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Old 10th July 2003 | 15:00
  #8 (permalink)  
Mike Cross
 
Joined: Sep 2002
Posts: 1,784
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From: Savannah GA & Portsmouth UK
I agree with the thought that it will be a long time coming.

I have a fast RIB (Rigid Inflatable Boat) with a 140 hp outboard. There are 3 choices of engine for this type of boat

2 stroke outboard (least capital cost, best power/weight ratio, horrendous fuel/oil consumption)
4 stroke outboard (more expensive, better fuel economy)
inboard diesel (highest capital cost, lowest power/weight ratio MUCH lower fuel costs (runs on duty-free red diesel)

All of these options have been available for quite a few years now but the vast majority of owners still go for the 2 stroke outboard because at the average level of use the owner would not recoup the additional capital cost (and its lost ROI) out of the fuel savings.

It's a different story for commercial workhorses, where the rate of ustilisation is much higher.

I suspect the same issues will mitigate against re-engining.

Also of course a re-engine will have a lot of additional expense not incurred in a new build. (Throw away your engine mount, exhaust, ancillaries etc. etc. and replace them with new)

Mike
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