GL: Fuel Price

[John & Judy Gill]

Tommy,

Yes, I am sure that there are lots of used boats under $100.000 with  
diesel engines available to do the Great Loop.  The cost differential  
quoted is based on the price of new boats (Trawlers and Cabin  
Cruisers) with diesel engines and generator versus those with  
gasoline engines.  When we were thinking about doing the Loop, we  
were told that positively we could not do it with our 36 ft Carver  
Mariner because gasoline would bankrupt us.  We investigated the cost  
to re-power with diesel engines and generator and the estimate was  
well over $100.000.  So we did the Loop and spent $17,348 for gas.   
We still have plenty left over to re-power if and when necessary!

If we had re-powered, I doubt if we would ever have been able to sell  
the boat and recoup much or any of the investment to change from gas  
to diesel.  We have two friends on our dock with 36 and 38 ft Carver  
aft cabins with diesel engines and they can't sell them for what the  
owners think they should be worth!  It's just my opinion, but they  
will never see the extra money they spent for diesels -- and while  
you think that I am misleading, I think that you are perpetuating the  
myth that the Great Loop requires one to have diesel engines or a  
slow Trawler.

John

=======================