Diesel power for new Caribbean 27

A turbodiesel powered version of Caribbean's new 27 has hit the water. Featuring twin 150hp Cummins MerCruiser Diesel sterndrive engines, the craft is the result of an enquiry from last July's Melbourne Boat Show.

Traditionally Caribbean 26/27s have featured twin petrol sterndrive powerplants to keep overall package prices competitive. The new diesel craft was converted from a new ex-factory 27 Runabout. It is a first, according to Mercury Marine,

Sorrento (Vic) Caribbean dealer Nautical Marine worked with Mercury Marine to put together the twin Cummins MerCruiser diesel powered vessel.

Commenting on the installation, Nautical Marine boss Keith Davis said: "The diesel engines handle very well -- they are smooth, quiet, and the fuel economy from idle through to mid range is phenomenal.

"We've lost a little top-end, but we decreased fuel flow increases the boat's cruising range and extends the time between refuelling," Davis told BoatPoint.

According to figures supplied by Mercury Marine, the twin four-cylinder turbodiesels deliver in excess of 690km (18hrs) range at 3000rpm. These engine revs correspond with a cruise speed of 38km/h. (A full copy of Mercury's fuel burn chart is shown below).

According to MerCruiser Australia, New Zealand, Pacific boss David Meehan, there is growing demand from customers who are "genuinely interested in diesel powered vessels."

Says Meehan: "Having both petrol and diesel engines in our range, we're in a great position to offer our customers a powerplant that suits their application -- based on how much they use their boat and their performance requirements.

Meehan says the torque of the CMD QSD 2.0-litre common-rail turbodiesels more than make up for the reduction in horsepower relative to their petrol equivalents.

"Common-rail diesels have come a long way: they don't smoke, they idle smoothly and quietly, and they also offer all the [Mercury Marine] SmartCraft functionality, such as fuel flow and engine management," he stated.

The success of the conversion has prompted Nautical Marine to 'gear up' to do more turbodiesel 27s. The conversion would particular benefit gamefishing applications and those looking to significantly extend the range of their 26/27.

Davis says he welcomes enquiries from Victoria and interstate.

For more information contact Nautical Marine, tel (03) 5984 1666.

RPM/speed/range Chart
Caribbean 27 Runabout, 550 litre tankage, Twin CMD QSD 150hp
RPM - Speed (km/h) - Fuel burn (L/hr) - Range (hrs) - Range (km)
1000rpm - 11               2.7                       204                2240
2000rpm - 17.7           14.5                       38                  671
3000rpm - 38               30                         18                  696
4000rpm - 61.6           68.2                        8                   496