Most boat buyers want to find a boat with a reliable engine to serve them for a long time. However, they should research and answer several questions to select the best boat within their budget. For example, they must choose between aluminum or fiberglass, sterndrive or outboard, and diesel or gas options. These are simple questions for an experienced individual who has owned different types of boats. However, new buyers are often confused by the numerous options available and might make mistakes.
Gas Marine Engine
Boats below 20 feet long typically use old sterndrives. Although these engines are less efficient than diesel engines, they are affordable and require low maintenance. Besides, it is easy to find quality Boat Parts and a reliable mechanic to repair a gas
engine than it is to find a diesel engine expert. Regarding performance, gas engines are ideal for high-performance applications since they can rotate at high revolutions without getting damaged.
Although the engines may not last as long as their diesel counterparts, they are expected to run for 2,000 hours without requiring significant repairs. Generally, fixing the gas engine is cheaper than re-powering a diesel one. Since modern gas engines come with catalytic converters, they are clean and help protect the environment.
When to Use a Gas Marine Engine
The gas engine is ideal for high-performance applications such as sports and short- time activities such as fishing. However, they might not be economical for long trips due to high gas costs. Most people choose gas engines due to their lower buying
price and maintenance costs, availability of parts and mechanics, better power-to- weight ratio, high performance, and cleaner exhaust gas. However, the gas engine is less efficient and has a lower life expectancy than a marine diesel engine.
Diesel Marine Engine
A diesel marine engine stands out due to its longevity, power, and fuel efficiency. Unlike the gas engine, a diesel motor can push a massive load at a reasonably low RPM without consuming too much fuel. However, diesel marine engines are
relatively expensive, a significant factor when purchasing. Besides, diesel engines have a higher repair and maintenance requirement than gas engines. Therefore, new boat buyers must determine how long it would take to recoup the high buying
and maintenance cost in fuel savings. Can diesel engine repairs and maintenance requirements outstrip the fuel savings? These are some of the critical questions that need answers.
When to Use a Diesel Engine
Generally, diesel engines are ideal for commercial users who intend to use the boat for a long time to recoup the engine cost through fuel savings. The diesel is also suitable for recreational users planning long boat rides, which are likely to consume
much fuel and save money in the long run. However, the diesel engine might not be ideal for fishermen and weekend users who do not cover long distances since it will take time to recover the engine cost by saving on fuel.
Diesel engines are fuel efficient, the diesel price per gallon is low, and the engine has a long life expectancy. However, it is expensive to buy and maintain, noisy, and generates unpleasant exhaust odors.
These factors and performance details can help new boat buyers make informed decisions. Commercial users likely to cover long distances can enjoy fuel saving if they choose diesel engines. However, those who want to buy a boat for occasional
use or sports should consider gas boat engines.