GL: Best diesel

[LRZeitlin at aol.com]

In a message dated 12/4/07 12:00:23 AM, Ben writes:


>
>   I've had two boats with thirsty twin gas engines and am starting to look
> to a trawler as my first diesel. With the Great Loop in mind long term, I am
> thinking a 32-38 foot boat with a single diesel in the 120-210HP range. Of
> that range, I'll likely eventually buy at the lower, more efficient end.
>

Ben,

Before deciding on a boat and engine, consider your cruising behavior on the
Great Loop. If you intend to take it easy and spend 8 months to a year on the
water, you will be traveling no more than 50 to 60 miles a day, perhaps even
less. A boat in the 32 to 38 ft. range will have a hull speed of about 8
knots.
If you travel at less than hull speed, say 6 or 7 knots you will easily make
your travel goals for the day while burning very little fuel. My single
engined Willard burns less than a gallon an hour at 6 to 6.5 knots. As you
approach
or exceed hull speed, your fuel consumption increases sharply, generally as
the cube of the speed increase. Increasing your speed by two knots will more
than double your fuel consumption.

So, if you are a leasurely boater consider a full displacement (Krogen,
Willard) or semi-displacement (GB, Albin, Monk 36) hull driven by a single
moderately powered engine of 135 hp or less. At loop speeds you should burn 2
gal/hr
or less for an average consumption of 5 or 6 miles/gallon. On most of the loop
you will be near land so twin engine get home considerations are moot. Just
make sure you have an unlimited towing   policy.

Of course if you are a speed demon and want to do the loop in much less than
6 months, disregard the above.

Larry Z


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