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chriscorr
new user


Reged: 27/08/2008
Posts: 5
Inboard diesel or outboard petrol?
      #1973785 - 27/08/2008 13:44

I have a shortlist of second hand boats 22ft sailing yachts all the same design, some of which have inboard diesels, some petrol outboards. My memories of a petrol outboard on this size of boat (20 yrs ago as a child) consist of much cursing at an engine which never started and had fuel and oil all over the place. By contrast, my last 10 years of sailing have been on a variety of bigger boats with reliable diesels that will take you anywhere, wind, calm whatever.

So, can anyone offer any advice on whether there is significant gain to having a diesel inboard or whether I should consider the same design of boat with a petrol outboard on a level playing field? There is certainly much space to be gained with no engine under the cockpit but I worry about the amount of thrust an outboard gives, particularly when the prop pitches out of the water in rougher weather, and the ability to motor for some time in calm weather. All advice greatly appreciated...


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Firefly3572
regular


Reged: 05/07/2004
Posts: 245
Loc: Sussex-Hampshire coast
Re: Inboard diesel or outboard petrol? [Re: chriscorr]
      #1973839 - 27/08/2008 14:20

We currently run a Yamaha 8 2 stroke outboard on a 25ft 2 ton yacht.
You probably have most of the answers already however I like it because, it’s easy to fix, (not that it does need fixing) easy to remove tangled ropes etc, does not smell in the boat, requires next to no servicing, all of which I can manage myself, cheap to install aprox 30% of the price IMHO, easy to swop out with the tenders 3.3 if it needs to be. This particular model has a very good power to weight ratio and has taken a lot of abuse over the last 5 years.
Down side is that it’s only 8 hp and yes it struggles into wind above a force 5, especially if you are slamming into any chop, however this is offset by the boat sailing well in these conditions. Manovering lack’s prop wash but that’s no big deal with a decent rudder. Biggest thing to watch out for is dirt and water in the fuel.


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Talbot
regular


Reged: 23/08/2003
Posts: 12506
Loc: Stavanger, Norway
Re: Inboard diesel or outboard petrol? [Re: chriscorr]
      #1973840 - 27/08/2008 14:20

Your memory of the problems has not faded. However, an inboard will take up space. Decision will very much depend on how you are going to use the boat.

--------------------
"Be wary of strong drink. It can make you shoot at tax collectors - and miss."
Robert A Heinlein


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Gordonmc
regular


Reged: 19/09/2001
Posts: 1570
Loc: h Riddon
Re: Inboard diesel or outboard petrol? [Re: chriscorr]
      #1973857 - 27/08/2008 14:39

Prior to being adopted by my present boat I was owned by a Hurley 22 with a 9 hp two-stroke outboard. The advantages; removal for maintenance and repair, light weight, freed space below were outweighed by the cons.
The OB was noisy. In any sea the prop would come out of the water. No appreciable power generation for battery charging. Petrol on board. Thirst for more petrol. Lack of security. As you mentioned, general reliability.
Although some of the problems would be solved with a long shaft 4-stroke I vowed I would have an inboard diesel on my next boat.
So far I have not changed my opinion.

--------------------
Visit MarinaSkip to get rid of your unwanted boaty stuff (and pick up
some more!)

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maxi77
regular


Reged: 11/11/2007
Posts: 858
Loc: Kingdom of Fife
Re: Inboard diesel or outboard petrol? [Re: Gordonmc]
      #1973861 - 27/08/2008 14:45

If the outboard is reliable and has suitable controls they are fine, had a very old 5hp Johnston on a 19 ft boat and never had any problems other than an O ring on the fuel connector which was jury rigged with chewing gum.

The had a diesel on a 25ft boat and again not the slightest problem, the biggest advantage of the diesel was the fuel economy, it used much less, and no long walks to garages to top up for the return trip.

Find the boat you want and live with the engine, but my preference in the end would be inboard.

--------------------
Peter


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GeoffHill
regular


Reged: 20/08/2008
Posts: 21
Loc: Newcastle upon Tyne
Re: Inboard diesel or outboard petrol? [Re: maxi77]
      #1973968 - 27/08/2008 16:16

My yam 4hp long shaft OB never misses a beat. It starts 1st or second pull, and burns 1 to 2 L an hour. I've ran it for 3 or 4 hrs before, with no problems, and it doesnt smell.

I think you have memories of crappy old 2 stokes. Mixing fuel and oil is a right PITA


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saddle_tramp
regular


Reged: 11/07/2007
Posts: 724
Loc: London
Re: Inboard diesel or outboard petrol? [Re: GeoffHill]
      #1973996 - 27/08/2008 16:41

I used an outboard this summer when my diesel packed up.
Main problems for me sailing single handed where faffing about over the back of the boat taking it out of gear or putting it in reverse when approaching pontoons. Only having an 11 ltr tank meant I was always watching the fuel level.

If buying second hand the cost of engine problems or replacement is a major consideration. You may be able to afford a nice new reliable outboard, but cost would probably rule out a replacement diesel.

--------------------
<a href="//http://www.boatsandoutboards.co.uk/view/JYC017" target="_blank">Macwester 26 for sale</a>
( The artist formerly known as Mac 77)
http://www.boatsandoutboards.co.uk/view/JYC017


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stevebrassett
regular


Reged: 26/07/2004
Posts: 1087
Loc: Herts
Re: Inboard diesel or outboard petrol? [Re: saddle_tramp]
      #1974018 - 27/08/2008 16:57

In my opinion, swings and roundabouts. Most of the points have been made above, but having an outboard makes the boat very manouverable, especially in marinas.

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saddle_tramp
regular


Reged: 11/07/2007
Posts: 724
Loc: London
Re: Inboard diesel or outboard petrol? [Re: stevebrassett]
      #1974022 - 27/08/2008 17:01

Quote:

having an outboard makes the boat very manouverable, especially in marinas.



Good point, forgot that one. I could turn the boat in its own length easily. Only needed to when I balls up though.

--------------------
<a href="//http://www.boatsandoutboards.co.uk/view/JYC017" target="_blank">Macwester 26 for sale</a>
( The artist formerly known as Mac 77)
http://www.boatsandoutboards.co.uk/view/JYC017


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Spyro
regular


Reged: 18/01/2003
Posts: 1549
Loc: North Ayrshire
Re: Inboard diesel or outboard petrol? [Re: chriscorr]
      #1974034 - 27/08/2008 17:07

It may also depend on what diesel inboard is in the boat you are looking at. If it's an older boat it could be a small diesel that is under powered. Years ago an auxiliary was just that. It may also be that the inboard could be nearing the end of it's life and for cost reasons you would replace it with an outboard anyway.
If it has a fairly modern well powered diesel I would go for that.

--------------------
WANT TO BUY A TRAPPER300?


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