Outboard or Diesel

[Sanddancer59]

Im buying a fishing boat shortly.20ft plus.
I've always been for inboard diesel, but lately I've been looking at prospect of outboard. I've got moorings. And that's the dilemma. Do I go for outboard that's going to be on moorings. What with the security of it and also after every fishing trip, does the engine need to be flushed . What's the pros and cons?.
All advice appreciated.

 

[Kev1n]

Welcome aboard Sanddancer.

Different people have different views on this, depending on what suits them, so you'll probably get a range of answers.

Outboards are generally cheaper, lighter and therefore faster than an equivalent powered diesel inboard.

Offsetting that though, diesel inboards are more fuel efficient and tend to be designed to last for ages. Servicing an inboard should be easier than an outboard and can be done afloat.

The thing that swung it for me, was outboards take up a big chunk of space across the transom and get in the way of valuable fishing space.

The water under the hull should keep an engine well warmer than an outboard exposed to the elements which can make a difference for frost protection. I expect that an inboard engine would be more secure than an outboard which can be quickly removed with a chainsaw.

Good luck and post a few photo's of whatever you buy.

 

[codhw]

My preference would be inboard diesel simply because thats what we currently have and is both economical and easy to service. Having said that we are currently looking to buy a bigger boat and I wouldnt discount an outboard. I think it would get down to what boats are available and the condition of the boat. There are many different views re outboards inboards prop vs legs etc. My advice would be if the boat feels right for you then its right for you.

 

[codhw]

Sorry should have also mentioned that my club has boats moored in the river with outboards and whilst its true the toe rags can come along with there jig saws to rip the outboard off the boat I think if they want your boat they will have it but you can take measures to protect your boat and investment.

PS: we're considering selling our boat which is moored on the tyne if your interested pm me

 

[Sanddancer59]

Outboard v diesel

Outboard v diesel

Thanks for your replies, guys.
Diesel is always my first choice even stern drive.
Looked high and low on all websites to buy to 1 which fits my needs.
A lot are mostly outboards and mostly down south .
Hard to find the 1 I'm after. Forward cuddly, open deck space.

 

[alcaucin]

I have an optimax 115 hp 2 stroke dfi and find it ok on fuel but the oil is pricey. If I was looking for a change I would go diesel. It also depends how often you will be using it and work out the running costs. I'm not sure but I think about 7-10knots max speed with a diesel and over 20 knots with an outboard . I can get over 30 knots in mine. if you want to save on fuel then go diesel. If you want speed go outboard. Servicing is probably cheaper on a diesel too, I do my own.

 

[grandad121]

outboard or diesel

outboard or diesel

i have a quicksilver pilothouse with a 120 hp diesel engine easy to maintain great on fuel will cruise all day at 17 to 20 knots and if i want to push it will do 27 knots no problem and i get cut price diesel from a berth in the marina cant ask for more

 

[Wasabi]

Im buying a fishing boat shortly.20ft plus.
I've always been for inboard diesel, but lately I've been looking at prospect of outboard. I've got moorings. And that's the dilemma. Do I go for outboard that's going to be on moorings. What with the security of it and also after every fishing trip, does the engine need to be flushed . What's the pros and cons?.
All advice appreciated.

Diesel inboard for a boat over 20ft !

Reasons:

The only real disadvantage of the diesel engines is weight and on a 20ft boat it does not matter much.

If you are in a marina where you get red diesel it is a double no-brainer.

 

[Davem]

Another one for diesel ( shaft drive ideally ) , weight is in middle of boat which adds to stability as well .

 

[Sanddancer59]

Cheers for the replays. To true it's a no brainer, ref the fuel. And maintenance .
When I get it I'll post some photos...

 

[alcaucin]

there you go , the best of both worlds with the pilot house speed and economy, I think they have the astra 1.7 litre engine.

 

[grandad121]

outboard or diesel

outboard or diesel

mine is a quicksilver 640sd with a isuzu engine

 

[big_sean]

Well I will add to this. Most boats sub 24' nowadays are heading down the Outboard route. My outboard gives me 1.25nm per litre at a steady 18 knot cruise. As for servicing mine gets done when I get the boat out for Antifouling. My outboard needs a dealer service every 3 years, but I get it done every 2. It has a 5 year warranty. but at 6 years old I will add 3k to the outboard and have another new one. so simple to change and have complete reliability. As for fuel I get it at the supermarket and just transfer it to the boat. I dont know what the diesel price is now, but I dont think there will be that much in it. Reliability wise the Outboards are fantastic. they just keep getting better, also fuel economy is getting far better too. so there are a lot of pro's now to the outboards. Also the Boat designers are getting very clever with outboards regarding stability of the boats.

Sean

 

[alcaucin]

mine is a quicksilver 640sd with a isuzu engine

sounds nice, I think they used to have the astra diesel in them but obviously things progress.