diesel power for gemini 3200

[1oldbuzzard]

Time to repower and I was wondering about a diesel for a Gemini 3200 instead of outboard motor. Is it done. Maybe with a saildrive?

Soliciting comments, ideas, etc.

Thanks all

[smj]

My personal opinion, the Gemini was designed for an outboard not an inboard diesel with saildrive. The 3200 is a very weight sensitive boat. The diesel with the saildrive would ruin the performance and shoal draft capabilities. Stick to what it was designed for.


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[valhalla360]

Probably cost more than the boat is worth and you would lose most of the back cabins. Also as mentioned, you would go from the ability to get into 18" of water to probably more like 40" minimum draft.

Get yourself a modern fuel injected 4 stroke outboard. Replaced in an afternoon, quiet, effient and reliable. That's what we did 8yrs ago and have loved it.

[Jahwork]

Greetings,

Have you considered and or looked at some of the diesel outboards? I know Yanmar is making some nice ones. The only issue you may have is weight to horsepower ratio. Just a thought. Good luck in whatever you decide.

Jahwork

[valhalla360]

Originally Posted by Jahwork

Greetings,

Have you considered and or looked at some of the diesel outboards? I know Yanmar is making some nice ones. The only issue you may have is weight to horsepower ratio. Just a thought. Good luck in whatever you decide.

Jahwork

Did Yanmar re-enter the US market with thier outboards?

[Cadence]

Originally Posted by Jahwork

Greetings,

Have you considered and or looked at some of the diesel outboards? I know Yanmar is making some nice ones. The only issue you may have is weight to horsepower ratio. Just a thought. Good luck in whatever you decide.

Jahwork

Don't know if they have changed? The Yanmar diesel OB I saw about 11 yrs. ago, would wake the dead.

[MidwestRefugee]

Another vote for an outboard diesel if one can be found.

[Jahwork]

I am sorry but I do not know the status of the U.S. Market in relation to Yanmar, and yes I would agree they can be quite loud and heavy, at least the older ones I have seen/heard. I have always liked the idea of a diesel powered outboard for the safety of not carrying gasoline aboard as well as the luxury of a single fuel for both of my main engines, I have yanmar diesel inboards aboard my Island Packet Cat, and the dinghy. That being said, I still carry a 2.5 horse gas powered Honda and a 9.9 gas powered Evinrude for the dinghy. So I cannot say I am practicing what I am preaching. I was just pondering the idea that if a diesel powered main is what you are after, and your boat is currently designed and built for an outboard power plant, a diesel outboard might solve your issue and be much less work and engineering than re-powering with an inboard. whichever route you choose I look forward to hearing your experience.

[Cadence]

I would think a four stroke 15HP Honda, with the extra long leg, would drive her at hull speed. I loved the one I put on a 31' Sunrunner. Quiet and economical.

[Scout 30]

The Yanmar outboard has not been available in the US for many years.

[Cheechako]

Look at the high thrust long leg outboards available now days. the ones with the big props etc.

[valhalla360]

Originally Posted by Jahwork

I am sorry but I do not know the status of the U.S. Market in relation to Yanmar, and yes I would agree they can be quite loud and heavy, at least the older ones I have seen/heard. I have always liked the idea of a diesel powered outboard for the safety of not carrying gasoline aboard as well as the luxury of a single fuel for both of my main engines, I have yanmar diesel inboards aboard my Island Packet Cat, and the dinghy. That being said, I still carry a 2.5 horse gas powered Honda and a 9.9 gas powered Evinrude for the dinghy. So I cannot say I am practicing what I am preaching. I was just pondering the idea that if a diesel powered main is what you are after, and your boat is currently designed and built for an outboard power plant, a diesel outboard might solve your issue and be much less work and engineering than re-powering with an inboard. whichever route you choose I look forward to hearing your experience.

I saw one once on a Gemini and it is certainly a viable option but they left the US market a while back and as far as I know they haven't returned. The big advantage of large alternator for electicity and hot water heating go away with an outboard diesel though.

With bottom vented fuel tanks and outboard engines, the fuel concern is drastically less than with an old atomic 4 in the bottom of a mono. Plus as you point out, most people still have gas for the dingy motor.

There is some debate on HP. Some people are going towards the 15hp as you can get them with the 25" shaft. Others lean toward 25hp as you occasionally need the extra power if you are fighting a strong headwind. The downside is you get a 20" shaft or have to buy an extension kit.

We've been going 8yrs and several thousand miles with a 25hp and 20" shaft and it's not been a problem. We believe the shaft length is not an issue related to being in cruising trim and sitting 2-3" lower in the water compared to a light boat that sits higher.

[Scaramanga F25]

Don't do it !

See how easy it is to install a new outboard.

One or two inboard installation would be a nightmare

[smj]

I can't understand the reasoning for going with a diesel outboard. They may be slightly more fuel efficient but the weight and noise to me would be a definite downside. 4stroke outboards have come a long way in both fuel efficiency and reliability.


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[Cheechako]

Two Torqeedo's , one on each hull and a Gen set! This way the gen set also does your house charging needs... ???