Gas engines will be cheaper to maintain, but will cost you more at the pumps. If you have any issues

The Hull Truth Boating and Fishing Forum *THE HULL TRUTH is the world's largest FREE network for the discussion of Boating & Fishing. subseeker Whether you're researching a new boat, or are a seasoned Captain, you'll find The Hull Truth Boating & Fishing Message Forum contains a wealth of information from Boaters and Sportfishermen around the world. Advertise on TheHullTruth.com subseeker - Join the Admirals Club! - THT Store
Welcome to the updated THT! If you are having trouble subseeker signing in, please email feedback@thehulltruth.com with your username and we will help you. We thank you for your patience as we help you access the new site!
We are shopping for a new (used) boat we have decided we want a Pursuit 30-31 Express we are looking in the 2000 2005 range, now we need to decide on whether we want gas or diesel and which engine. subseeker If anyone owns or has owned one of these boats and can give us some input on the various engines subseeker performance and maintenance issues you have encountered?
I have a 2001 3000 Offshore with Volvo KAMD 44's and love it. The express is a different hull so can't really speak to the ride of the express, but I can tell you the build quality is quite good. I have had good service with these engines. Would not want to push that boat with gassers. Have owned mine for 5 years. Boat is in great shape and is for sale out here in So.Cal. Bought a Cabo 35 flybridge for the family. Otherwise would have kept this boat for several more years. Let me know if I can provide you with any further info. __________________ 2004 Cabo 35 Flybridge 2001 Pursuit 3000 Offshore (sold) 2000 Shamrock 220 Cuddy (sold) subseeker  
Gas engines will be cheaper to maintain, but will cost you more at the pumps. If you have any issues with the range of the boat, go to diesel. When you go to resell it, diesel will probably hold more value (but it will also cost you more to buy). If you use the boat a lot (200 hours or more), diesel will probably be better. Infrequently, then gas. If the price is the same, go diesel. Otherwise you will have to figure out what is best for your style of boating. __________________ Terry Jason 35, Yanmar 370 hp, Lots of fun at a leisurely pace  
I researched this boat heavily, studied all the Pursuit performance reports, subseeker and decided it is #1 on my wish list. I mean the express model, not the offshore, which I find less desirable but still nice. I would look for one with Cummins engines. They are somewhat rare but can be found. There was one on Yachtworld I've been lusting after, price was somewhat high at around $80+. For my money, it's a $50k boat for an early 2000's model in this market. If you can't find the performance reports, email me. Most brokers don't know the difference between the offshore and express models, so watch out for that. __________________ subseeker 30' Chris Craft Tournament Sportfish for sale http://www.thehulltruth.com/boats-sa...tfish-15k.html  
Keep in mind, in that size and weight (they are pretty light at 11,000 lbs) boat the performance of a 250-270 hp diesel and a 7.4 - 320-350 hp gas engine will be the same - the diesel will get better fuel economy, but won't be any faster at cruise and slower at top end. If you don't plan on doing offshore fishing where range is a big issue, and gas power likely doesn't have enough, and if you anticipate boating 150 hours or less a season, gas will be a better choice - much cheaper to buy and half the price to maintain.  
I have 2003 Pursuit 30 express, with gas crusader captians choice 320hp engines. The boats performs very well , and gets 1.2 - 1.4 miles per gallon. The boat cruises at 30/ mph, and will top out at 39 mph. Hourly burn rate is 16- 20/gal hour. I have made it from northport NY to Block island in 3 1/2 hour, with 4 on board plus gear. Check out Pursuit web site, go to archive section under boat models, they have a complete report at various speeds, plus other engine choices subseeker available. good luck.  
As said above, I agree that diesel is a waste of money in a boat that size unless you need the extra range or put on a ton of hours. In a 30 foot boat gas engines are the best bet. __________________ Sea Ray 390 EC, 3208 CATS  
Not sure I agree with the statement that gas engines are cheaper to maintain. subseeker There are no plugs, wires, caps, or rotors to change on diesels. Both have fuel filters, zincs, and impellors. Zincs, impellors, fuel and air filters for the diesels. Done. Yes, if something goes horribly awry (turbo, after-cooler, injection-pump) things can get pricey. But if the engine is properly maintained these things should go a few thousand hours. __________________ Regards, Doug L. 1986 33 Bertram Fly Bridge Cruiser - 6BTA's  
Not sure I agree with the statement that gas engines are cheaper to maintain. There are no plugs, wires, subseeker caps, or rotors to change on diesels. subseeker Both have fuel filters, zincs, and impellors. Zincs, impellors, fuel and air filters for the d