Affordable Diesel Power - is there such a thing?

HighLineCBR

Petty Officer 2nd Class
Joined
Jul 6, 2008
Messages
104
I was just looking at some Diesel engine options. Not that i need to repower but was just wondering whats out there.

a new Mercruiser MPI motor with about 320HP will cost about $10,000 installed. A comparable Cummins Mercruiser diesel motor will cost about $30,000 installed.

This doesnt seem a feasible option for us "regular" boaters to consider. I would love to have a diesel motor... more fuel efficient, more power, and will run forever. But at $20K more ??? I probably wouldnt even burn through $20K of gas in the life of the boat.

so... is there an affordable Diesel alternative for the "regular" boater? new or used?
 

Bondo

Moderator
Staff member
Joined
Apr 17, 2002
Messages
71,082
Re: Affordable Diesel Power - is there such a thing?

so... is there an affordable Diesel alternative for the "regular" boater? new or used?

Nope,.... Not really....
 

Howard Sterndrive

Rear Admiral
Joined
Nov 5, 2008
Messages
4,603
Re: Affordable Diesel Power - is there such a thing?

more power, and will run forever.

1HP from a gas engine = 1HP from a diesel

nothing runs forever.

Now that diesels are loaded down with electronics and turbos and such, I don't know that they're much more reliable than a gas engine in general. The computer makes 'em go now.

Heavy duty diesels with wet liners and pump and line fuel systems are not found in recreational boats anymore... you're getting parent bore blocks, or maybe dry sleeves, and common rail unit injector fuel systems prone to high tech issues that only certain marinas have the training or tools for.
 

Howard Sterndrive

Rear Admiral
Joined
Nov 5, 2008
Messages
4,603
Re: Affordable Diesel Power - is there such a thing?

Preliminary list pricing for a TDI 225-6:
1. Without gear = $24,470.00
2. With Bravo 1 Mercrusier Sterndrive = $29,677.00
3. With Bravo 3 Mercruiser Sterndrive = $30,260.00

that was a few years ago.

I think VW did about what Toyota or Yamaha did in the rec. boat inboard biz in N.A.... disappeared

Ring Power no longer has any VW reference on their site

Is VW still around with the marine TDI?
 

Autotech1

Petty Officer 2nd Class
Joined
Oct 25, 2006
Messages
195
Re: Affordable Diesel Power - is there such a thing?

Is there a Merc bellhousing for non-computer 12 Cummins?
 
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