Lee308 wrote:
These two choices seem to vary widely in sailboats between 25 and 32
ft. What are your opinions on each. This boat will be a crusier, not a
marina livaboard.
Speed of boat is not an issue.

1) Diesel inboard or over the stern gas outboard?
Outboard easy to reach and repair/replace, no worry of shaft seal
leak and less thru hulls, but small diesel's are very fuel effcient
plus large alternator.
2) Over the stern rudder or binnacle/shaft type rudder?
Once more, seems the over the stern rudder would be less
problematical and repairable even at sea. No thru hulls or gears
would seem better.

Yout thoughts would be appreciated.
Lee (looking for my cruiser)


If you really want to go cruising, then diesel is the preferred option.
An outboard is Ok for getting in and out of a harbour. My gas tank is
35 gals of diesel. I sure would not want that much gasoline on board if
it can be avoided.
I wheel steering and I like it because a tiller takes up a lot of
cockpit space. For novices a wheel is more intuitive ( like a car)
When I got my boat for cruising I bought a Newport 33 for the following
reasons:
Diesel engine
Wheel steering
Standing head room in the cabin
Roller furling genoa.