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Cloudveil
1st Mate

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USA
60 Posts

Initially Posted - 05/06/2005 : 15:02:54

Does anyone have experience or comments on C25WK with
Universal diesel power? Thanks, John.

Edited by - on

ilnadi
Captain

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452 Posts

Response Posted - 05/06/2005 : 16:39:39

Hi John,
We bought one last summer. '89 WK/TR with Universal 12. Inboard was one of the admiral's pre-requisites. I like having one.
PROs:<ul><li>No engine hanging off the back, no hoses or cables</li><li>One tank of diesel seems like it will last us more than a year</li><li>Quiter on deck when cruising, cruises very smoothly</li><li>Feels you have a "real" boat(ok, ok, don't shoot me

)</li></ul>

CONs:<ul><li>If engine needs maintenance, I heard it can be expensive. Can't throw it away like an outboard if it up and perishes</li><li>We have a persistent diesel smell that has permeated even the boat papers. Before you buy the boat, check it out after you know it has been closed up for several days</li><li>Noisy down below with engine running</li><li>You lose half the quarterberth</li><li>I don't even want to talk about backing up. Having said that, we back into our slip and go it down pat after a few tries. Seems I cannot predict behavior in new places</li></ul>
<blockquote id="quote">quote:<hr height="1" noshade id="quote">Originally posted by Cloudveil
 Does anyone have experience or comments on C25WK with
Universal diesel power? Thanks, John.
<hr height="1" noshade id="quote"></blockquote id="quote">

Edited by - on

Jeff Howe
Deckhand

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USA
21 Posts

Response Posted - 05/06/2005 : 18:47:55

I would only add...
CON: Access to all of engine/transmission. Oil changes are interesting, to say the least. Need to pull/haul boat to check prop/shaft.

Diesels are wonderful, as far as service goes. As long as you keep a "load" on a diesel, they're great.

Edited by - on

lcharlot
Master Marine Consultant

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Antigua and Barbuda
1301 Posts

Response Posted - 05/06/2005 : 18:53:07

One other "con" on the inboard diesel: if the boat's batteries are weak, you will have to find some way to charge them - solar panels, shore power, or a portable generator, before you can start the engine. Almost all small outboards, even electric start models, have either a recoil starter, or a provision to start the motor with an emergency pull rope on the flywheel.

One other Pro on the inboard diesel: In rough sea conditions, it way better to have the deep prop of the inboard engine. Also, diesel fuel is less of an explosion and fire hazard than is gasoline. Another "also", it's much more difficult for a thief to steal an inboard diesel (unless they just steal the whole boat). There's been a rash of outboard thefts on both sides of the country this spring, which is what made me think of it.

Edited by - on

At Ease
Admiral

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672 Posts

Response Posted - 05/06/2005 : 20:29:57

Re the noise...check out the noise control material in the WM catalog, page 312. I used the 1/2" on the inside of the engine covers on my C320...makes a big difference.

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David Scott
1st Mate

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USA
74 Posts

Response Posted - 05/09/2005 : 01:34:02

Con: trailering can be tough on engine prop. shaft alignment.This should be checked each time you trailer after you launch and in the water. If alignment is off it will cause fibration and premature cutlass bearing failure.

Edited by - on

Wildcat
Deckhand

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24 Posts

Response Posted - 05/09/2005 : 04:04:30

John

I have had my diesel fin for just over a year now and love it. I use to think the gauge was broken because it never moved and I was always worried about how much diesel was in the tank until I motored to the other end of the lake and the darn gauge finally moved. It is cheap to run and it is easy to get around the docks and in and out of the slip once you get use to it. You have to understand the boat will walk in the direction the prop is turning while backing up but you can adjust for that by putting it in and out of gear. On our dock I am the only inboard and the rest of the sailboats seem to have a harder time with there outboards than I do. Working on it is cramped but it can be done. Maintain it and you will have no problems. Wildcat is 19 years old and the diesel runs like new. The only thing ever change in it was the water pump impeller, oil and diesel filter and the fan belt. Not sure how many 19 year old outboards are out there.

Do not be afraid of the diesel, try it you will love it.

Edited by - on

Brooke Willson
Admiral

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USA
983 Posts

Response Posted - 05/09/2005 : 11:36:39

"Not sure how many 19 year old outboards are out there."

My Mariner/Yamaha 9.9 is 20 this year, and runs perfectly. But there certainly are advantages to a diesel inboard!

Brooke

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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.