On Sun, 14 Nov 2004 20:10:47 GMT, Short Wave Sportfishing
wrote:
I must admit that on single screw boats of this class, I've been
impressed with diesels, but to tell the truth, most of my boat diesel
experience is mostly teaching folk how to use their built-in stern
thrusters, slow speed maneuvering and general boat handling when they
upgrade from the 20 foot Trophy to the 35 foot whatever. :)
===============================================

I forgot to mention the most important diesel issue for a fisherman:
range.

My Bertram 33 could not fish the canyons because of gas engines.
Even with a 320 gallon tank, safe working range was only about 130
miles. With diesels almost double that, with faster cruising speed as
a bonus. A modern high speed diesel should not vibrate if installed
correctly - solid stringers, good engine mounts/alignment, properly
sized props, straight shafts, good cutlass bearings. Noise is mostly
a matter of a proper exhaust system and engine room insulation. My
Grand Banks is quieter on the flybridge than the Bertram 33 with twin
454s.

Within 5 years I upgraded from a single engine 24 ft I/O to a twin gas
33 flybridge sportfish, to a twin diesel 49 trawler. Big, big
differences in handling between the boats. The jury is still out but
so far I consider the 49 to be the easiest to maneuver. It does not
tend to get blown sideways in cross wind docking like the Bert did.