Docking_Dave

Just speaking out loud, but is in not possible to convert a cruiser from petrol to diesel? Sorry if its a silly question, I am not mechanically savy ? The only reason I ask is that I have seen a good project cruiser but without an engine. I believe it was previously a petrol so I am sure it would be costly to change, if possible, however they do not want much for the boat. Even if the conversion cost me £1,000 it would be well worth it.

I have not bought the cruiser as yet, I am viewing it tomorrow morning so I can still pull out. I did read up on petrol boats and most do recommend to avoid, however I wanted to explore the options before deciding. Petrol boats are far cheaper but I suppose that's for a good reason. Perhaps I will hold off for a diesel and hope for a bargain to come up ?

Thanks Alan, I wanted to avoid a generator due to noise and more petrol fumes. It could be a case of trial and error with using solar panel and cutting out some of the items. I am gong to look at as many battery powered items as I can (push lights etc) and get a fuel stove for heating. Then it is just the 12v TV and water pump to worry about. There is gas as there is a gas hob but people are making me soooo nervous about using gas on a petrol cruiser.

Thanks David, Great idea with the fridge and frozen food, i will disconnect the fridge. I read about gas fired warm air but some are saying its not safe with petrol onboard, not sure how true this is. I would love a fuel stove so I will probably go for that.

Thanks biscuits, I really appreciate the advice. I am somewhat confused with the heating situation as some say you cannot have a fuel stove (which I would love) or a warm air heater on a petrol boat due to carbon monoxide as it could ignite and explode. I would understand if it was an inboard petrol engine but surely being an outboard makes it safer? I cannot see how the fumes would gather below with an outboard. Obviously I would have carbon monoxide detectors everywhere, even stuck on my arse (lol). If it is safe and possible I would opt for a fuel stove, would make for cosy evenings ? The fridge and TV are 12v so hopefully these could last for at least a days cruising away from the marina. Thanks again

Hi All, I am completely new to boating and considering purchasing a GPR Buckingham 25ft cruiser with an outboard Honda 100 petrol four stroke engine. There is 12v points and 240v sockets but I am concerned that there may not be enough power generated when mooring away from the marina with power. I will only be using the cruiser at weekends with a maximum of 2-3 nights sleeping onboard. Being new to the boating world I would really appreciate any advice on the following; - Is it possible to have another battery installed (leisure battery) to add more power when away from the marina? - Would enough power be generated to watch tv, run a fridge, oil radiator, and charge phones for 5-6 hours when cruising? - Is it worth buying a solar panel? and if so, would 100w be sufficient? I will get battery powered LED lights and power banks for phones to save on power but I am concerned that an oil radiator and fridge will consume the power in a short period of time. I understand the pitfalls with having a petrol outboard engine but finances are restricted and a diesel cruiser is far more expensive. I would like to have some form of heating but most forums suggest this is not possible with a petrol cruiser due to safety (carbon monoxide), however someone has posted that using an oil radiator is safe and adequate, is this correct? Sorry for all the questions but I am a nervous newbie ? Many Thanks Dave