GUIDE: Choosing a gasoline or diesel boat engine?
Many parameters must be taken into account when buying a boat engine. The engine can be outboard, sterndrive or inboard. It can be a two-stroke or a four-stroke. Its mode of injection can be direct or electronic. Its power can vary between 10hp, 30hp, 80hp, 150hp or even 250hp. It can be long or short shaft. But before deciding all this, you have to start by choosing the type of fuel. You have the choice between a gasoline or diesel engine. The third alternative is the electric boat motor. In the rest of this article, we will explain to you point by point which criteria should be considered in order to to choose between a petrol or diesel boat engine. You can also consult our complete guide to choosing the most suitable boat engine for your boat: “ Which outboard motor to choose for a boat ».
Which type of engine is best suited to your boat: a gasoline or diesel boat engine?
The gasoline outboard motor is the most common on boats up to 7m. This motor is favored over inboard motors or pod drives which are often reserved for larger boats.
In addition, the gasoline outboard motor adapts to any What kind of boat : whether it is an open hull, a speedboat, a semi-rigid inflatable boat, a sailboat tender or a fishing boat.
Finally, its versatility makes it the ideal choice for all types of navigation. It will be suitable for outings at sea as well as on freshwater areas such as lakes or rivers. It will only be enough to adapt the power of the engine to the currents of your navigation area.
Be aware, however, that there are two exceptions. Indeed, some boat owners prefer to install a stern drive or an electric boat motor. (we explain everything to you in the following chapters)
Finally, if your boat is over 7m long, then we recommend installing an inboard diesel engine. As the boat is no longer transportable beyond 7m, the advantages of the outboard motor disappear. Suddenly, inboard diesel engines become the most economical, the safest and above all they have better seakeeping.
To summarize how choose between a gasoline or diesel boat engine, so just refer to your vessel size.
Under what circumstances is a sterndrive engine recommended on a boat?
Choose between a gasoline or diesel boat engine is easy. But you should know that there is another alternative for those who want the advantages of the gasoline outboard engine and the advantages of the diesel inboard engine. Boats under 7m in length that do not choose an outboard motor install almost all a semi-outboard engine. We do not recommend this choice because the advantages of the outboard are always greater than the gains generated by the stern drive. The main strength of sterndrives comes from their propeller which is perfectly aligned with the boat. This is due to the combination of an inboard motor and a gear case like on an outboard.
Gasoline or diesel boat engine: why not choose the electric alternative?
You can choose between a gasoline or diesel boat engine But don't forget the electric! Before buying a thermal engine for your boat, find out about the legislation in force in your navigation area. Indeed, some areas such as natural parks are protected and it is forbidden to use gasoline or diesel boat engines. Other reserves prohibit heat engines for more or less long periods that coincide with the reproduction cycles of the animals so as not to disturb the fauna.
In these circumstances, the choosing an electric boat motor is to be considered. However, you should know that electric outboard motors are not recommended for boats over 4m. They are even generally used for boats of less than 3 meters...
Indeed, despite all their advantages (silent, vibration-free, environmentally friendly, light, etc.), electric outboard motors today are still not powerful enough to meet the needs of a boat over 4m long. .
In addition, electric boat motors are much more expensive and very limited battery life which limits navigation time.
It should therefore be noted that a electric motor on a boat should not be used if:
- your boat is over 3-4m long
- you are looking for speed,
- you navigate in areas with strong currents,
- you have to travel long distance.
In summary, if your navigation area does not prohibit thermal engines, choose a gasoline outboard engine for your boat under 7m (or an inboard diesel engine for a boat over 7m)!
Learn more about boat motors:
Which boat engine consumes the least?
