Diesel Motor in a Malibu

[siuski]

Just got this off of wakeworld, if this turns out to be a decent engine combo, Nautique Engineers Get to Work!!! I know I'd be interested if it wasn't a huge difference in price.

http://marinedieselusa.com/html/malibu.html

[thevogt]

Interesting read. Probably not a viable retrofit option-too expensive. I wonder what the option cost will be as opposed to a gas powerplant. If it isn't much, it would pay for itself. If it is a large premium, you would have to be someone who keeps a boat for a long time to realize any savings. Oil-burners have come a long way, baby. This ain't your daddy's (diesel) Oldsmobile.

Gary

[tryan]

merc is working on a 4 banger smoker, but no blower as the one shown in the 'bu.

even though i drive them, diesels are not cost effective until you hit 400k miles.

[FatBoy]

I like it.

[Rick]

So whats 400k miles 10,000 hours?

[Onthewater]

Can we use 50 hours = 3000 miles? obviously based on the conventional oil change schedule, if it is the same for a diesel.

[SGY]

Having a diesel sounds cool--but think of the following:

15 quarts oil change (at least that is what it was for my PSD.) New fuel filter every other oil change;smelly boat; higher noise level--even though they are getting quieter, they still have much more engine noise than a gasser; dirty transom; cold start/glowplug issues; cavitation erosion issues; and worries about bad fuel--water and diesel fuel do not mix. Don't get me wrong, I loved my powerstroke. However, I finally went back to having a gas truck because I could not justify having a diesel to drive to work eight miles each way. I'd also be worried about the extra weight of a diesel--for a ski boat. Those things weigh more than a gasser. Moreover, I turn my boat on and off alot during use. I don't think that would be good for a diesel. It's my understanding that because of the sulfer content in the fuel, the diesel needs to warm up and stay warm with hard operation. You are not doing the motor any good by running it for short sprints. Also, just think of the warm up time for all that oil.

Just my two cents. I love my boat the way it is. The gas motor does a great job. I wouldn't pay a bunch more money just to have a noisy and smelly diesel that takes more everyday maintenance.

[UWSkier]

It's super heavy and really tall. Its weight would make it a different wakeboarding mill (I'm sure the speed control is great with all that torque) but it wouldn't fit under a V drive hatch well. The motorbox on the RLXi it's pictured in is taller than the freekin pylon. How about a turbocharged 6 cylinder. There's PLENTY of cooling capacity for an intercooler. You're floating on your intercoolant