VW TDi

So did anyone go with the diesel this year?

So many $$$$$ don't know why. Even Bio Diesel cost more today. I'm interested in LPG though

Thats probably is the most rediculous "upgrade" in wake boats. The cost on it is absurd relative to a diesel upgrade on a truck and as mark said diesel is 50 to 70 cents more right now.

"I'm interested in LPG though"

I don't know much about propane, but may be a little explosive for a boat.

The cost of diesel may be offset by the resale value. I know that in bigger boats, diesel resells a lot higher than gas

It's not a proven commodity in wake boats like it is cars and larger vessels so it remains to be seen if it would hold much of that 15-20k upgrade. In a Vdrive it would make for some good ballast though.

If you are actually talking about the VW TDi diesel, we just bought one for my gal. Took 4 months to special order it and we just drove it home tonight. The V10 was about 10k more but for 553 pounds of torque, I think it will pull a boat just fine. (The diesel upgrades are not worth 25k in a boat though.)


Here's a picture taken with my phone about an hour ago.

My boat runs propane, so did my last MC. I've not been blown up yet!

Yeah the price is way too much for the upgrade. You could probably swap in a diesel for 1/3 the cost. I like the idea of LPG, but where do you get it? I have never seen a place to actually fill up.

RV centers, hardware stores, propane is available everywhere. The cost savings isn't what it used to be, but it is still cheaper than gasoline. The biggest obstacle is carrying tanks. Unless you have them made, you are going to have to find forklift tanks or outfit for a propane tank.

(Message edited by olSkoolTige on February 19, 2008)

Love the all time easy LPG setup.. A condenser, a mixer, a switch and a view relais... Voila, every gas engine will run on LPG!!

Forklift tanks fit snuggly either side of the engine in a V drive.
I run dual fuel to increase the range as I only get 3hrs or so on propane but generally thats long enough per day for me.

The reduced maintenance on propane is appreciated too.

LPG only has about 2/3rds the potential energy of petrol, but LPG motors love turbos. Since the fuel is already vapourised it mixes with the air better and with the forced induction you get back the power you lose from switching fuels. I guess you'd possibly have to change the compression ratio though.

By the way petrol explodes too. An LPG tank won't explode (unless you throw it in a bonfire or something) if there is a breach in the tank the gas may catch fire if it leaks out, but since the tank is under pressure the fire stays on the outside.


(Message edited by Jtnz on February 19, 2008)

Here's our rig... not a TDI but a V8.... wouldn't have it any other way..

Couldn't justify the price difference of the TDI to the V8