Quote:
Originally Posted by triber
Can anybody recommend a good (old) diesel power boat? I have extra WVO, and my gasoline Bayliner is a POS.
Thanks.
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I'm assuming your looking for something in the sub-33' range? There really aren't any "old" diesel production boats, at least not on the lower end of the price scale. There are lots of older fiberglass boats converted to diesel. The 31' Bertrams are a popular, highly sought after bulletproof fiberglass boat for diesel conversion and restoration. Restored with newer diesels they can fetch over $150K. Ones in need of engines and restoration can still command $20-30K. The 28's aren't a bad consolation and get considerably less attention (and for less money) but the amount of space in the engine room will drastically limit your engine choices.
In the 70's and 80's Chris Craft and Pacemaker each made 31' Sportfishermen with larger engine rooms and solid hulls. If you get in the 33-40' range your horizons expand greatly with old Bertrams, Hatteras', Pacemakers, Egg Harbors, Vikings , Chris Crafts. Even then you are far more likely to find gassers ready for a complete diesel transplant which will require everything from the fuel tanks to the engines and everything in between.
Yanmar makes a complete line of diesel engines to fit in place of virtually every V8 gas engine offered. That might be a consideration but figure on $12K-20K per engine to change it over depending on how much you're able to do yourself. Boats that have diesels will generally bring in that difference over the similar gas boat. The Duramaxes have made it to the marine market now and they'll easily fit in place of any big block.
I've been toying with the idea of dropping a 617 into an open 21' PennYan tunnel drive as a river and bay runner. If you're mechanically inclined and up for the troubleshooting your options really are endless.
Are you looking for a fishing boat, cruiser, river runner? What size range are you hoping for? Price range?