I really think diesel innovation into the recreational market was on its way to the outboard market at one time but the CARB emission standards put an end to it.

You see some diesel outboards over seas but not here in the good ol' "global warmed" USA.

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From what i have read, the Mercury and IIRC some of those other "diesel" engines are technically multi-fuel modified gassers in that that still use spark ignition as opposed to compression ignition. I am not sure they get the same kind of economy, but they do make life easier for military and other big diesel or JP-8 users as they don't have to carry several different types of fuel. You do get like a 10-15% bump in energy density per kg using died or JP-8 instead of gas, so that will make some folks a little bit happy even if they are not getting the much better fuel consumption of a true DI or CR turbodiesel, especially if they are buying "commercial" diesel or jet fuel! Cost wise, the closing of the gap between gas and road diesel may not help us regular recreational use folks as much when it comes to these spark ignition motors because you know that they will cost more.

Diesels now have spark plugs?

From what I read, that Opti does. Like I said, it is not a "diesel" but a multi fuel engine that will run on diesel fuel among other things. It was apparently built for a contact for the Navy after they said that they wanted no gasoline on ships after 2010. It is basically an engine for inflatables , the Boston Whaler Guardian light patrol boats, etc. that are too small for inboard diesels.

Ladies and Gentlemen, Let's get ready to RUUUUUMBLLLLLLLLL.
This thread has degraded quickly to one that we see on the Hull Truth.
Actually,I'm getting a kick out of it,my morning was kinda boring til I clicked on this. thread.
What was it about now??? oh that's right diesel stern drives.

Funny!

After reading all the replies, compared to the majority with similar hp be they diesel or outboard powered, my Tsunami powered by a 350ci 260 HP Mercruiser sterndrive(Alpha) is a pig.
WOT is only about 38 mph(gps)on a flat day with a cruise of about 25-28. I will say however that it' fun passing much much larger boats in snotty stuff.We don't often get the chance of swells on Lake Ontario,when it's rough.it's always that steep wave pattern with what seems zero distance between them.If I can get up and stay on top of them I can pass a lot of other boats
I don't leave the dock when it's calling for 4' or more,not because the boat can't handle it but it's almost impossible to troll(we only troll at a max of 3 -4 mph) in that crap.There is no time in between the waves,it's just that constant water over the bow then bow pointing skyward,then water over the bow then bow pointing skyward and on and on and on.No fish is worth that, it's like being stuck with a sharp stick over and over.
My fuel burn with this engine and drive isn't the worst,but I'd like better.That diesel is interesting,but I can't possibly see the cost being sensible on a small boat like the 23's

BTW Father Frank I know nothing about Chaparral boats but it seems like 23k just to repower a 19' boat is quite steep,was this an insurance deal?,or are they a prized boat brand?

Insurance steal, ...I mean deal.