Inboard options 6.0 vs 5.7 vs Diesel

[jnamowitz]

Does anybody run a Diesel sterndrive? Im looking at converting mine. I love the weight of the engine in the boat and I think and outboard with bracket would drastically change the ride.

[FLexpat]

Originally Posted by jnamowitz

Does anybody run a Diesel sterndrive? Im looking at converting mine. I love the weight of the engine in the boat and I think and outboard with bracket would drastically change the ride.

I replaced my wrecked Alpha with a Bravo 1X Diesel drive so I could have the option in the future. Boat isn't done yet and I have a 5.7/260 with only 380 hrs but if an appropriate diesel showed up I would do it. I think the biggest challenge would be getting a bellhousing for the Yanmar that would mate to the Merc transom housing. Merc has a 4.2L 370HP v8 diesel that is intended for that application - I think it is the VW or BMW motor but when I looked into it it was pretty pricey.

[OSEAD23]

You can ventilate by putting a thru hull in the pocket with a pipe or tube that is open but above the waterline. when you run a vacuum is created and the open tube inject air into the pocket breaking the suction. Of course the suction does hold you to the water and is probably one of the reason the inboard rides so well. I haven't done this because of all the variables..


jim

[OSEAD23]

I thought i would update the post and let you know i went with a zero hour rebuilt yanmar 4 lha 230hp diesel and all new gear. The performance is very good. My cruise number is up from 20-22knots to 24 to 26 knots at reasonable 2500-2800 rpm on the diesel. I went with a 1.22/1 transmission at the advice of the multiple experts. That was a good choice as i can run a prop thats close to square. It tops out at the same 31 knots it did with the gas engine but top speed wasn't the objective, it was improved cruise and economy with fresh power. Fuel economy is very good but i haven't run it for a real offshore trip yet which will really tell the story.

I am very happy with the results

jim