On Wed, 12 Nov 2008 23:58:01 -0500, Wayne.B
wrote:

On Wed, 12 Nov 2008 15:14:09 -0500, wrote:

I don't seem to have any scheduling problems, and my engine is very
good. If I'm not back on Monday, I'll be back on Tuesday... or
Thursday. And it sounds as if I use a lot less gasoline than you used
diesel fuel.

If you always have time to wait for the wind to come up, you don't
need any engine at all. How do you charge your batteries when you
spend weeks on the boat?

Other than instruments, VHF, and a DVD movie here and there on a
little player, I don't really use any power, so a pretty small solar
panel, coupled with limited amounts of motor sailing usually leaves me
with a surplus. When I run the outboard, I often have to turn on some
lights in the cabin to avoid overcharging. It has never been a
problem. If I wanted all the comforst of home on my boat... I'd stay
home.

I obviously didn't say or even imply that I never have use for an
engine Wayne. If you need to invent arguments, then I guess we have
our answer.

I agree that a diesel has some advantages. The truth is that both
diesel inboards and gasoline outboards have both advantages and
disadvantages. Neither is perfect, and neither can be said to be
"better".