Mich.,

I have another very good reason for running the engine. When you want
heat out of the "RED DOT HEATER"

I found my my engine run at a fast idle on a quart of fuel per hour.
That is less diesel than the heater.

When I winter sail, I keep the Pilothouse warm this way. Also, as long
as it's running, I'll drop it in gear and Motor sail.

Ole Thom

that is a damned expensive way to produce heat. the fuel used by most diesels
is a tiny fraction of the total cost of usage. Most people who keep track of
ALL their costs associated with keeping an engine running shows costs to be
about $3 to $5 an hour for repairs and such, plus often something similar for a
rebuild.

Except, of course (like the broker I saw last week in Melbourne FL), who claim
80,000+ hours as normal for a diesel engine before overhaul. (the damned
engine in question had leaked oil ALL over the bilge in what was maybe 30
minutes of running an otherwise spick and span boat before we arrived)

Mich.,

I have another very good reason for running the engine. When you want
heat out of the "RED DOT HEATER"

I found my my engine run at a fast idle on a quart of fuel per hour.
That is less diesel than the heater.

When I winter sail, I keep the Pilothouse warm this way. Also, as long
as it's running, I'll drop it in gear and Motor sail.

Ole Thom

Jax,

Back off a bit you Olympic class Conclusion Jumper, and look at the
whole picture in your warped mind.

I've owned the boat for 15 yrs. My average running time per year is 47
hrs. The highest usage for a single year was 82 hrs.

If you re-read my post I only run the Red Dot heater during winter
sailing (Probably 1/4 of my sailing time) Most sailors would know this.
Also, When the Pilothouse get up to Temp. I shut the engine down to
enjoy the silence.

I fill my 20 gallon tank once a year. In the spring. I still have diesel
in it. About 1/8 to a 1/4 of a tank. This I pump out into a tank, when I
change filters and oil. The old fuel I give to a live aboard who heats
with diesel. He services my engine for this gift.

During the summer months I go on motor trips to get running time on my
engine. My problem has never been over use, it has always been under
use. I'm sure most Aux sailors will confirm this for you, since you
don't have a clue yourself.

As far as using the Micro Wave, to charge batteries, I suggest you get a
cook book as find out how long it takes to Micro Wave a couple of
Dungeness Crabs before you let that, "Magnificent Mind" of yours form a
assinine mental picture due to lack of knowledge.

Ole Thom