T&T: Response to Ed & Cetane

[Wayne & Lynn Flatt]

Ed wrote:

Quoting Passagemaker Magazine "Given the choice, higher cetane is
better...You will often pay more for higher cetane fuel; however, your
improved fuel economy will often offset the increased expense"
I guess that makes the writer, Steve D'Antonio, an idiot.

Dear Ed,

You seem a little tense on the subject of Cetane and Phils
comments.  Perhaps a week off cruising would help you mellow as it has us
over the last three years. 

Steve is a good and also a very smart person, so I don't think anyone is
calling him an idiot. 

But their are some things in life that are simply academic.  My girls in
the Holy Place, (Ford Lehmans) will run nicely on cow pooh if they eat
the right grass.  They simply don't care what they have as long as they
get their treat of Marvel Mystery oil.  But don't trust me on this, call
Brian or Bob Smith. 

Passagemakers designated task is to sell magazines, keep interest up and
by proxy sell boat and boating equipment.  They do that quite well
through a good cross section of articles to hit the hot buttons of as
many readers as they can.  Sounds like they hit yours spot on, which is a
good thing. 

The quote is probably more important for the newer electronic engines
that are more sensitive to variations.  You know the ones if they break
down in the Bahamas need a specialist brought in or a long tow line.

Yes, I do understand you mean that Cetane will improve effieciency in all
engines because it burns prettier.  But quite frankly, in the great
scheme of things, it probably doesn't make much difference to me.  So I
don't save a few bucks over my cruising life.  Besides, its pretty hard
to find a fuel pump that has writing on it much less a rating.  No, I
think I will just cruise from one place to the other searching for the
elusive shaker of salt full of diesel that sells for a $1.00 a gallon
like in the good ol' days.

I enjoy reading posts that are illuminating, thank you so much for
sharing your opinions.

Wayne & Lynn Flatt

MV Skinwalker currently at the Solomons ready to trek southbound

Wayne & Lynn Flatt

MV Skinwalker MT 49 PH