6.0 Powerstroke in a river jetboat???

[AK1MKING]

Twin Tritons-

Here is what I found out from my friend so far. Yes, Ford does have a marine version of the 7.3PSD, he was not sure about the 6.0PSD. The 7.3PSD marine version was rated at (330 hp) vs. 235 for the light duty truck application (If you are framilar with marine engines the higher horespower ratings of marine vs. car/truck are typical). For information on ford's marine engines he recommended contacting Ford's industrial and marine engine division, FPP or Ford Power Products. www.fordpowerproducts.com. They should be able to assist you with any information, and questions regarding the 6.0PSD.

He mentioned many other diesel marine options are available for leisure/sport marine applications. Here are some he mentioned:

Do I dare say it? Cummins has a marine version of the 5.9 available in 305-350hp applications.

Perkins - Some of the lower displacment CAT engines are made by Perkins and marketed as a CAT.

Lugger/Northern Lights

Yanmar

Volvo penta - equipped with there own volvo jet drive. (Volvo really does make some neat marine engines. Many of the lower displacment diesel application utilize a forced air (supercharing) in conjunction with turbo. The supercharger kicks in at low rpms, and lets off when the turbo has started to spool up. - Very nice and no lag when trying to get a boat up on step (not really a problem with the low draft of a jet though).

International also markets a small 150hp version diesel that is utilized in jet applications. I believe he said it was the HS 2.8L.

Hope this information helps out. If you have anymore questions please let me know. While my knowledge is limited, this friend of mine is very knowledgable and talented indivdual). In addition to repowering his Uniflight by himself. He designed and fabricated his own jet boat (19' aluminum powered by a 350 Mercrusier and Hamilton jet) 9 years ago. I guess that's what being an excellent aluminum welder, mechanic, and holding two degrees in engineering does for you.

Please let me know if you need any more information.

[AK1MKING]

Twin Tritons-

I forgot to mention that if you are not fixed on diesel power, the Mercury Optimax is supposed to be a very good engine/jet drive combination. I saw one in a 19' Duckworth down at the local harbor. Apparently Merc uses it's own jet drive that is supposed to save wieght compared to other applications.

[Twin Tritons]

AK1MKING,

Thanks for the info, I will definately check out the link to the Ford power products. I knew Cummins and Volvo both made marine diesels, but hadn't heard anything about Ford diesels. Another co-worker of mine just put in twin Volvo engines in his boat to the tune of $60,000. He has a much bigger boat than I plan on getting. I have heard the Perkins diesels in Cat backhoe loaders and they just don't quite sound like a diesel should. Kind of a hollow, tinny sound to the engine rather than the nice deep cackle of diesel. I also saw the Yanmar, but thought it only came in a 125 or 150 HP model. I know some John Deere tractors use the Yanmar diesels and I haven't heard anything bad about them.

I thought the diesels could be more efficient and safer than gas engines in an inboard application, but may lose out in the extra weight. The Thunder Jet dealer did not call me back today, so I will have to wait until Monday to hear what they have to offer.

I am not set in stone on the diesels in a jetboat, and have been looking at the OptiMax inboards. The 200 HP model is suppose to me the most efficient model per HP they make. A friend of mine is also a saleman at a local boat shop and he also mentioned utilizing an outboard motor. I could use the prop lower unit on the big water (20% of the time) and change to the jet lower unit for when I am in the shallower rivers (80% of the time) around where I live. I know Mercury makes the two stroke OptiMax in an outboard also, but he wants me to look at the four stroke Honda. I also heard Suzuki makes a great outboard that sells for thousands less than the compitition.

I may even have a boat custom built for me, that way I can get every detail and option I want. Better yet, if I get the TIG welder I have been wanting for chromoly work, I could easily build an aluminum boat. I do have to admit the factory built hulls are awesome. They use large sheets of aluminum bent in a brake, pre-stressed, then welded together to make a stronger, lighter hull than one that can be pieced together by a small fabricator.

[AK1MKING]

Twin Tritons-

I agree with you regarding the sound of the perkins engines. We utilize them in some of our equipment at work (surface and underground). Regarding diesel vs. gas, based upon a weight to hp ratio, gas powered engines seem to be the most viable option in smaller boats.

Your friends recommendation for an outboard jet, may also be a very good choice. Two fellow co-workers utilize outboard engines so they may swap between prop/jet for fishing, and running rivers, respectively. However there is also another interesting reason they run outboards. Both own cabins on one of the rivers south of town. Amazingly they both also switch to prop and run the river during the flood. One of the tributaries of the river holds a dammed glacial lake that is released every year during late summer. When the flood occurs they switch to prop as there is so much junk in the water that the jet intakes become plugged very quickly. When I asked why they don't just stop and clean them, I was presented with pictures of very large trees and stumps floating down river. Looks like they need to be under power at all times during the flood (Think I would still perfer a jet!). A outboard just gives you a bit more flexibility, and allows you to run prop or jet.

Honda makes a excellent four stroke engine. Expensive, but if you are willing to spend the money I would highly recommend their outboards. I have a used their smaller engines for trolling kickers (bulletproof and well worth the money). I have also had very good luck with Yamaha outboards on my previous boats.

[ckissell]

7.3 already in use behide Murcrusiers duoprop drives. 6.0 will bolt in it's place and gearing is right.

[obxtuna]

Kind of off subject but maybe helpful if you're in the market for excellent marine power.

I have been running Twin 135 Mercury Optimaxs on my 28' Sport Cat for a couple of years now. They are direct injection 2 strokes. Very efficient. Very good out of the hole and did I mention super efficient? 4-6 GPH at 4K RPM and less than .5 GPH @ 1300 RPM trolling out in the Gulf Stream. We make 2 trips to the Stream, troll all day, outrun a storm home on occasion on 240 gallons (120 per side)....Awesome engines IMHO.