Talk Cancer

Question:

And don’t be too misled by HP. It’s torque that twists that drive shaft to turn a prop, and diesels generally are far more efficient torque producers than gasoline engines.

This is not true, for horsepower = torque times rpm times (a constant).  That means (i.e. it’s a fact of physics) that for a given hp driving a given prop at a given rpm the torque is the same. In other words, for any particular prop needing, say, 20 hp, it makes no difference whether the engine is a 90,000 rpm turbine or a 10,000 rpm 2-cycle gas race engine or a 4,500 rpm gas engine or a 3,000 rpm recreational diesel engine or a 2,200 commercial diesel engine or a 1,200 rpm industrial diesel engine or a 500 rpm steam engine or 20 plow horses, the prop still has 20 hp driving the prop at a certain rpm and this means the torque **applied to the prop** (after any gearing) is the same. The range of a diesel power boat carrying XX gallons of fuel is about 125% of the range of the same boat gas powered and carrying the same tankage and going the same speed. In the case of sailboats, gas engines essentially went out of production in 1979 when Atomic 4 stopped building their 1948 design.  Few bluewater capable sailboats remain that were built with gas engines, though I personally know a sailor who crossed the North Atlantic in October of this year in a boat with a Honda 9.9 engine.  He had previously sailed the entire length of the Atlantic coast from the St Lawrence to the Caribbean and back to Newfoundland. Organization: AOL http://www.aol.com X-No-Archive: yes Newsgroups: microsoft.test,comp.lang.c,rec.boats NNTP-Posting-Host: mail.jbcharles.com 63.227.23.121 Lines: 1         Path: news.uni-stuttgart.de!news.ruhr-uni-bochum.de!news-koe1.dfn.de!news-fra1.df n.de!newsfeed.hanau.net!newsfeed01.sul.t-online.de!t-online.de!fr.clara.net !heighliner.fr.clara.net!news.tele.dk!small.news.tele.dk!204.71.34.15!news- out.cwix.com!newsfeed.cwix.com!sjc-peer.news.verio.net!sea-feed.news.verio. net!news.verio.net!msrnewsc1!cppssbbsa01.microsoft.com!tkmsftngp01!tkmsftng p03!unacanceller Xref: news.uni-stuttgart.de control:39747794 autocancel

Response:

a genius writes: I don’t give a sweet frig what so called statistics or facts

That’s an interesting comment, to be sure.  Kinda puts things in perspective. the choice of gas or diesel is up to the individual

of course If you don’t understand the possible problems, with gas versus diesel, that’s your problem

What problem?  The USCG accident reports show that motor fuel accidents on recreational boats is a much lesser problem than bee stings in the general population. You might want to consider that abject fear of bee stings is considered a psyhological problem perhaps necessitating professional treatment. More than three people a year die of throat cancer, yet I bet you personally drink coffee, a known carcinogen. 3 people in 12 fricking million.  100x as many boaters die each year falling overboard. Bee stings, man.  Gotta watch out for dem bee stings.  Deys kills morsen gasy-o-leen. If you’re afraid of the water, admit it.

Response:

I kindly suggest that **anyone** who is worried about 3 chances in 12 fricking million of dying from gasoline deserves the 10,000% greater chance of dying from drunkenly falling off the deck of their diesel powered boat. Geesh man, 3 in12,000,000!  You have a greater chance getting elected homecoming king at your high school reunion. I’ll kindly point out that the vast, vast, vast majority of inboard powerboats have a gas engine. Bee stings, them you gotta worry about.  Bee stings are a greater threat.

Fer crimminy sakes, Jax/bobsprit/or whatever name you are using…quit being such a total asshole. I don’t give a sweet frig what so called statistics or facts you want to quote….the choice of gas or diesel is up to the individual, for his/her situation. If you don’t understand the possible problems, with gas versus diesel, that’s your problem…….as per usual, you wish to make an argument, based on your stupid interpretations of some finite points, that in reality, don’t deserve any in depth discussion. End of discussion otn

Response:

Why are so many Bluewater boats (55 ft and less it seems, mostly) gas powered ?

Because they are a near shore or river and lake boat. Why don’t you hear much about them ?

You do. But when people talk about them you think they are talking about a their motor home not their boat. Does their name really reflect what their intended use is ?

No.                                    Capt. Bill

Response:

- Hide quoted text — Show quoted text – Working from memory, I seem to recall the USCG figures for 1999 showed that with over 12,000,000 registered boats in the USA, just three people died in accidents where motor fuel (unspecified as to whether is was gas or diesel, but presumed to be gas) was the cause, while over 300 people died from falling overboard.  I seem to recall that just 19 sailors died and I seem to recall that most of them died on a boat under 26 feet LOA. More than 3 people out of 12,000,000 died of bee stings in 1999. btw, alcohol (as in the drinking kind) killed as I recall about 250 people. so, staying onboard and staying away from the booze would keep most of the 700 some boaters who died in 1999 alive.  Motor fuel was for all practical purposes not even on the radar screen.

No one is disputing what you are saying, in this regard, but for many, the possibility for a serious disaster, in the event of a leak or spill, when using gasoline versus diesel, can and does, become a factor when making a decision as to what system to use for their particular application. I personally, wouldn’t own a gas powered boat (except for the dinghy), but that is my own feeling, based on many factors, only one of which is the explosive difference between the two fuels. otn X-No-Archive: yes Newsgroups: microsoft.test,comp.lang.c,rec.boats NNTP-Posting-Host: mail.jbcharles.com 63.227.23.121 Lines: 1         Path: news.uni-stuttgart.de!dns.phoenix-ag.de!newsfeed01.sul.t-online.de!t-online .de!newsfeed.media.kyoto-u.ac.jp!news-feeds.jump.net!dfw-peer.news.verio.ne t!sea-feed.news.verio.net!news.verio.net!msrnewsc1!cppssbbsa01.microsoft.co m!tkmsftngp01!tkmsftngp03!unacanceller Xref: news.uni-stuttgart.de control:39747783 autocancel

Response:

- Hide quoted text — Show quoted text – Working from memory, I seem to recall the USCG figures for 1999 showed that with over 12,000,000 registered boats in the USA, just three people died in accidents where motor fuel (unspecified as to whether is was gas or diesel, but presumed to be gas) was the cause, while over 300 people died from falling overboard.  I seem to recall that just 19 sailors died and I seem to recall that most of them died on a boat under 26 feet LOA. More than 3 people out of 12,000,000 died of bee stings in 1999. btw, alcohol (as in the drinking kind) killed as I recall about 250 people. so, staying onboard and staying away from the booze would keep most of the 700 some boaters who died in 1999 alive.  Motor fuel was for all practical purposes not even on the radar screen. No one is disputing what you are saying, in this regard, but for many, the possibility for a serious disaster, in the event of a leak or spill, when using gasoline versus diesel, can and does, become a factor when making a decision as to what system to use for their particular application.

I kindly suggest that **anyone** who is worried about 3 chances in 12 fricking million of dying from gasoline deserves the 10,000% greater chance of dying from drunkenly falling off the deck of their diesel powered boat. Geesh man, 3 in12,000,000!  You have a greater chance getting elected homecoming king at your high school reunion. I’ll kindly point out that the vast, vast, vast majority of inboard powerboats have a gas engine. Bee stings, them you gotta worry about.  Bee stings are a greater threat. … to die instead I personally, wouldn’t own a gas powered boat (except for the dinghy), but that is my own feeling, based on many factors, only one of which is the explosive difference between the two fuels. otn

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Response:

- Hide quoted text — Show quoted text -Why are so many Bluewater boats (55 ft and less it seems, mostly) gas powered ? Why don’t you hear much about them ? Does their name really reflect what their intended use is ? Gas engines are a fraction of a diesel’s price to buy and maintain, and weigh about 1/2 hp for hp, make less noise, are FAR less sensitive to fuel quality issues, smell less both of exhaust and fuel. Hp for hp, a gas engine (typically) uses about 25% more fuel per hour.   "Safety" of diesel is often sited, but a check with the USCG site shows one is 100x more likely to die from falling overboard than from a fuel fire.  In fact, more people die every year from bee stings than motorboat fuel fires. As a sailor, I’m inclinded to think that anybody who even considers "going bluewater" (as in trying to cross to Bermuda, let alone the North Atlantic) in a recreational powerboat is suicidal.  A run to the Bahamas, and then "down islands" watching the weather and planning the harbors,  is another story. jim bailey

Since Jim used an upper case "B" on Bluewater, he could be referring to the houseboat manufacturer of the same name rather than to a category of boats suitable for blue water. IMO, the slab sided, shallow draft houseboat vessels are perfectly suited for large inland lakes experiencing mild weather. Folks with this type of use in mind own and enjoy large numbers of these boats. Gasoline engines make sense with these boats because a day’s run is usually just from one side of the lake to the other, and a lot of these boats are used for weekly vacation charter and many folks unaccustomed to being around the waterfront complain that diesel "stinks." Go figger…I practically gag everytime I go to the service station to fill up my gas powered car, but I think the very faint diesel smell on a boat is just part of the ambience. (Large B.) Small b: Few offshore cruisers would seriously consider gasoline engines, range and reliability being major considerations on an extended run. You will find about zero builders turning out passage making vessels with gasoline engines. The extra weight of a diesel engine is due to heavier duty components (required because of the much higher compression ratios in diesels) and bigger blocks. Some sailors do use gasoline auxiliaries. Sailors are rumored to be just a bit cheap sometimes (oh oh, that probably started it)- although there is never universal truth to any rumor. Sailors have the option of shutting the engine down entirely, while a powerboater trying to make way does not. And don’t be too misled by HP. It’s torque that twists that drive shaft to turn a prop, and diesels generally are far more efficient torque producers than gasoline engines. If you’re looking for a large B houseboat, gasoline is probably an acceptable choice. But think twice about gas if you’re considering a small b ofshore cruiser. Organization: AOL http://www.aol.com X-No-Archive: yes Newsgroups: microsoft.test,comp.lang.c,rec.boats NNTP-Posting-Host: mail.jbcharles.com 63.227.23.121 Lines: 1         Path: news.uni-stuttgart.de!news.ruhr-uni-bochum.de!fu-berlin.de!newsfeed.mathwor ks.com!newsfeed.cwix.com!sjc-peer.news.verio.net!sea-feed.news.verio.net!ne ws.verio.net!msrnewsc1!cppssbbsa01.microsoft.com!tkmsftngp01!tkmsftngp03!un acanceller Xref: news.uni-stuttgart.de control:39747861 autocancel

Response:

Gas engines are a fraction of a diesel’s price to buy and maintain, and weigh about 1/2 hp for hp, make less noise, are FAR less sensitive to fuel quality issues, smell less both of exhaust and fuel.

This last point could be argued. I would hazard a guess, that the medical implications of inhalation of gas fumes, versus diesel, could be more detrimental to the average person.  Hp for hp, a gas engine (typically) uses about 25% more fuel per hour.   "Safety" of diesel is often sited, but a check with the USCG site shows one is 100x more likely to die from falling overboard than from a fuel fire.  In fact, more people die every year from bee stings than motorboat fuel fires.

Although I don’t doubt the accuracy of your statement above, it ignors the "potential" of a catastrophic incident, which most would consider to be an important factor, when deciding which power source to use ….. especially, those who would be going offshore, where assistance would be potentially slow in arriving, in case of an emergency….. In which case, diesel becomes the superior choice. There are definite advantages to both power systems…… each needs to be considered by the boater, based on his/her needs and/or preferences. Shen Organization: AOL http://www.aol.com X-No-Archive: yes Newsgroups: microsoft.test,comp.lang.c,rec.boats NNTP-Posting-Host: mail.jbcharles.com 63.227.23.121 Lines: 1         Path: news.uni-stuttgart.de!dns.phoenix-ag.de!newsfeed01.sul.t-online.de!t-online .de!fr.clara.net!heighliner.fr.clara.net!news.tele.dk!small.news.tele.dk!20 4.71.34.15!news-out.cwix.com!newsfeed.cwix.com!sjc-peer.news.verio.net!sea- feed.news.verio.net!news.verio.net!msrnewsc1!cppssbbsa01.microsoft.com!tkms ftngp01!tkmsftngp03!unacanceller Xref: news.uni-stuttgart.de control:39747791 autocancel

Response:

Why are so many Bluewater boats (55 ft and less it seems, mostly) gas powered ? Why don’t you hear much about them ? Does their name really reflect what their intended use is ?

Gas engines are a fraction of a diesel’s price to buy and maintain, and weigh about 1/2 hp for hp, make less noise, are FAR less sensitive to fuel quality issues, smell less both of exhaust and fuel. Hp for hp, a gas engine (typically) uses about 25% more fuel per hour.   "Safety" of diesel is often sited, but a check with the USCG site shows one is 100x more likely to die from falling overboard than from a fuel fire.  In fact, more people die every year from bee stings than motorboat fuel fires. As a sailor, I’m inclinded to think that anybody who even considers "going bluewater" (as in trying to cross to Bermuda, let alone the North Atlantic) in a recreational powerboat is suicidal.  A run to the Bahamas, and then "down islands" watching the weather and planning the harbors,  is another story. jim bailey

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Response:

- Hide quoted text — Show quoted text – Gas engines are a fraction of a diesel’s price to buy and maintain, and weigh about 1/2 hp for hp, make less noise, are FAR less sensitive to fuel quality issues, smell less both of exhaust and fuel. This last point could be argued. I would hazard a guess, that the medical implications of inhalation of gas fumes, versus diesel, could be more detrimental to the average person. Hp for hp, a gas engine (typically) uses about 25% more fuel per hour.   "Safety" of diesel is often sited, but a check with the USCG site shows one is 100x more likely to die from falling overboard than from a fuel fire.  In fact, more people die every year from bee stings than motorboat fuel fires. Although I don’t doubt the accuracy of your statement above, it ignors the "potential" of a catastrophic incident, which most would consider to be an important factor, when deciding which power source to use ….. especially, those who would be going offshore, where assistance would be potentially slow in arriving, in case of an emergency….. In which case, diesel becomes the superior choice. There are definite advantages to both power systems…… each needs to be considered by the boater, based on his/her needs and/or preferences.

Working from memory, I seem to recall the USCG figures for 1999 showed that with over 12,000,000 registered boats in the USA, just three people died in accidents where motor fuel (unspecified as to whether is was gas or diesel, but presumed to be gas) was the cause, while over 300 people died from falling overboard.  I seem to recall that just 19 sailors died and I seem to recall that most of them died on a boat under 26 feet LOA. More than 3 people out of 12,000,000 died of bee stings in 1999. btw, alcohol (as in the drinking kind) killed as I recall about 250 people. so, staying onboard and staying away from the booze would keep most of the 700 some boaters who died in 1999 alive.  Motor fuel was for all practical purposes not even on the radar screen. Shen

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Response:

- Hide quoted text — Show quoted text – Working from memory, I seem to recall the USCG figures for 1999 showed that with over 12,000,000 registered boats in the USA, just three people died in accidents where motor fuel (unspecified as to whether is was gas or diesel, but presumed to be gas) was the cause, while over 300 people died from falling overboard.  I seem to recall that just 19 sailors died and I seem to recall that most of them died on a boat under 26 feet LOA. More than 3 people out of 12,000,000 died of bee stings in 1999. btw, alcohol (as in the drinking kind) killed as I recall about 250 people. so, staying onboard and staying away from the booze would keep most of the 700 some boaters who died in 1999 alive.  Motor fuel was for all practical purposes not even on the radar screen. No one is disputing what you are saying, in this regard, but for many, the possibility for a serious disaster, in the event of a leak or spill, when using gasoline versus diesel, can and does, become a factor when making a decision as to what system to use for their particular application.

I kindly suggest that **anyone** who is worried about 3 chances in 12 fricking million of dying from gasoline deserves the 10,000% greater chance of dying from drunkenly falling off the deck of their diesel powered boat. Geesh man, 3 in12,000,000!  You have a greater chance getting elected homecoming king at your high school reunion. I’ll kindly point out that the vast, vast, vast majority of inboard powerboats have a gas engine. Bee stings, them you gotta worry about.  Bee stings are a greater threat. – Hide quoted text — Show quoted text -… to die instead I personally, wouldn’t own a gas powered boat (except for the dinghy), but that is my own feeling, based on many factors, only one of which is the explosive difference between the two fuels. otn

Response:

Why are so many Bluewater boats (55 ft and less it seems, mostly) gas powered ? Why don’t you hear much about them ? Does their name really reflect what their intended use is ? jim bailey

Response:

Why are so many Bluewater boats (55 ft and less it seems, mostly) gas powered ? Why don’t you hear much about them ? Does their name really reflect what their intended use is ?

Gas engines are a fraction of a diesel’s price to buy and maintain, and weigh about 1/2 hp for hp, make less noise, are FAR less sensitive to fuel quality issues, smell less both of exhaust and fuel. Hp for hp, a gas engine (typically) uses about 25% more fuel per hour.   "Safety" of diesel is often sited, but a check with the USCG site shows one is 100x more likely to die from falling overboard than from a fuel fire.  In fact, more people die every year from bee stings than motorboat fuel fires. As a sailor, I’m inclinded to think that anybody who even considers "going bluewater" (as in trying to cross to Bermuda, let alone the North Atlantic) in a recreational powerboat is suicidal.  A run to the Bahamas, and then "down islands" watching the weather and planning the harbors,  is another story. – Hide quoted text — Show quoted text -jim bailey

Response:

Why are so many Bluewater boats (55 ft and less it seems, mostly) gas powered ? Why don’t you hear much about them ? Does their name really reflect what their intended use is ?

I never paid too much attention to them, though there are fari number of them around norther CA.  A friend of mine’s uncle had a 1982 52′ Bluewater Cruiser (as opposed to the "Coastal Cruisers… aybe it was 54′… don’t recall now).  It was the first "motoryacht" I ever went out on.  Nice boat. It was powered with twin 454 gas engines.  I met a guy with a diesel version of a similar model and he mentioned the extra weight of the diesels put the boat a couple of inches lower in the water. When they are pointed out in discussions I have had with other boaters, ("Hey, is that a Bluewater?") I hear people say they are not bad.  I have heard they  have a pretty good safety record, despite what people think when they look at some models.  "That thing doesn’t have enough freeboard to be safe…"  Maybe… But then most of the Bluewaters I see around here are various versions of the "coastal cruiser".   The are set up a lot like nice houseboats, but they look better than most floating Winnebagos.  But the name coastal cruiser tells me that they are intended for near shore or protected areas.

Response:

- Hide quoted text — Show quoted text – Gas engines are a fraction of a diesel’s price to buy and maintain, and weigh about 1/2 hp for hp, make less noise, are FAR less sensitive to fuel quality issues, smell less both of exhaust and fuel. This last point could be argued. I would hazard a guess, that the medical implications of inhalation of gas fumes, versus diesel, could be more detrimental to the average person. Hp for hp, a gas engine (typically) uses about 25% more fuel per hour.   "Safety" of diesel is often sited, but a check with the USCG site shows one is 100x more likely to die from falling overboard than from a fuel fire.  In fact, more people die every year from bee stings than motorboat fuel fires. Although I don’t doubt the accuracy of your statement above, it ignors the "potential" of a catastrophic incident, which most would consider to be an important factor, when deciding which power source to use ….. especially, those who would be going offshore, where assistance would be potentially slow in arriving, in case of an emergency….. In which case, diesel becomes the superior choice. There are definite advantages to both power systems…… each needs to be considered by the boater, based on his/her needs and/or preferences.

Working from memory, I seem to recall the USCG figures for 1999 showed that with over 12,000,000 registered boats in the USA, just three people died in accidents where motor fuel (unspecified as to whether is was gas or diesel, but presumed to be gas) was the cause, while over 300 people died from falling overboard.  I seem to recall that just 19 sailors died and I seem to recall that most of them died on a boat under 26 feet LOA. More than 3 people out of 12,000,000 died of bee stings in 1999. btw, alcohol (as in the drinking kind) killed as I recall about 250 people. so, staying onboard and staying away from the booze would keep most of the 700 some boaters who died in 1999 alive.  Motor fuel was for all practical purposes not even on the radar screen. – Hide quoted text — Show quoted text -Shen

Response:

- Hide quoted text — Show quoted text – Working from memory, I seem to recall the USCG figures for 1999 showed that with over 12,000,000 registered boats in the USA, just three people died in accidents where motor fuel (unspecified as to whether is was gas or diesel, but presumed to be gas) was the cause, while over 300 people died from falling overboard.  I seem to recall that just 19 sailors died and I seem to recall that most of them died on a boat under 26 feet LOA. More than 3 people out of 12,000,000 died of bee stings in 1999. btw, alcohol (as in the drinking kind) killed as I recall about 250 people. so, staying onboard and staying away from the booze would keep most of the 700 some boaters who died in 1999 alive.  Motor fuel was for all practical purposes not even on the radar screen.

No one is disputing what you are saying, in this regard, but for many, the possibility for a serious disaster, in the event of a leak or spill, when using gasoline versus diesel, can and does, become a factor when making a decision as to what system to use for their particular application. I personally, wouldn’t own a gas powered boat (except for the dinghy), but that is my own feeling, based on many factors, only one of which is the explosive difference between the two fuels. otn

Response:

- Hide quoted text — Show quoted text -Why are so many Bluewater boats (55 ft and less it seems, mostly) gas powered ? Why don’t you hear much about them ? Does their name really reflect what their intended use is ? Gas engines are a fraction of a diesel’s price to buy and maintain, and weigh about 1/2 hp for hp, make less noise, are FAR less sensitive to fuel quality issues, smell less both of exhaust and fuel. Hp for hp, a gas engine (typically) uses about 25% more fuel per hour.   "Safety" of diesel is often sited, but a check with the USCG site shows one is 100x more likely to die from falling overboard than from a fuel fire.  In fact, more people die every year from bee stings than motorboat fuel fires. As a sailor, I’m inclinded to think that anybody who even considers "going bluewater" (as in trying to cross to Bermuda, let alone the North Atlantic) in a recreational powerboat is suicidal.  A run to the Bahamas, and then "down islands" watching the weather and planning the harbors,  is another story. jim bailey

Since Jim used an upper case "B" on Bluewater, he could be referring to the houseboat manufacturer of the same name rather than to a category of boats suitable for blue water. IMO, the slab sided, shallow draft houseboat vessels are perfectly suited for large inland lakes experiencing mild weather. Folks with this type of use in mind own and enjoy large numbers of these boats. Gasoline engines make sense with these boats because a day’s run is usually just from one side of the lake to the other, and a lot of these boats are used for weekly vacation charter and many folks unaccustomed to being around the waterfront complain that diesel "stinks." Go figger…I practically gag everytime I go to the service station to fill up my gas powered car, but I think the very faint diesel smell on a boat is just part of the ambience. (Large B.) Small b: Few offshore cruisers would seriously consider gasoline engines, range and reliability being major considerations on an extended run. You will find about zero builders turning out passage making vessels with gasoline engines. The extra weight of a diesel engine is due to heavier duty components (required because of the much higher compression ratios in diesels) and bigger blocks. Some sailors do use gasoline auxiliaries. Sailors are rumored to be just a bit cheap sometimes (oh oh, that probably started it)- although there is never universal truth to any rumor. Sailors have the option of shutting the engine down entirely, while a powerboater trying to make way does not. And don’t be too misled by HP. It’s torque that twists that drive shaft to turn a prop, and diesels generally are far more efficient torque producers than gasoline engines. If you’re looking for a large B houseboat, gasoline is probably an acceptable choice. But think twice about gas if you’re considering a small b ofshore cruiser.

Response:

And don’t be too misled by HP. It’s torque that twists that drive shaft to turn a prop, and diesels generally are far more efficient torque producers than gasoline engines.

This is not true, for horsepower = torque times rpm times (a constant).  That means (i.e. it’s a fact of physics) that for a given hp driving a given prop at a given rpm the torque is the same. In other words, for any particular prop needing, say, 20 hp, it makes no difference whether the engine is a 90,000 rpm turbine or a 10,000 rpm 2-cycle gas race engine or a 4,500 rpm gas engine or a 3,000 rpm recreational diesel engine or a 2,200 commercial diesel engine or a 1,200 rpm industrial diesel engine or a 500 rpm steam engine or 20 plow horses, the prop still has 20 hp driving the prop at a certain rpm and this means the torque **applied to the prop** (after any gearing) is the same. The range of a diesel power boat carrying XX gallons of fuel is about 125% of the range of the same boat gas powered and carrying the same tankage and going the same speed. In the case of sailboats, gas engines essentially went out of production in 1979 when Atomic 4 stopped building their 1948 design.  Few bluewater capable sailboats remain that were built with gas engines, though I personally know a sailor who crossed the North Atlantic in October of this year in a boat with a Honda 9.9 engine.  He had previously sailed the entire length of the Atlantic coast from the St Lawrence to the Caribbean and back to Newfoundland.

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Gas engines are a fraction of a diesel’s price to buy and maintain, and weigh about 1/2 hp for hp, make less noise, are FAR less sensitive to fuel quality issues, smell less both of exhaust and fuel.

This last point could be argued. I would hazard a guess, that the medical implications of inhalation of gas fumes, versus diesel, could be more detrimental to the average person.  Hp for hp, a gas engine (typically) uses about 25% more fuel per hour.   "Safety" of diesel is often sited, but a check with the USCG site shows one is 100x more likely to die from falling overboard than from a fuel fire.  In fact, more people die every year from bee stings than motorboat fuel fires.

Although I don’t doubt the accuracy of your statement above, it ignors the "potential" of a catastrophic incident, which most would consider to be an important factor, when deciding which power source to use ….. especially, those who would be going offshore, where assistance would be potentially slow in arriving, in case of an emergency….. In which case, diesel becomes the superior choice. There are definite advantages to both power systems…… each needs to be considered by the boater, based on his/her needs and/or preferences. Shen

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