diesel vs gas

malibufishnsurf · Jun-19-2005, 09:17 PM

If you were buying a Parker in the 25 foot range today and you could spend top dollar, is there any reason to get 4-stroke gas engines?

I have to think I would get a diesel b/c of the fuel economy.

The bad list I have on diesel is:

Smells horrible, takes up a bit more cockpit space and more expensive to maintain. All of these seem to be outweighed by the unbelievable fuel economy of diesel vs. gas.

Is diesel the only way to go?

**Ali** · Jun-19-2005, 09:34 PM

FYI Parker doesn't make I/O boats anymore. Look at Osprey or Skagit Orca for a better boat available in a diesel.

Diesel is great, but like everything else it does have it's drawbacks. The biggest being cost. Unless you fish for a living or A LOT the price difference will never pencil out. Another big disadvantage for me is having to use an outdrive. Nearly all diesel boats in the 25' range are I/O powered. Diesel is also slower and usually requires a motor cover. Smell is really not an issue. The newer small diesels hardly smoke at all.

The plus' however are huge... Range, Economy, Reliability, Longevity and Saftey...

Four stokes are great but, they don't last as long, lower mileage, safety, etc...

I would take a realistic look at how you are going to use your boat, talk to people who have both powerplants and do the math.

I've never owned a diesel boat, but I would in a heartbeat.

Good luck.

FishSniper1 · Jun-19-2005, 09:51 PM

Check out the Davis Bahia, nice boat and they're putting in the new Volvo D4 diesel that hauls ass.

http://www.davisboats.com/bahia.htm

-JIM

malibufishnsurf · Jun-19-2005, 10:44 PM

gato- i actually had the skagit/orca in mind, just didnt think many ppl were familiar with that name.

adding to the thread, what's the problem with an outdrive?

**Ali** · Jun-20-2005, 09:40 AM

Killer boats as are the Davis'.

I should have rephrased the outdrive comment.

They really only suck if you are in a slip. You have to haul the boat (trailer or boatyard) to service them. Plus there are a lot of moving parts sitting in the salt water.

They are fine for trailer boats, but even then are VERY costly to replace.

WIDEOPENBITE · Jun-20-2005, 12:32 PM

DAVIS! DAVIS! DAVIS! Some 37' sportfishers don't have the cockpit space of a 22' Cortez. (Who else will reconfigure the cabin roof height for a tall angler?) Harold Davis builds a custom boat at a reasonable price that will fish hard and last forever. And RESALE - none better.

Also, one of the best group of owners around! As a matter of fact, I can't remember meeting a Dick with a Davis. (Maybe he won't sell to A-holes.)

Good Luck!

TAPOUT · Jun-20-2005, 01:16 PM

What A-hole with a 37 are you refering to?

inSTANt bendo · Jun-20-2005, 03:10 PM

Davis boats are awesome and the resale is untouchable when compared to other boats in it's class. A 22' Cortez or a 25' Bahia......I have wet dreams about those boats.

WIDEOPENBITE · Jun-20-2005, 03:27 PM

Huh? Is that the way it reads?

I said every Davis owner I have ever met is cool. You don't have to still own one to be cool.

JT

SALTYDAWG · Jun-20-2005, 03:33 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by inSTANt bendo

Davis boats are awesome and the resale is untouchable when compared to other boats in it's class. A 22' Cortez or a 25' Bahia......I have wet dreams about those boats.

Take it easy Stan, Dont start pulling yourself around the room

inSTANt bendo · Jun-20-2005, 04:36 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by SALTYDAWG

Take it easy Stan, Dont start pulling yourself around the room

Too late....I need a tissue.

getagaff · Jun-20-2005, 10:39 PM

As to the outdrive coment. Every day I repair sterns, and only service the outboards. For that size of boat take carefull consideration as Gato Gordo pointed out. Diesel can't be beat but if you go that route plan on miticulous up keep, or go with a direct shaft and no more worries.