What would you do?

H2ONUT

Well-Known Member
Nov 26, 2006
2,658
Savanna GA
Boat Info
2000 215EC
Engines
5.0 EFI Mercruiser Alpha
I have a 90 220DA with a 5.7. Engine I'm sure will need to be replaced soon, however it still runs strong.

I was looking at a diesel option. I nearly fell over when they quoted me 25K for a Mercruiser Cummins.

Does it make sense do put in a 25K motor and drive into a 17 year old boat???

I only looked at the diesel, because I am a diesel guy at heart. I drive an 01 Dodge 3500 w/ the Cummins, and my wife has an 06 Jetta TDI.
 
There is more in this equation than money, but you have already discovered that the quality of investment does not make sense on an older 22 ft. boat.

You also have to consider that the torque output for diesel is substantially greater than your 5.7L gas motor. RPM's are also usually much lower with diesels. Therefore, you will need a different outdrive to handle both the lower RPM and higher torque of a diesel.

Weight is also a consideration...diesels weigh considerable more than gas motors. In a 22ft boat, that can change the angle of attack and running characteristics of the hull.

I'd say your most cost effective option would be a marinized version of the 6.5 GM turbo diesel......Peninsular Diesel marinized the 6.5:

www.peninsulardiesel.com/marine400ta.html

With the GM, almost everything is a direct bolt up, even the gauge package if you change the engine monuted sending units. There is about a 400 lb weight premium, however.

Another reasonable alternative is the 4 cyl Yanmar light weight diesel. One of our members, never monday, is aYanmar dealer and would be a good source for information or perhaps more.
 
The Mercruiser Cummins is a direct bolt up and has the outdrive.

I love the boat and it fits our family very well. In 2 years it will just be the wife and myself, the boys are 15 and probably won't be interested in the boat once girls come into the picture. LOL

The cabin was completley re-done just before we bought it this summer. The outside needs some TLC but nothing major.
 
From a resale standpoint it probably won't help you. In other words, you would likely not get any more fo it than if it was a gas boat, and probably would get less becuase your market would be very limited. There is a certain break-even point where the extra cost of a diesel becomes less expensive than gas through fuel savings. This point is typically about 200 hours/yr. If you use your boat more than that then you would save over time with diesel, less than that and diesel will cost more. Since you don't plan to use your boat much I think its a no brainer to repower with gas.
 
admin said:
There is a certain break-even point where the extra cost of a diesel becomes less expensive than gas through fuel savings. This point is typically about 200 hours/yr. If you use your boat more than that then you would save over time with diesel, less than that and diesel will cost more. Since you don't plan to use your boat much I think its a no brainer to repower with gas.

Saying this, it's important to know how long you will keep this boat.
Also the gas prices are probably getting higher and higher.

And maybe you really love this boat.. you did the complete cabin re-done not for nothing.
 
We use the boat all the time. Just because the kids won't be with us dosen't mean we will use it less, probably use it more and get away for weekends.

The boat was new to us in August. From August to November, I spent about $700 for gas. At $4.00 a gallon and a 58 gallon tank, you do the math. Not running at WOT either. 3000 RPM and trimmed out cruises really nice!

The cabin was re-done by the previous owner.

Also, how do you know this is the LAST boat you'll own?? Don't we say, this is the last one, no need to go bigger... LOL
 
fwebster said:
I'd say your most cost effective option would be a marinized version of the 6.5 GM turbo diesel......Peninsular Diesel marinized the 6.5:

www.peninsulardiesel.com/marine400ta.html

Frank,
Thanks for the referal.

I think the 6.5 would be over kill. That engine produces torque exceding most 7.4's.
I'd guide him tword a 3-4 L turbo diesel. Like the Yanmr BY, JH or LH series. All are viewable at www.yanmarmarine.com.
I'd like to know more about the 220. is it a Bravo or Alpha setup? what is the desired speed fully loaded? what gear ratio is it running now? does it have a gas generator? I doubt it but, you never know.
All of my offering will still be more than a gas repower in initial cost. If your going to keep the boat and use it alot you can break even. Maintainance is less expensive, your insurance might also be less expensive with diesel power.

Pat
 
Pat, send me a PM with a contact number and I can call you.
 
the debate rages on! in terms of fuel consumption, i think it's been proven (by new math :grin: ) that it would take you 7 years at 200 hours per year to re-gain the extra $cratch you spent on the diesel re-power. go gas baby!
 
rondds said:
the debate rages on! in terms of fuel consumption, i think it's been proven (by new math :grin: ) that it would take you 7 years at 200 hours per year to re-gain the extra $cratch you spent on the diesel re-power. go gas baby!
The average for most boaters is closer to 50 hours per year. So you would need to own the boat for 28 years to make it worth while :grin: And by then we will all be burning soy by- products instead of gas. :wink: Diesel ...we dont need no "stinkin" diesel.
 
Bridog said:
And by then we will all be burning soy by- products instead of gas. :wink: Diesel ...we dont need no "stinkin" diesel.

Were doing that now with BioD. It doesn't stink either just smells like McDonalds and makes you hungry.
 
im sorry but to spend $25000 on a diesel conversion is crazy for that size boat.

you can get a brand new, drop in merc sterndrive package with 5 year warranty for less then half that.

Every last part of your original set up would go in the trash, no core charge, and you could go to ANY merc dealer for service and not be limited to diesel specialists.

the change left over buys ALOT of fuel.
 
RobF300 said:
im sorry but to spend $25000 on a diesel conversion is crazy for that size boat. ....the change left over buys ALOT of fuel.

I am sorry too but, I would have to agree with Rob....
 
I am definitely a diesel guy, too. I have a diesel Excursion and cannot imagine going back to gas, but the conversion in your boat would be cost prohibitive in my opinion. I would go with a new 6.2 and a Bravo III if I was sure I wanted to keep the boat for a long time.
 
Diesel Engine

Check out the Steyr Marine diesel as a replacement. I think you can use your current transmission set-up (or stern drive)
 

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