Notice:
The advice given on this site is based upon individual or quoted experience, yours may differ.
The Officers, Staff and members of this site only provide information based upon the concept that anyone utilizing this information does so at their own risk and holds harmless all contributors to this site.
Hi All. I am new to the Forum and I am considering buying a 250 wk. Going to look at one tomorrow as a matter of fact. The Forum by the way has been a wealth of information. I still have many questions. But not all at once. I will be retiring to Pensacola FL in 77 days (but who is counting). I was considering a diesel engine for various reasons. I saw some pictures posted but my question concerns the noise level. Do they make a lot of racket? A lot of comments seem to be from west coast sailors or lake sailors. Does anybody sail on the Gulf? And how would these things fare in rough seas? My previous boat, which I sailed on a lake for 10 years was a Beneteu 235.
Hal: Welcome to the forum. I have the Saildrive diesel in my C250 WK and don't think that it is that loud. It is located at the bottom of the companionway and enclosed with soundproofing in the box. Since it is not at the wheel the noise level isn't that noticable...best of luck in retirement, and purchasing a new boat.
Hal, there are few members of the National Association sailing Gulf Coast. Of the top of my head I know that Chris has a recently converted 25 and sails out of Panama City, and that there are several others in the Destin area.
Pro's for the OB are space preservation, ease of maintenance and cost, both for the engine and it's related parts like through hulls and fuel tank.....both now and later when it's time for refurbishing.
The diesel prop is guaranteed to stay in the water in (very) large waves. And I guess there's a case to be made for esthetics.
We cruise with four. I'm glad the motor lives outside the boat.
Just in case....(you mentioned you're retiring ) outboards have come a long way the last couple of years. The four strokes are quiet, powerfull, do not require fuel additives and have alternators to take care of the battery. Functionally speaking they are very much equal to an inboard in our size bracket.
Oscar Lady Kay 250 WB #618 Sunrise on the Neuse River...
A major argument for an outboard in this area on the Pamlico River is the ability to use the boat through the winter without having to worry about re winterizing the engine after each use. We do get days where an inboard can be frozen up if not properly treated with antifreeze or drained, but we also get those wonderful days when it is beautiful out on the water, who can resist those?
I currently have a power boat, but have a 30 year history of sail, and am listening to you folks with interest as I ponder returning to sail.
Notice: The advice given on this site is based upon individual or quoted experience, yours may differ. The Officers, Staff and members of this site only provide information based upon the concept that anyone utilizing this information does so at their own risk and holds harmless all contributors to this site.