I was so pleased to get so many replies to my topic of Petrol v Diesel. As a prospective member of the “HOW” clan I also received membership documents from the UK Legend Owners Association. So all in all I am pretty impressed !! To Jim Covey, Thank you for you reply. The H260 is available in the UK as the 260 I and the 260 K. (keel) as such it comes with i/b or o/b options. Hence my initial inquiry. Since I will keep mine on a “swinging mooring” I shall opt for the fixed keel, since the last thing I want to do is trailer it. Your comments with regard to the o/b Honda were most useful and informative since my current vessel is 25 feet and weighs in at 4,800lbs and only gets to 5 knots with a Johnson Sailmaster 8 with Long shaft . To Michael Bell, My thanks to you. I was undecided and your input was most helpful. See reply to George Kornreich with regard to liberal use of plain white vinegar !! Could save you and me a fortune in sealed separate motor compartment. My thoughts had strayed to a TOTALLY separate vessel for motive power through a rigid towing bar figuring this might be a cheaper alternative to the size of boat you were envisaging. Like you I would like to go i/board for my next boat. To Goerge Kornreich Thanks for your reply. The engine size problem seems to have been resolved by the other replies that I had. Your comments with regard to the smell of diesel could well turn out to be pivotal in my decision process. I think you are right that cleanliness is next to seamanship and I must look to cleaning up as I go. However I will stock up on Plain white vinegar (just in case ) in the Bosun’s Box. The 260 is available here in two models as I mentioned to Jim above. Over here there is a forum for discussing the relative benefits of O/board diesels and 4 stroke gas engines and the annoying europeans under CE rules want to do away with our old favourite – the smokey 2 stroke. You may have to advise me later on the museum pieces. To Dan Johnson Much appreciated your reply. I was glad to hear that you have found the Yanmar 9 HP a real work horse. The 8 HP o/b that I use (see reply to Jim above) has been only satisfactory, hence my original comments about engine size. It does seem as if a diesel engine generates more of its power to the water and hence the better performance. You sound as if you do the same as me and use the engine as little as possible. O/boards do tend to be a bit thirsty but then on the mileage I do it doesn’t make much difference. We primarily use the current boat for frantic relaxation which can only be improved upon if I sailed in your part of the world.