On 29 Jan 2007 07:52:45 -0800, "Chuck Gould"
wrote:

If you plan to use your boat more than just a few times a year the
potentially extended longevity of a diesel, the improved fuel economy,
stronger resale value, and potentially lower maintenance costs (no
electrical tune-ups) would be an excellent choice on a 35-37 foot
boat. It probably takes the average pleasure boater 7-10 years to
'recover' the additional investment in diesels, so if you're one of
these boaters who has to buy a new boat every 2-3 years you might
consider gas.

One of the most significant advantages of diesels, and one of the most
difficult to quantify, is increased range. Given the same tankage,
diesel engines will almost double the range per fill up. This can
allow more extended cruising and fishing, and can also result in
greater economy at the pump since you have more options to fuel up at
the location of your choice.

The tipping point is somewhere around 15,000 lbs of displacement.
Above that it is difficult to get decent performance with gas engines
without also incurring excessive fuel consumption.