TimList.net - Boat Drives & Fuel

Diesel engines are becoming the best of the best. They are legendary for their dependability and durability and are now competing with gassers in horsepower and speed. They are somewhat louder than comparable gassers but are significantly more fuel efficient. Diesels are significantly more expensive compared to their gas cousins.

However, now that Cummins and MercuryMarine have teamed up things are changing some. We now have a world class diesel engine manufacturer partnered with a world class marine engine manufacurer. How much better could it get?

Diesel fuel used to be much cheaper then gas. That was back pre 2006 when we had LSD (low sulfer diesel). However, around October that was supposed to be a mandated switch to ULSD (ultra low sulfur diesel) in the USA. That did not happen and as of late 2007 there are still many stations pumping LSD.

ULSD is now 15 ppm sulfur as opposed to LSD's 1500 ppm and is much more expensive to make. ULSD now also delivers less energy per gallon. Is'nt that nice! Thanks EPA and CARB.

The good part is that many states are starting to mandate Bio Diesel mixtures. Bio diesel runs very very clean and the production of it creates no unusable byproducts!.

Bio diesel can tend to water up and mold worse than regular diesel. So don't fill up at the end of the year. Or do, and add a stabilizer.

Bio diesel also cleans your tank so keep that in mind. You may need to change your fuel filter and have a spare if you are running an older fuel system. It also keeps your engine nice and clean on the inside.

Also, many states refund taxes on fuel not used for the road.

If you have a diesel truck you can always move your fuel from the boat to it at the end of the year. But ah, not if you did not pay road taxes on it.

Fuel Prices are best at your local automotive gas station. Buy there and then seek out your highway tax refunds after you have a few receipts lined up. But check how long your state will let you wait before a deadline or cut off of some sort.

Fuel Tax Refund
ABA some states refund highway taxes collected on boating fuel

Fuel Grades are no different than cars. Use regular as opposed to mid grade or premium and save money unless your engine manufacturer requires that you run a higher octane fuel. But unless your engine really calls for it, don't use it.

Basically, all gas comes from the same gas depots and all diesel from the same diesel depots. The only differences at the pumps are the additives that are blended in.

California gas stations are the only ones that I have seen that have fooled the people into believing that Chevron gas is better than other none name brands and worth the 12 cent premium per jump in grade. But go to Utah and Chevron may be 1 cent cheaper than the local no name brand.

Gas engines are the standard Chevy block auto engines set up for marine use. There are plenty others, but Chevy blocks are very popular. There are also Out Board engines.

Gas is about your only choice in smaller boats. This allows you to fill up at the local quick stop quicker and cheaper when you have it on a trailer.

Your state may have a Tax Refund for highway fuels used in boating.

Drive Types
Outboard
Inboard
Stern Drive
Jet

Drive Mfgs
Cat
Cummins
Evinrude
GM
Honda
Johnson
Mercury
MTU/Detroit Diesel
Nissan
Volvo
Yamaha
Yanmar

Re-Drive
BoatDiesel.com
SEI Sterndrives