considering going diesel

P

PHOENIX

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I am looking to get back into boating and looking mostly at used 28'-30' Down East style boats(2000-2005). The Yanmar 315 seams to be the most popular engine in these boats. I recently became interested in a boat that has twin Yanmar 200's. I have 2 questions; 1) I have heard yearly maintenance costs on diesels is much more expensive than a comparable gas engine. What are the expected yearly costs simply for maintenance items on this size engine? 2) what are the pros and cons of a single 315 vs twin 200s for powering this type of boat. We will be using this boat solely for cruising the RI and MA coastlines.
Thanks
 
diesel without question cost differences are minor. The confidence inspired by a diesel lighting off on the first spin cant be understated. When I am on a diesel boat It just feels more solid.
Twins while not necessary sure are nice.
Just make sure the exhaust is properly designed. On smaller boats they makers tend to flatten the risers too much.
Oh did I mention I like diesels?????
 
having experienced twin 454's AND twin Yanmar 315 LP turbos in the SAME BOAT as a result of a repower, had I the opportunity to do it again, I would.

while it's the same boat with aprox same horsepower, it's an all new boat

once you go diesel in a 30' + boat, you simply never go back

RWS
 
Walter started a thread on this specific topic a few (several?) months ago... you might review that...

-Chris
 
Year to year maintenance is the same except for amount of oil required. Check with manufacturer on service intervals. My 700 hour service on my Cummins QSM-11's was around 8 grand. Mind you they are bigger engines but you should do the research on your engines so there are no surprises.
 
"What's a "Down East" style boat?"

https://www.google.com/search?q=30'+downeast+style+boats&biw=1188&bih=593&tbm=isch&tbo=u&source=univ&sa=X&ei=1xPeVJn3LMS6ggTj6IE4&ved=0CCgQ7Ak
 
'Oh, cool. Is that a brand name?'

no - it is more like a type like saying express or fly bridge.
 
Pardon me but I just don't see the attraction of down east style boats. If you plan to load the cockpit with lobster traps fine but for comfort I want the ability to get out of the weather. A small open cockpit is ok but the rest of the boat needed to be enclosable and have enough room for people to live comfortably.
Nothing prettier than a Hinckley pilot but I never could figure out what to do with them except day trips for genteel old farts.
 
I was born and raised in RI. Unless the boating season length has changed drastically, you may never put the annual hours on her to offset the cost.

That said, I see a lot of older Alura's for sale when I'm up that way. Nice boat IMO and they won't break the bank.

The thing I am concerned with about a diesel is more the availability of a certified mech in the area as opposed to brand.

Cummins or Cat is no problem in my area. Volvo...... Not so much. Something to consider.

Dos centavos!
 
If it were me I'd go with the twin 200hp diesels. I won't bore you or anyone else with my mistake on a 40 Mainship sedan bridge re-power. I'll just say I should have went with diesels instead of 8.1L Merc HO gassers.
I love the looks of the Down East style boats.
Good luck,
Bill
 
Thanks to all for your opinions. The short season we have is definitely playing into the decision of weather or not it is worth the extra money for diesel power. That said, nearly all the boats I am looking at come with a diesel, gas engines are limited in this style boat. I have never had a diesel boat so I value everyone's feedback, the good and bad.
 
If i may be permitted to pick on another to prove a point? Note one of our more methodical members here with a rather significant mechanically minded personality. For almost as many years as I can recall, I've often sparred on individual details such as construction materials, resin types, home style testing of water intrusion rates. That sort of thing. Strong fact based analysis. Very logical.

Now, in this thread I see explicit notions not of facts, but a reference to the "feel" of a diesel. This kind of garden variety touchy feely coming from an engineering mindset.

Only thing is, I'm in complete agreement with Bruce on this, like a lot of things.

The post is a little bit in jest, but only a little. There is something rather subjectively factual about it.
 
Ghost:

It gets worse.:)
Compression ignition is how nature or physics intended engines to be designed. Less refined fuel no wires and elaborate controls. A thing of beauty, elegant in its simplicity.
 
I'd sleep with motors idling if I wouldn't get kicked out of the anchorage for doing it.
 
Agree about that Diesel "Feel." They maneuver and accelerate with a "positivity" (if that's a word) that gassers generally don't. Maybe this statement from the motorhome community (which also has Gas vs. Diesel debates) will help: "Gassers Accelerate. Diesels Gain Momentum." About all I can add is it's nice (and amazing at first) to be able to dock and get underway on Clutches Alone. Almost never a need to come off idle.
 
Indeed, my boat would dance without ever touching throttles.
 
Look - You only live once - if it doesn't break your bank go with the twins. You will then be a "Cut Above".
 
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