Recent Cost Comparison Mercury Gas To Diesel + Mercury Racing Video

Michael T

Yes, we have discussed this topic to death. But, I just got a new boating magazine. In it is an article on Mercury's new VW based, special block casting, 3.0L TDI Diesel. No question it is super neat. No question it will be a huge success in tow boats and some small cruiser applications as twins. No question it has lots of low-end torque. 

But here's what caught my attention. the article compared it with Mercury's 6.2L (377 Mag) gasser. I found that "interesting". Here's why: 3.0L diesel = 260HP for 34K (Mercury MSRP) .....6.2 gas = 320HP for 20K (Mercury MSRP) .....this week I was just told by Mercury as part of my discussion with them about the Mercury Platinum Protection Warranty  that my 8.2 Mags = 380HP have an MSRP of 25K

This is the first time I have been able to compare Mercury's MSRPs for the different engines - with the data straight from Mercury.

So for two small diesels I'd pay 68K MSRP. For two 8.2 Magnums I'd pay 50K MSRP .....that's 18K difference....and I should really have the bigger diesels with an EC 360. When I compared the 300+ HP Volvos the difference was 50K

How much gas will that buy? 

BTW, want to see AWESOME HP .....google Power Boat TV and click on the header for episode1 of 2016. The NorTech with twin Mercury 1100HPs @ 130MPH is certainly cool but check-out the center counsel (yeah a center counsel) with FOUR Mercury 400 HP super charged outboards - Geez that's 1600HP on a center counsel @ 100MPH - guys.....you really should check that out!

Episode 1 is called Mercury Racing - enjoy

Handymans342

Figure it out MT and use the cost diff in my area for example. Diesel is 2.00 and gas is 3.09. Did they show any fuel usage?

Michael T

No they didn't Steve but we know the diesels win that hands down. If I run the boat all over the place I might use 5K of fuel. So by not buying the diesels my fuel is essentially free - at least up to 5-7K. Now if I had a 45 footer that would be different. that would be diesel country. But IMO nothing that Rinker has ever made must have diesels.....and certainly not the EC360 which just loafs along at 34 MPG with 8.2 mags. There is certainly a place for them - just not in 36-38 foot express cruisers.

Handymans342

Have you seen any boat tests with that diesel in it?

Michael T

Steve, I think the video showed it in a wake board tow boat and said the low-end torque would be great for water sports. I would think it would be great in a trawler-type boat or maybe a small cruiser. They might be okay in a 342 but I doubt it as they're only 260 HP?

Handymans342

Mine are only 240

Michael T

That explains a lot, LOL....seriously, then I guess they would work fine......for almost 70K

Handymans342

I am happy with 32 mph and 15 gph. Hahaahahaha 

raybo3

32 is not to bad.......... 

Handymans342

I may keep up with Tony now. Lol

raybo3

Doubt it.......LOL

Handymans342

Ray, I can maintain 32 all day long. Gassers wont do that

TonyWalker

Do diesels tolerate doing trawler speed for long periods of time?

Handymans342

Yes Tony but who has a trawler?

TonyWalker

I do on many days.  Just nice to cruise the rivers and sight see.  Best boating ever in the right situations.  Did a lot of that on the 2010 loop.

raybo3

Sure can Handy but what do you call all day long????

Michael T

Steve,  you stand corrected. My gasser can run "all day long"  at 32 mph but that's a bit slow for me so probably like 34  mph with a top speed -  on a slow day -  of 48 mph LOL......... put that in your diesel and smoke it -  wait, your diesel already smokes.  LOL

Michael T

Tony, diesels were meant for trawlers. 

Handymans342

All day like a non stop trip to Key West. 
Michael, you need to change your meds because you sound just like Raybo! 

Michael T

......... thanks for the compliment Steve!  See,  it feels much better  to be nice LOL

raybo3

Steve MT and Tony are right on. I can run my "gassers" all day long. Diesels are great engines but like anything, its what application you want. I personally want the speed of gas and not the economy of diesels witch is not that drastic anyway....

Dream_Inn

Handy, from your place to Key West is easily doable for most of us without stopping.  I go each year from Annapolis to VA Beach without stopping, at 32-34 mph.

I think it's funny how we always get on this topic, but most of gassers really don't care how much fuel we burn...cause we put 50-100 hours on boat every year.  But yet, the one diesel on here, who has put very little in hours, yells about how much us gasser use!  Just ironic!

Heck, my goal every year is to burn more fuel than the previous one!  With all the pictures of big boats pulling skiers, I may just have to do some skiing behind mine this year too!

Handymans342

Michael, what is your fuel burn at 32MPH? 
Dream, how many miles is that trip one way? 

The way fuel is dropping you guys should burn a lot more now!!! LOLLOLOL

Michael T

Steve, to be honest I really don't pay that much attention to fuel burn but I believe that I burn about 21 gph at 34mph.

Handymans342

I just though that the VV would tell you. 

Dream_Inn

Handy, it is about 160 miles one way for me.

MT, I'm not even sure I got that kind of mileage in my 310!!  I'm close to twice that in fuel burn!

Handymans342

So Dream , what would you say you burned going to VA beach? Dont you have VV too?

Michael T

DI - remember my 360 is more than two TONS  lighter than your boat plus I have 8.2 catalytics with Eco mode. HUGE difference!.........yes Steve the vessel View will tell me.  I set each trips max.  efficiency and forget it.  

Dream_Inn

Steve, I probably burn about 220 gallons for that 160 mile trip.  & yes, I have VV.  The best I've seen the burn rate is ~.9mpg.  But, a long trip like that, I may go just a tad faster and maybe not at optimal, usually around .7mpg.  We are also packed with everything and anything for 10days (food for it all as well).  With 300 gallons, it leave me plenty for spare.  Being the last 20 - 30 miles are in the ocean, I like to make sure I have plenty of fuel just in case it gets rough.  Looks like for you, the trip to Key West is under 150 miles?

Handymans342

Probably a bit more if you start from the house. It looks like 150 miles from Ft Myers beach. Straight shot in the Gulf which is usually calm. 

TonyWalker

But full of crab pots!