Ken,
Everyone has an opinion........... I do have more than (quite a bit more actually) $60,000 in a boat that would have a hard time commanding anywhere near that on the open market. I have been looking at 31' express cruisers since I did this conversion and the average one (with tired 318's) is listed for under $20,000. I have yet to find a boat anything like mine in terms of the new diesels; there are a few diesel ones out there, but they are old nissans that will only push the boat at hull speed. That being said, many would call me stupid for doing this, but I have a boat that I love and have had a blast doing it. I would do it again and a third time, because I can't imagine having a boat I liked more (perhaps a 58' Hatteras with a free slip and 90% discount on fuel). As far as the other things Jim mentioned, I'm sure there is a huge fundamental difference between the Detroits and the Yanmars, but I don't have fuel coolers and haven't had a problem yet (knock on wood). The fuel return line is no big deal, its just one more hose. Re working your fuel system will be to your advantage anyways, you will know all about it and will have confidence in it by the time you are done. I don't think the Racors are anywhere near that expensive for the two smaller ones you will need. I do agree with Jim on the shafts, by the time you are done with this, you could have replaced the shafts for a drop in the bucket more, and it will be easier to do before all the other stuff is done. You will need different props for the diesel, I went with NiBrAls and love them. I have hit rocks and the pavement (while trailering) and have just nicked them. My buddy got his bronze props stuck in mud and totally wasted one trying to get unstuck. The NiBrAls were $1000.00 each for 19x26's but I would buy those again. Also I would get dripless seals while you are changing (or checking) the shafts, and never have to worry about packing (or slinging water everywhere) again. If you evaluate any of this in terms of return on your investment, of course it doesn't make sense, but then again neither does boating to begin with. As far as pissing money away goes, there are other ways to do it just as fast. My wife owns 3 horses, and let me tell everyone, they consume money faster than boats, and they require more work, and give you more attitude in return. Do what you love, as long as you can afford it. Good luck, Tom in Florida --~--~---------~--~----~------------~-------~--~----~ You received this message because you are subscribed to the Google Groups "UnifliteWorld" group. To post to this group, send email to [email protected] To unsubscribe from this group, send email to [email protected] For more options, visit this group at http://groups.google.com/group/UnifliteWorld?hl=en -~----------~----~----~----~------~----~------~--~---
