gas vs. diesel?
- Thread starter dlewis812
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Twice the range per tank of fuel with diesel. Lots depends on where you're cruising, but 2:1 for fuel over the lifetime of your ownership isn't something to sneeze at. That said, in 13 years I've spent $1600 on diesel fuel, do the math.
Gas is more combustible. The A4 is a wonderful engine, and Moyer Marine could help you keep it going for years.
Diesels are simpler - no points, distributors or spark plugs. The 18 hp diesel should be freshwater cooled (with a Heat Exchanger) which are preferable compared to raw water cooled (no heat exchanger ocean water goes through the engine).
Oh, and mostly resale value. For some reason people are more afraid of the A4. It's nothing that Moyer Marine can't help you fix and make the engine run forever.
Gas is more combustible. The A4 is a wonderful engine, and Moyer Marine could help you keep it going for years.
Diesels are simpler - no points, distributors or spark plugs. The 18 hp diesel should be freshwater cooled (with a Heat Exchanger) which are preferable compared to raw water cooled (no heat exchanger ocean water goes through the engine).
Oh, and mostly resale value. For some reason people are more afraid of the A4. It's nothing that Moyer Marine can't help you fix and make the engine run forever.
Stu pretty much nails it that diesels are much more simple in operation and to work on. The main items needed for success are clean fuel and air. The fuel is also much less combustible.
That said, you are asking the question because you have 2 boats to pick from. There are probably many more items you are evaluating like: year of production, type keel, std or tall mast, condition of the sails, other features ...etc.
If the boats are in similar condition, features and price, then I would clearly favor the diesel powered vessel.
That said, you are asking the question because you have 2 boats to pick from. There are probably many more items you are evaluating like: year of production, type keel, std or tall mast, condition of the sails, other features ...etc.
If the boats are in similar condition, features and price, then I would clearly favor the diesel powered vessel.
I'd add to Stephen's: what years are the boats and what arrangement is the cockpit. Older C30s had the straight cockpit seats, while the newer ones have the T cockpit, much easier with a wheel.
Something else to consider
i've had both - diesel and gas. when i bought my current 30, it had (has) an A4 and i was a bit edgy about it. now that i have it, i'm perfectly happy. two disadvantages to diesel are - they really stink and they are incredibly picky about clean fuel. even with dual filters, i once lost power coming into charleston harbor after three days at sea.
i agree that moyer marine (don, the guru) will keep you going, will sell you some add-ons that make it easier to start, change oil, etc and will babysit you on the phone until you understand what the problem is.
all else being equal, gas is just fine. if you're going a long distance you can always carry a jerry can with extra fuel, or sail more! either way, the 30 will and can be a great cruiser. good luck.
i've had both - diesel and gas. when i bought my current 30, it had (has) an A4 and i was a bit edgy about it. now that i have it, i'm perfectly happy. two disadvantages to diesel are - they really stink and they are incredibly picky about clean fuel. even with dual filters, i once lost power coming into charleston harbor after three days at sea.
i agree that moyer marine (don, the guru) will keep you going, will sell you some add-ons that make it easier to start, change oil, etc and will babysit you on the phone until you understand what the problem is.
all else being equal, gas is just fine. if you're going a long distance you can always carry a jerry can with extra fuel, or sail more! either way, the 30 will and can be a great cruiser. good luck.
DL,
I have to agree with Stu & Steve, if you are looking at buying a boat, the better choice is diesel.
From a safety standpoint, there's alot less pre-checks starting your engine. Remember gas fumes are heavy and will settle low in your engine compartment/bilge areas.
Folks with gas need to be in the habit of checking for fumes & leaks before start. You also need to make sure the exhaust fan is working properly. Then there is that fuel cost.
I use my battery charger on a timer; boat is at a dock year round. Say a gas leak developed while unattended; say your bilge pump is set to AUTO.
This can be a problem.
Light a match & throw it on a can of diesel. It will not ignite, it takes pressure in the cylinder to make it ignite. That is really the only place you want spark.
As for fuel quality, I never get it from fuel docks. I have a Mobile station near me that has clear diesel, what you would call aviation grade. Four 6gal. jerry cans fill the tank. Over time "bugs" suspended in the fuel will die-off and settle as sludge in the tank. This can cause your filters (primary & secondary, always have 2) to clog. This will always happen at the worst possible time. Joe had it happen to him.
It happened to me at a critical time. Afterward, I cleaned my tank, new filters & good fuel. not a problem anymore. If you decide to have a survey done on the diesel boat, make sure you have the surveyor check the fuel pickup for signs of sludge on the screen. It may also be an option in re-negotiating sale price.
Hopefully the diesel boat has the better selling points.
CR
I have to agree with Stu & Steve, if you are looking at buying a boat, the better choice is diesel.
From a safety standpoint, there's alot less pre-checks starting your engine. Remember gas fumes are heavy and will settle low in your engine compartment/bilge areas.
Folks with gas need to be in the habit of checking for fumes & leaks before start. You also need to make sure the exhaust fan is working properly. Then there is that fuel cost.
I use my battery charger on a timer; boat is at a dock year round. Say a gas leak developed while unattended; say your bilge pump is set to AUTO.
This can be a problem.
Light a match & throw it on a can of diesel. It will not ignite, it takes pressure in the cylinder to make it ignite. That is really the only place you want spark.
As for fuel quality, I never get it from fuel docks. I have a Mobile station near me that has clear diesel, what you would call aviation grade. Four 6gal. jerry cans fill the tank. Over time "bugs" suspended in the fuel will die-off and settle as sludge in the tank. This can cause your filters (primary & secondary, always have 2) to clog. This will always happen at the worst possible time. Joe had it happen to him.
It happened to me at a critical time. Afterward, I cleaned my tank, new filters & good fuel. not a problem anymore. If you decide to have a survey done on the diesel boat, make sure you have the surveyor check the fuel pickup for signs of sludge on the screen. It may also be an option in re-negotiating sale price.
Hopefully the diesel boat has the better selling points.
CR
If a diesel engine stinks because of the smell there's a diesel fuel leak that must be fixed. We've had a diesel engine for 13 years, NO smell.
The other part is true.
Yes....they can be picky with fuel BUT....Get fuel from places that regularly replace their fuel supplies (i.e. people are buying a lot of diesel at that place) AND have a good fuel filter (like a Racor) so that it is the filter that gets it, not the engine. Furthermore, add the proper additives into your engine and you won't have any issues at all.
Stu is right about stinky diesel....if it stinks it is from a leak. Clean out your bilge, really well because it is also possible to drop a little fuel down there when you change your filter. Keep bilge cleaner in your bilge. NO SMELL!
Most bilges are funky. I keep mine pretty clean. Maine Sail has a bilge that you could eat out of! LOL
Stu is right about stinky diesel....if it stinks it is from a leak. Clean out your bilge, really well because it is also possible to drop a little fuel down there when you change your filter. Keep bilge cleaner in your bilge. NO SMELL!
Most bilges are funky. I keep mine pretty clean. Maine Sail has a bilge that you could eat out of! LOL
gas or diesel
if you go with the diesel, which i think is much safer and will make your boat seem like a newer catalina 30 for resale, buy a filter funnel for the diesel fuel. it's amazing how much water i get in diesel fuel when buying the fuel. west marine sells the funnels and they're inexpensive. i never smell my diesel either, and feel lots safer with gasoline fumes around.
if you go with the diesel, which i think is much safer and will make your boat seem like a newer catalina 30 for resale, buy a filter funnel for the diesel fuel. it's amazing how much water i get in diesel fuel when buying the fuel. west marine sells the funnels and they're inexpensive. i never smell my diesel either, and feel lots safer with gasoline fumes around.
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