Diesel G Boats

[NorthernFloat]

I'm curious, although not a mechanic by any means. Why would Nautique or any boat for that matter not use a diesel based engine (or turbo diesel) for their wakeboard boats or any V-drive based boats?

Considering the amount of torque and low end force it seems as though the savings in better efficiency of the diesel and lower cost, you'd think it would have been thought about by now. Most of the large cruising boats have diesel engines for a reason (especially now with the clean diesel engines out there).

Wondering if anyone here has seen any conversions, or any wakeboard boats with diesel on them?

[seachicken27]

I think the main reason is that a lot of people keep their boat at marinas. On my lake, it is illegal to carry gas down to your boat and no marinas offer diesel, so a diesel would be out of the question for a lot of people.

[Neverenough]

Not sure why manufacturers dont. If I had to guess it would drive the boats cost up another 15 or 20 k Diesel would be they way to go for sure. Its about torque and Diesels do just that at low RPM.


Couple videos from some folks converting MC

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=1JKkM_k6L2M
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=zWLf_BqZzv4

[NautiqueJeff]

There has been some testing done in the past by Nautique. From what I remember, the issue was cost. The difference in cost for a diesel engine versus a gasoline engine is quite steep. I wonder now though, with a significant number opting for the 6.2L supercharged 550, if the cost is as much of an issue. It will be interesting to see where this goes.

[JoeA]

Diesel engines have come a long way and makes perfect sense to put one in a towboat. I'd buy one of it were offered but the concern would be related to marinas carrying diesel for most people.

[d_nodixon]

I recall seeing an off brand with a diesel before, going to see if I can find it again

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[shag]

Cost? Are we really saying cost is an issue with people lining up to buy 100K plus boats? Isn't the 550 like a 15K upgrade anyway?

[NautiqueJeff]

Yeah, I agree. That's why I said I wonder if that is still an issue.

[Nordicron]

I think a large percentage of people don't fuel at marinas! Be pretty cool to have a diesel motor. You could also save plenty of money buying "off road" fuel, atleast in WI u can.

[Wayward]

MC offered a diesel for a few years, (I think 09-12) and nobody really wanted one. Certainly a good idea in theory, but not practical for most. I don't know of a single marina on an inland lake that offers diesel. I'm sure there are a couple, but not here.

[Neverenough]

Forgot about off road fuel!! We used to haul it to an old Hatteras we had. It was much cheaper.

Yeah for some of us 10 to 15 k makes a huge difference. I'd say thats why one of the largest producing dealers in the country only order based engine packages. Let's face it most are base engines and I bet there is a very low percentage of boats that leave Nautique with a 550 in them. In not saying that there isn't a select few that will pay for it but the question is the ROI for Nautique in R&D worth it? The 550 is the same foot print and basically the same fuel system and drive line as the 355. At this point all the engines are basically LS series engines.

[Evening Shade]

I believe that Epic and MC offered a Volkswagen diesel at one time.

[Tallredrider]

IIRC the diesel for MC was a 30-35K upgrade. It is even a big chunk of change for guys willing to spring for the supercharger.

[brock.higdon]

There are a few people on team talk that have swapped duramax's into their MC

[BoardSkier]

I have a Duramax truck and love the idea of diesel. But ... hate the idea of no pump on an inland lake. We fuel only at a no ethanol marina although trailering down the road road for diesel is an option. Have to carry a can for those busy days. Just dont spill diesel anywhere!


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