[nas130]

Another point being missed is the weight penalty of a diesel, which will require a much stronger davit, which is more weight, etc...

nas

[JWY]

The client wants a diesel for the dinghy so as not to have to carry gas or add tankage for gas. There's already a pump w/nozzle installation that feeds from the fuel tanks. He's adding a 3500# davit. The flybridge has had additional support at construction to accommodate the davit weight and stress.

Thanks for any comments.

Judy

[Ken Bracewell]

Judy,
I echo many of the comments here. I've never owned a diesel jet tender but have many friends with them. The larger ones seem to be a little better, but the small ones are a nightmare. I'm a big fan of Nautica and have had many of them. Franco builds a good boat and, more importantly, stands behind his product.
My first advice would be to strongly advise against a diesel tender. While it may be cool to be able to fuel the tender from the main tanks, the hassle associated with small diesels may outweigh the benefits. Perhaps the 3500# davit could be utilized when lifting a gasoline tender with a larger than average fuel tank, therefore minimizing the need to carry extra gas in a storage tank.
If the client is set on a diesel, perhaps an Inboard/Outboard would be a better option than the jet.
Good luck.

[corinthian99]

Originally Posted by JWY

The client wants a diesel for the dinghy so as not to have to carry gas or add tankage for gas. There's already a pump w/nozzle installation that feeds from the fuel tanks. He's adding a 3500# davit. The flybridge has had additional support at construction to accommodate the davit weight and stress.

Thanks for any comments.

Judy

Think you've hit the nail on the head there. No class issues with gasoline and pratting around with jerry cans.

I've had a dozen + diesel tenders with no problems, can't quite understand some of the posts here talking about diesels not being suitable for tenders. As for Nautica, dodgy quality at best but they are cheap (in every sense).

[Capt J]

Originally Posted by corinthian99

Think you've hit the nail on the head there. No class issues with gasoline and pratting around with jerry cans.

I've had a dozen + diesel tenders with no problems, can't quite understand some of the posts here talking about diesels not being suitable for tenders. As for Nautica, dodgy quality at best but they are cheap (in every sense).

There is no problems having a diesel engine. But you are dealing with a tender that weighs more then equipped with a 4 stroke, aren't gaining anything in fuel economy, and it has less interior room for passangers and provisions which is the primary use of a tender.

I too would only go the stern drive route if possible with a diesel tender. BUT, that makes the tender weigh even more AND makes it longer then a jet equipped one of the same boat length.