2022 G23 Yanmar Diesel

[brianplatt]

Any experiences with the Yanmar diesel engine in the G23 or G25? We've placed our order for a 2022 G23 with the Yanmar diesel. We've had great experiences with Yanmar in other boats (i.e., sailboats) and tractors. They obviously are efficient, run forever, and low maintenance. However, there aren't a ton of reviews online, and I thought I'd ask if people had any experiences to share.

[SilentSeven]

I can't speak to with any experience...not a surfer, don't own a G. That said, a diesel seems like a perfect engine for a surf boat. I'm going to bet it will be excellent.

Edit: Will look for ya out on Lake Entiat?

[brianplatt]

Yes, I grew up on Lake Entiat. Currently in Utah, but Lake Entiat is home and we still have a (tiny) house on the water there. Coming home someday!

As for the Yanmar, those were my thoughts as well. I imagine it will be great… seems like a good fit for pushing a wave.

Hope to see you out there someday.

[SilentSeven]

That's great. About where on the reservoir is your place? Entiat side or Orondo side?

[brianplatt]

We are on the Entiat side, across from Daroga State Park. Didn't know how much I'd miss the area until we'd moved away (work-related transfer). I should probably update my signature from Wenatchee to Park City.

[greggmck]

I have surfed the Yanmar diesel G23. The wave and experience was similar to the gas engine model. The exception was that throttle response has a noticeable lag compared to the gasoline engine powered boat. It is just something the driver must adjust to for pulling riders and general maneuvering. Also fuel burn while surfing was reported to be in the low 4 GPH compared to about 6 GPH for the ZZ6 powered G23.


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[SilentSeven]

We are on the Entiat side, across from Daroga State Park. Didn't know how much I'd miss the area until we'd moved away (work-related transfer). I should probably update my signature from Wenatchee to Park City.

OK...know pretty much right where you are. Back in the day....um...a while ago...I spent many a night camping the Entiat City Park. That was the place to go when the state parks were all booked up...you could just roll in...find a spot of grass and pay your nightly fee. We'd launch in the AM, turn left up river taking turns skiing until we ended up by BeeBee bridge. Water was awesome and we were all alone...just the hum of irrigation pumps This was before all the developments went in (Sun Cove...etc) and the BeeBee bridge park and ramp - and all the associated boat traffic that's now there. :/ Lots were super cheap...should have bought one! Drat.

I think you should keep your location as Wentachee. Seems to be where your heart is!

[srock]

I would check The Hull Truth forums if you specifically want to research the Yanmar diesel.

[bird_dog0347]

Shaun Murray did a video on it a while back, I know he's an employee, but he also makes great YT content.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=684ylDIvRIc&t=604s

[Kmayotte]

Shaun Murray did a video on it a while back, I know he's an employee, but he also makes great YT content.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=684ylDIvRIc&t=604s

This video is my only experience in seeing the diesel in a G but the lag in the motor spinning up is hard to wrap my head around.
At 5:33 Murray drops the throttle (to the floor)
It's not until about about 7 seconds later that the engine spools up and the boat starts to move. Watch the water next to the boat.

IMO this is ok for really any other type of boat but for a water sports boat specifically instance throttle response is key. Especially for pulling up beginners and safety in general.

[brianplatt]

I have surfed the Yanmar diesel G23. The wave and experience was similar to the gas engine model. The exception was that throttle response has a noticeable lag compared to the gasoline engine powered boat. It is just something the driver must adjust to for pulling riders and general maneuvering. Also fuel burn while surfing was reported to be in the low 4 GPH compared to about 6 GPH for the ZZ6 powered G23.

Gregg, thank you for this summary of your experience. We've heard a bit about diesel lag, which seems to be a concern. Did you experience any issues with lag? And what was the owner's view (if this was privately owned)? And lastly, any overall positive or negative views on the system as a whole, and, after using it ... is it something you would buy all else being equal?

[greggmck]

Brian, I was unable to drive the diesel G23. We surfed the boat while on vacation in Turks and Caicos. It was a charter operation, we rented the boat for the day and it came with a professional captain. I did notice a bit of a lag, 2 seconds or so from when a rider would shout "ready" and the boat actually pulled them out of the water. I talked to the driver about it, he said it took a little getting use to for him to give riders a good pull. I would say it's not much of a problem if you know about it and adjust accordingly. That company probably puts 600+ hours a year on each boat so a diesel makes a lot of sense. I would say that if you were going to keep the boat a long time and use it for a significant number of hours each year (250+) the diesel is perfect. But with typical use, say 50 - 100 hours / year it would take much too long before the economy of the engine paid for the purchase premium. I have seriously considered a diesel but decided against it, especially since we keep our boats no longer than 2 years. All the best.

For fun, here a few pictures from our trip!

[brianplatt]

Brian, I was unable to drive the diesel G23. We surfed the boat while on vacation in Turks and Caicos. It was a charter operation, we rented the boat for the day and it came with a professional captain. I did notice a bit of a lag, 2 seconds or so from when a rider would shout "ready" and the boat actually pulled them out of the water. I talked to the driver about it, he said it took a little getting use to for him to give riders a good pull. I would say it's not much of a problem if you know about it and adjust accordingly. That company probably puts 600+ hours a year on each boat so a diesel makes a lot of sense. I would say that if you were going to keep the boat a long time and use it for a significant number of hours each year (250+) the diesel is perfect. But with typical use, say 50 - 100 hours / year it would take much too long before the economy of the engine paid for the purchase premium. I have seriously considered a diesel but decided against it, especially since we keep our boats no longer than 2 years. All the best.

Those pictures are great, and that seems like the perfect use case for the diesel. And surfing with dolphins? Nice. We are going to be 50-100 hours a year, and I'm probably going to tweak our order to pull the Yanmar and go with the ZZ8. We live at elevation (typical boating day is at almost 8000') and the ZZ8 should do fine. I love the idea of diesel, and I love cheap offroad diesel, but I'm not sure this makes sense given some of the drawbacks. Thanks for your good comments.

[bird_dog0347]

I don't have any experience with the Diesel personally, but my ZZ8 is outstanding. In fact, you have to be careful with the throttle as it leaps out of the water very quickly even with full ballast. We are only at about 615' though so might be a little more tame at higher elevations but will still work great!

[brianplatt]

I don't have any experience with the Diesel personally, but my ZZ8 is outstanding. In fact, you have to be careful with the throttle as it leaps out of the water very quickly even with full ballast. We are only at about 615' though so might be a little more tame at higher elevations but will still work great!

We test drove the ZZ8 at about 5500' a couple weeks ago, and it was amazing. We were super impressed. Our 2013 Malibu 23LSV had a 350 naturally aspirated which gasped a bit for air at elevation, but was fine at sea level. For that reason I'm stoked for a supercharged motor.