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+--- Thread: 3200 Diesel or Gas (/showthread.php?tid=604)
3200 Diesel or Gas - Walker - 12-16-2013
Looking at a 3200 and everything I read points to an even choice between diesel or gas.
Diesel fuel is slightly more expensive, diesel maintenance is slightly more expensive, diesel parts are more expensive. Diesels have more torque, they can idle all day and have better resale. The 8.1 is easy to work on and parts are less expensive. If an owner subscribes to a regular maintenance program there shouldn't be any significant issues with gas.
But if use is approximately 75 to 100 hours per year it doesn't seem to make much difference.
Friends tell me to go with diesel but honestly, the research numbers don't support the argument.
Besides, Tiara engineers wouldn't have designed a gas option if it was not a sound cost effective choice for a 3200.
Any thoughts?
3200 Diesel or Gas - Uhehner - 12-17-2013
The 8.1 Crusaders are great engines. Quiet, easy starting, smooth idle, smoke free, powerful and less expensive than diesels. Oil and filters can be bought at Walmart. You should get WOT speeds in the high 30's on a 3200. Diesel fuel is no longer less expensive than gasoline. Fuel cost will be about the same, the 8.1's are very efficient, nothing like the old 454's with carburetors. The downside is resale value and gas is more volatile than diesel. Diesel fuel requires an additive to prevent bacteria growth if stored or used infrequently. Gas engines should use ethanol free fuel from a marina to prevent separation if stored. At 75 - 100 hrs. per year it's hard to justify diesels. Capt. George
3200 Diesel or Gas - trit21 - 12-17-2013
Not knowing where you are from and how you use the boat it is hard to justify so I will let you know in FL, diesel is about $.40 -.50 less than gas. We use our boat on Bahamas trips, 200 + mile legs and I would not want gas for anything like that at all. Diesels engines are not hard to work on at all, actually I think they are easier to work on. Most people feel they are a magical engine and only mechanics can work on them. Any modern engine is horrible gas or diesel. Computer and sensors have screwed the days of working on your own unless you are computer tech with all the gadgets. Diesel has more torque and are easier to dock, safer when on the hook due to no (or very very little) carbon monoxide. Diesel is just a safer fuel than gas period especially when on the hook. Diesel engines will give you many many more hours of run time than gas if regular maintenance is done. I know some have over 10,000 hours of diesel commercial boats with no problems. They do all the maintenance. Show me a gas boat with that many hours. Diesel resale (at least here in FL) is much greater especially if you have maintenance records indicating when maintenance was done. ON another note, if you are looking purely at the cost of diesel vs gas, you will never justify a diesel as yes they do cost more initially and the cost savings of fuel vs gas is not going to even out, but the safety factor, resale, enjoyment of long trips and fuel range, knowing diesel is available in the Bahamas, and long fishing trips makes a diesel the only way to go, for some. IMO.
3200 Diesel or Gas - skmon - 12-17-2013
I had 8.1's in 3870 Cruisers. Lot's of power. If your going to put on allot of hours, diesel would be a good option. Diesels are more efficient. Like 20% or so. But with your hours, would not be worth it yearly expenses. Plus my wife hates diesel smell. I had no choice.
3200 Diesel or Gas - Chris Burkard - 12-17-2013
The 3200 Open is a great vessel with gas or diesel. It all depends on your budget and what you intend to do with the boat.
8.1s Crusaders - 26Knots (Max Cruise) - 36 GPH - Range - 165 statute miles (90% fuel)
355 Cummins - 28 Knots (Max Cruise) - 28 GPH - Range - 263 statute miles (90% fuel)
310 Volvos - 26.5 Knots (Max Cruise) - 27 GPH - Range - 260 statute miles (90% fuel)
370 Volvos - 30 Knots (Max Cruise) - 31 GPH - Range - 257 statute miles (90% fuel)
Diesel Fuel is much more efficient. If maintained well, diesel engines will far outlive gas engines - 1500 hours for gas engines - 5000 + hours for a well maintained diesel). Yes, they cost more to maintain, but burn much less fuel. The other issue is resale value. Costal areas and larger lakes where diesel is readily available, diesels have a much better resale value. Overall cost of ownership is less for diesels in the long run, but the initial investment cost is higher.
My preference is diesel in anything over 31'. Just my $.02
3200 Diesel or Gas - Maxwell - 12-17-2013
If you can afford the extra cost of diesel I'd do it. If you look at it purely cost wise, it is difficult to make the diesel upgrade pencil, however the handling around the dock, efficiency, reliability and safety (possibility of accident due to gas fumes etc) IMHO don't compare. Having owned both gas and diesel boats, if I were to have to go back to gas in anything except a center console with outboards, I'd likely get out of boating.
3200 Diesel or Gas - Walker - 12-18-2013
Thank you for your thoughts and comments.
From what I understand it appears that diesels would be the power of choice if I intended to do some serious distance cruising which is not the case. With regard to gas being less safe than diesel I would agree with that observation if an owner didn't follow normal operating protocols. I am a retired aviator and have been fastidious when it comes to pre-flights and I see no reason to change my habits prior to cruising. Besides, I've seen diesel boats burning as a result of carelessness just like gas powered vessels.
Regarding handling around the docks: my prior boat was a 29' Tiara with 5.7 Crusaders and that boat turned on a dime and was great in tight places.
I'm looking at a five to ten year term of ownership and realistically do not expect to sell the boat at what I paid for it.
I figure the loss of value is the price I pay for years of pleasure on the water.
All things considered I would prefer diesel engines primarily because they can idle all day without a problem however, for an extra 25k to 30k cost premium I believe the 8.1 version will accommodate my needs.
I sincerely appreciate and respect your opinions.
Thank you.
3200 Diesel or Gas - trit21 - 12-18-2013
I think you have made wise choice in evaluating YOUR situation. I know you will be happy with either boat because quite frankly, they are both a Tiara. Just wanted to say one additional piece of information for other that may read in the future. I think the safety concern is more about carbon monoxide than the boat burning. Carbon monoxide at idle when on the hook especially at night is what scares me about gas boats and gas generators. I have 3 separate CO detectors in my boat and I run diesel but those around me may be running generators on gas. CO is the real killer in gas generators/engines. Good luck with you purchase and keep us informed and if you have any additional questions. I know Chris has a wealth of information about Tiara's.