they are great engines.

What I can't get over is that people that think a diesel engine stinks. Maybe it's what you're used to, but after twelve years of running diesels, I can't stand the smell of a inboard gas engine. Old outboards are bad too but the newer ones smell pretty clean.

When I'm out jogging and a dump truck drives by, my Pablov's responce to the smell is to remember being offshore and hearing the drags scream. 8)

[SSJULZ]

HookedUP,

Thanks for the link. I checked it out and learned a bunch about marine engines and pretty much settled the "great debate" over gas vs. diesel for me. Some really good points were made.

[Russ]

I was very surprised to read the articles on diesel engines at the site posted by Hooked Up. The author seems to have a very bad opinion of the Yanmars and I was wondering if any of the Yanmar owners have had the bad experiences he warns about. He claims they are using aluminum exhaust parts that will cause catastrophic failures leading to Big Bill. In summary he recommends gas engines, especially Crusaders, for small boats and diesels for large boats that can accomodate a super heavy engine like the Detroit Diesel. Are the lightweight diesels really that bad? :?:

[Tonic]

Its a good article that Pacoe writes about on Diesels. I (old Hooked Up-now Tonic) posted this link. Just a few weeks ago, I was looking into buying the 26Exp with a Yanmar Diesel on it. After reading the article, I was dissapointed a bit. I am sure that Pascoe opionion is based on what he has survey in the past. I think diesels are not for everyone. If you have the cash$$$$$$$$ and need the range, this is the way to go in some applications, but for my use and the use of most weekenders, it might not be the way to go.

[SSJULZ]

My sentiments exactly Tonic. When you read something like this from what you would consider a reliable and very informed source, it carries a lot of weight. This guy works for a company that does surveys for their bread and butter, why make stuff up. All he reported was his findings and honest opinions.

Billy