Trojan Boat Forum

I'm looking at a couple of different boats and need some guidance. They're both 1969 42' Trojans. One is gas. The other is diesel with a flybridge. The diesel is $15,000 more. All things being equal, is it worth it? Also, I've heard conflicting reports on fuel efficiency. I've been told the gas burns about 10 gallons per hour while the diesel burns closer to 3 per hour. What's the truth?

Diesels generally get very close to twice the mileage as gas. If a particular vessel consumes 30 GPH with gas engines, at the same speed and loading, with diesels it would consume around 16-17 GPH. In large planning boats, diesel is usually preferred due to torque. If you are planning on running at trawler speeds, the choice becomes harder.

Deisel engines generally cost more to buy than gas. This contributes to a higher resale value. Is it "worth it"? That depends on your point of view. A neglected diesel engine is much harder to live with than a neglected gas engine. Repairs can be very costly! However, If a deisel engine is well maintained, (and in many cases, maintenance isn't that much more expensive than gas if you do it yourself), they can be very easy to own... consider that most commercial guys only run deisels.

IMHO, how you plan to use the boat should dictate which power you chose. If you plan to use the boat as a dockside condo, don't spend the extra on diesels. If you only plan on going for short cruises at hull speeds and will log less than 40-75 hours per year, I might still favor gas engines. If you plan to run that boat on plane, and are logging some hours (on plane), that thing will be an absolute pig with gas engines - spend the extra money on a good set of diesel engines.

Resale value and speed of sale is always better with a diesel. So you might pay $15k more, and save a few $ operating the vessel, yet be able to reoup the $15k (or more( fully when you sell in 5 years or so. The gas engines will be even older and less desirable then - whereas age/hours are not a as big a concern onthe diesels.

IThe final nail inthe coffis is safety. Deisel will not burn or explode, as gas powered boats can and will do. I will never own an inboard board with gas engines again (I still onw a 26) after owning an F32 with twin Cummins.

every thing rosjo said is corect and I may add that the fuel burn on the 42 sounds to low ( both gas and diesel ) even per engine unless this is a 7 knot boat
Paul