*THE HULL TRUTH is the world's largest FREE network for the discussion of Boating & Fishing. Whether you're researching a new boat, or are a seasoned Captain, you'll find The Hull Truth Boating & Fishing Message Forum contains a wealth of information from Boaters and Sportfishermen around the world.
Welcome to the updated THT!
If you are having trouble signing in, please email feedback@thehulltruth.com with your username and we will help you. We thank you for your patience as we help you access the new site!
Retail prices of a couple of 30 ft. expresses are about $155K for twin gas I/O's versus $225k for about the same size diesels. In what way are the diesels worth $70K more than the gas powered engines. I know diesels are supposed to last longer and be more fuel efficient, but are they that much better?
Boy, I'll bet this is going to be a long string of replies. My $.02 -- nothing in boating makes much financial sense, so get what you want (and can afford). If you want diesels, get them 'cause you won't be really happy until you do. If you don't care either way, diesel is cheaper if you really use your boat a lot; gas is cheaper if you are more of a casual user. Range plays an important factor too -- diesel will get you out farther (and ******.
A 30' express boat does not need diesels. I would look for a boat with straight inboards instead of I/O's. I/O's sitting in saltwater for 10 years or more are going to be trouble. My 20 year old boat with straight inboards will probably go another 20 years. Bronze and stainless with a few zincs in the right places will last for many years. Aluminum and stainless with zincs everywhere just will not go the distance. 70K more for diesels just makes no sense on a 30' express unless you need the range.
Wrangler pretty much says it all - also diesel fuel pretty much doesn't explode due to the very much lower volatility. The only reason other than $ to go gas is the smell - if you troll it may be worth considering - if you cruise forgetaboutit
That said in our parts you can't really use your boat enough (as a pleasure boater) to make up for the cost difference...
I have a buddy who is trying to sell a 35' Tiara in mint condition with gas motors (454's)...having a hard time. Think resale too! You just might get $35,000 plus of that premium back when you sell. You got to think; 'life cycle costing'...what are the actual cost of owning the boat per year. Just some thoughts.
Boston Whaler, "MUMBLER", 24' Outrage, twin 175 HP Evinrude Ocean Pros. Snowball, the cat...
If you are an 'average' boater & do not get out every weekend or do not go very far when you do, the diesel is not worth the expense. If you are a regular weekly boater, like to travel far, speed is not that important, might like to get a break on your insurance premium (less fire hazard), like less frequent breakdowns (be prepared to pay when they do happen), like lower per mile fuel bills, & you are prepared to do the maintenance with oil & filter changes then the diesel is the way to go.
Not even going to touch the water tractor(diesel) verses a Gas burner .... Just going to say last week the Galveston Yacht Basin had too sign's out ...Super unleaded...1.78....Diesel ...1.09 ...John
the resale will be higher!...duh...i am a gas
fan, so here goes..
[1] diesels are louder, run rougher, and
hotter...not ideal companion for a smaller
craft..
[2] diesels smell...very few diesel boats
dont carry their calling card on the wind.
[3] diesels cost more both to buy and ser
vice/repair...you DO know how to bleed your
diesel, dont you?!...
[4] diesels will not save you enough gas to
even come close to being a financially wise
selection....they only make sense for big
vessels or ones will thousands of hours per
season.
Think of the money you save as free gas for the rest of your life. $70K will buy you 40,000 gal of $1.75 gas, and a 30 express might get 2 mpg or 80,000 miles. More than 3 times around the Earth at the Equator. How many miles do you log on the boat per year?
Diesel Worth It? 
Boston Whaler, "MUMBLER", 24' Outrage, twin 175 HP Evinrude Ocean Pros. 
Snowball, the cat... 
