Petrol to Diesel Conversion

[Guest]

We have a Fairline Carrera sports boat fitted with a Volvo AQ271C, 270 hp petrol engine. Typical fuel burns are 11 gph at appx 24kts and 18 gph at 32kts. Quite expensive!

We are more than happy with the actual boat, its layout and capabilities suit us just fine. I am therefore reluctant to sell and buy another.

The boat is berthed on the Orwell, there are therefore two `engine’ options.

1 Convert to gas. (available at Levington) 2 Re-engine to diesel (available everywhere!)

I have considered the former and have quite a bit of information as to costs / benefits already.

Can anybody help with `diesel’ questions?

The boat generally planes (just) at about 18kts. Top speed ideally with a new engine would be 25kts… would a 150hp engine achieve this?

Would I be correct in estimating consumption to be about 6 gph at 18kts and 10 gph at top speed (assuming 150hp)?

Accepting the possibility that diesel may be taxed in the future. What would an average price of diesel on the East Coast be at present?

Any suggestions as to who might be best to approach for a quotation (again East Coast)? I would prefer one company to complete the whole project.

Has anyone any experience of re-engining a similar boat. Any advice / indication of total cost?

Any information at all very greatly received.

Rgds, Les

P.S. Does anyone know of anywhere offering holding tank pump out on or near the Orwell?

 

[Guest]

Speak to Mike Bellamy at Lancing Marine he can advise on suitable diesel conversions. You might wish to talk to Samuri Eng that specialise in marinising the GM V8 diesel which has a similar footprint to a small block petrol V8.

 

[Guest]

Couple of points - Your consumption figures look a bit high relative to the figures quoted by Yanmar, for example. At 150 - 170hp the load you normally carry will have quite a relevance on the performance - but you shoud not have any trouble working out the correct engine / weight combination for your needs and it is likely to be in that area. V8 diesel may have a similar footprint but is going to be a little over the top on weight! You don't mention the outdrive factor - obviously important both if looking to purchase package or keep existing one!!! Good luck - personally suggest you put the money for the onversion in a high interest account and use it to fund petrol costs (and I have just bought a diesel boat to replace petrol!)

 

[Guest]

Allowing for the fact that you like the boat, it is probably more cost effective to sell it and buy a diesel boat. Re-engining will increase the value of your boat a bit but nothing like the cost of doing so. Also you will have a significant drop in performance as a similar output diesel will be a lot heavier than your petrol engine. Even a less powerful diesel may well be heavier and adversely affect the trim of your boat. Try getting a feel for the extra weight, then stand a few friends of similar weight in the cockpit and see how she handles. That put me off getting a Fairline Mirage I owned many moons ago re-engined.

Nick

 

[Guest]

Look at either MB&Y or MBM, probably latter. They did a report on this boat / diesel conversion, within the last 6 months.

 

[Guest]

Hi I just re engined to diesel in my 32 fairline sedan Itook out two volvo v 6 175 hp petrols and replaced with heavier straight 6 deisels 165 turbo duo prop outdrives and she now flies to 30 knots easy. the engines are scond hand and the fitting out was done by challenger marine at falmouth, cornwall they did a good job on installation The fuel consumtion will be of no use to you but needless to say it is far cheaper, P.S. I phoned Fairline for advice first the were more helpul than any other people with no vested intrest£££ The weight problem was counteracted by extra weight in the bows. I hope this may be of help to you

 

[Guest]

Do you reckon the cost of your conversion is reflected in the value of the boat now?

 

[Guest]

A new product will be appearing in the market place very soon which will give all those considering converting their petrol boats to diesel a distinctive performance advantage. The “Step Drive” a two-speed drive leg conversion enables exciting improvements in the performance of diesel-powered craft. An article on this product will be appearing in MBY in their May issue which is released in March. If you would like more info on this product drop a line to cec.ltd@tinyworld.co.uk They have a Sunseeker 21 that has been converted from a 220hp petrol to a 150hp diesel with a Two Speed drive leg conversion that is available for demonstrations.

 

[Guest]

Another advert, wheres the police ?? NM

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[Guest]

Thanks for all the useful information. Still pondering!!

 

[Guest]

Dear Les I had a simular delemer, I own a bayliner with a omc V8 230HP petrol engine. I was looking at fitting a diesel and i saw the advert for the samuri engine,it sounded just right (ie. will fit on to original engine mountings) but what they dont tell you is that it can not be fitted to your out drive set up. I also inquired from a volvo and mercruse agent for a price and it comes to grands, i also went on the net to deal directly with agents in the states, you would save a bit but then there are import tax etc.are you running on unleaded which is a bit cheaper

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