Question? Skipjack Diesel

Bank Robber · Sep-01-2008, 11:39 AM

I'm wondering if anyone has any real world first hand experience with a 28 skipjack with twin VP 41 series diesel in it. I have heard quite a few opinions about different engine packages with this boat but haven't really got a first hand unbiased perspective. I know that these engines have been installed in this type of boat before I just would like to get an idea of the kind of mileage, handling, and speed I might expect.

After looking at a lot of possible engine configurations the VP 41s bolted back up to my 280 drives makes the most sense and is the most economical. So I'm hoping someone who has this set up can give me some numbers to help back up my decision. Thanks

lokegirl48 · Sep-01-2008, 12:43 PM

Dean go to boatdiesel.com you should be able to get all the answers you need. I think you will find the resources you need to make the best choice. In particular check out Tony Athens, he has a myriad of articles on repower and how to get the best package put together.

Waterpup · Sep-01-2008, 01:45 PM

boatdiesel.com is crazy (not a good crazy) they want you to pay to see archived material and have access to other articles. Their daily post counts are low, you can find all that here and you have more posters here.

I have a single screw duo-propped 40a series on my skippy and the only thing I wish I had was a little more top end. Even so it's been a great package on my boat.

sickcat · Sep-01-2008, 08:20 PM

I would disagree with Steve. If you deal much with diesels or are shopping for a diesel boat the $25 for signing up at boatdiesel is a great investment. There is tons of info about every one of the mainstream engines and quite a bit about many of the oddball stuff as well. You will not find anything close to that at any other site.

Waterpup · Sep-01-2008, 09:37 PM

All I know is I couldn't read enough of the board as older posts are archived and viewable only to paying members and the post count is pretty low meaning that many post cannot be read due to aging out. If I can't find enough info I can't make an informed decision on whether it's worth it or not.

Bank Robber · Sep-01-2008, 09:42 PM

Thanks for the replies guys I appreciate it.

I know Piperca is a member and he has been looking to do the same thing. I'm not sure if he has found anything on that site. I'll ask him and see. That being said how bout it anyone else??

sickcat · Sep-01-2008, 11:34 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Waterpup

All I know is I couldn't read enough of the board as older posts are archived and viewable only to paying members and the post count is pretty low meaning that many post cannot be read due to aging out. If I can't find enough info I can't make an informed decision on whether it's worth it or not.

I thought the same thing after going to the site for couple of years. It was a little frustrating. Then after quite a few people saying how valuable to them the site is I figure what the hell, it is only $25. I joined and found how valuable the site is. For someone like the OP who is looking at repowering to diesels that $25 will pay back many times over AND save him a ton of grief.

lokegirl48 · Sep-02-2008, 12:02 AM

We have customers from all over the world who consult with our company much from Boat Diesel and it is not a BS site it is very technical and you can get what you need or at least connected to the right guy to help you. You can spend $25.00 in a flash on pure crap on any given day, why would money detour you?
Once you are a member you can get in touch with amazingly talanted and intelligent people. The fee is to keep tire kickers from mucking up the board "just cuz". Makes sense to me. BD and the like set you in the right direction and some really valuable info here but for a project of that size you can't go wrong. But hey to each his own.

Deno · Sep-02-2008, 12:12 AM

Dean, every time I’m getting ready to bitch about my miles per gallon, I think of your boat.. You have a bad ass boat, all she needs is diesels

Quote:

Originally Posted by Bank Robber

I'm wondering if anyone has any real world first hand experience with a 28 skipjack with twin VP 41 series diesel in it. I have heard quite a few opinions about different engine packages with this boat but haven't really got a first hand unbiased perspective. I know that these engines have been installed in this type of boat before I just would like to get an idea of the kind of mileage, handling, and speed I might expect.

After looking at a lot of possible engine configurations the VP 41s bolted back up to my 280 drives makes the most sense and is the most economical. So I'm hoping someone who has this set up can give me some numbers to help back up my decision. Thanks

riverplayer · Sep-02-2008, 12:23 AM

We run a 44 in our 262 and now that its propped right, (new C2's) a world of performance change for the better. I dont think you'll be sorry with the twin 44's in your 28. Pricey to maintain! Well worth the investment if you ask me.

Bank Robber · Sep-02-2008, 07:24 AM

Kerry and Dee, I agree that it would easily be worth the 25 bucks and I'll probably join. At this stage I'm looking for very specific information and I'm not sure that it is there. I think Andrew (piperca) has been on that site quite a bit for his repower and hasn't been able to come up with the info I'm looking for. Although I need to call him and verify that.

Quote:

Originally Posted by Deno

Dean, every time I’m getting ready to bitch about my miles per gallon, I think of your boat.. You have a bad ass boat, all she needs is diesels

Your welcome

Glad to be of service Deno and thanks

Quote:

Originally Posted by riverplayer

We run a 44 in our 262 and now that its propped right, (new C2's) a world of performance change for the better. I dont think you'll be sorry with the twin 44's in your 28. Pricey to maintain! Well worth the investment if you ask me.

Hi Ed, Thanks for chiming in. I would love to put a couple newer engine packages in my boat. Problem is that would involve a lot of transom work and the price is out of my range and would be an over improvement for a boat as old as mine. I've looked into installing a single diesel but with the transom work, the stringer re config and the price of an engine that would have the HP I need and I would be back in the same price range. The 41s will bolt right up to my 280s and with a little modification the rest of my existing components will work to. Also I can rebuild these things for a fraction of the cost and to top it off BDr Out of reach gave me a rebuildable 41 a couple of weeks ago (thanks man) I just really would like to get an idea of what kind of improvement I will see. These things weigh a bit more than the 350 gas engines do and I'm not sure how that will effect things. I know I will see some improvement but it would be nice to hear from someone with a similar set up and find out what they are seeing.

BiggestT · Sep-02-2008, 08:16 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Bank Robber

Kerry and Dee, I agree that it would easily be worth the 25 bucks and I'll probably join. At this stage I'm looking for very specific information and I'm not sure that it is there. I think Andrew (piperca) has been on that site quite a bit for his repower and hasn't been able to come up with the info I'm looking for. Although I need to call him and verify that.

Your welcome

Glad to be of service Deno and thanks

Hi Ed, Thanks for chiming in. I would love to put a couple newer engine packages in my boat. Problem is that would involve a lot of transom work and the price is out of my range and would be an over improvement for a boat as old as mine. I've looked into installing a single diesel but with the transom work, the stringer re config and the price of an engine that would have the HP I need and I would be back in the same price range. The 41s will bolt right up to my 280s and with a little modification the rest of my existing components will work to. Also I can rebuild these things for a fraction of the cost and to top it off BDr Out of reach gave me a rebuildable 41 a couple of weeks ago (thanks man) I just really would like to get an idea of what kind of improvement I will see. These things weigh a bit more than the 350 gas engines do and I'm not sure how that will effect things. I know I will see some improvement but it would be nice to hear from someone with a similar set up and find out what they are seeing.

Dean, I initially refrained from answering as I don't have the direct experience you've asked for. After reading this, it sounds like you have all the technical covered for the install. If you're worried about performance figures I'm sure you can readily find gallon per hour figures for the 41 series engines. Even without direct experience with the Skipjack 28 and these engines, I'd feel safe to say that conservatively you're looking at a 20 to 22 knot cruise speed and fuel consumption of 1.5 to 2.0 nmpg, probably closer to the latter. Top speed would maybe reach 26 knots fully loaded. I don't know your mpg figures with the gasers, but I'm sure it was close to 1.0 mpg on a good day.