Thinking about a small inboard. Preferablly diesel.

[mogfisher]

Hello. I'm getting somewhat close on my first project boat and alreay thinking about my next one. My family has a house on an island in Rhode Island and I'd really like a boat to keep there for transport to and from as well as some striper/tuna fishing. I love diesel motors so I'd really like to go that route. I also dont want a HUGE boat. I'm thinking in the mid 20 foot range would work well for us. I'm thinking an older boat that I can refurb like I am my bass boat. Any ideas? Did anyone make an inboard boat that small with a diesel? I would also entertain a gas boat and later convert it do diesel. I think a little 4 cly diesel would suffice. I was thinking I could find an older lobster boat and rework it for my needs but a lot of them are bigger than I want. I live in the Northeast. Thanks for any suggestions.

Adam

 

[sasto]

Re: Thinking about a small inboard. Preferablly diesel.

Shamrock would be my choice.

 

[Cuyose]

Re: Thinking about a small inboard. Preferablly diesel.

Unless you plan on running the boat close to 1000 hours a yr, and don't mind slow speeds, a diesel isn't really saving you much. There are advantages and disadvantages, but a google search will give you more information than you would ever want to know on gas vs diesel, cost and maintenance comparisons and breakdowns.

Most analysis from people that really know their stuff will tend to say it's not worth it in a boat with a planing hull less than 30 ft or so.

The fact that you could get a 350 short block online for ~$1400 and that if taken care of will run your boat for decades, as well as being made for higher speed cruise is what I would be looking at.

Of course, if you love diesels by all means put one in. Boats aren't cheap so you might as well get a setup you like.

 

[Mischief Managed]

Re: Thinking about a small inboard. Preferablly diesel.

Rosborough 246 would be an excellent choice. Some were made with diesels.