28 TE with gasoline engine

[ccboater]

I'm in the market for a 28 TE's and recently came across a 2001 28 TE Newport Edition with a Mercruiser 8.1S Horizon fresh water cooled (gasoline) engine for sale. What does everyone think of these engines vs. the diesel options? I've seen some posts comparing the different diesel engines, but not much about the gasoline engine. It looks like it has more horsepower than the diesels - does that translate into faster acceleration and higher top end speed? How is the reliability and how economical are these to run? Any info would be appreciated.

Thanks

-Scott

[Sisu22]

I think I've only heard of one other TE with gas power. Was it factory?

Even the 8.1 probably does not have the torque of the diesels that they put in these boats, but I don't have any actual performance numbers. Did they advertise performance figures with the boat?

[ccboater]

No real performance information. Just "She gets up and goes much faster and quieter than her Diesel powered twins. The owner loves the smooth ride of this vessel!"

It says the engine is the same year as the boat, so I'm assuming it's original?

<can be found on Yachtworld>

[Norseman]

Never heard of a gasoline Albin 28TE before, wow.
Not my cup of tea however, always a risk of gas fumes and an explosion with inboard gas boats.
No idea why somebody would chose it..

[MadMoney]

The first pic in the YachtWorld post if of the boat tied to the fuel dock... kind of ironic.

There are pro's and con's of gas versus diesel. I prefer diesel for longevity, safety and dependability. How do you hope to use your next boat?

Anthony Warren
1999 28 Albin MadMoney

[Jkraft]

This isnt the only one that was built with a gasser. There was another one lurking around yachtworld a couple of years back. I personally think that at that price point you should keep looking for a diesel boat. It will be much more sellable when the time comes and with gasoline the way it is today now that more states are introducing ethanol, all it does is cause problems. I am not sure what he claims his top speed is with that motor but you cant run a gas motor as hard as a diesel. You may get that short burst of excitement but can't hold it there.

[Tree]

I’d say the boat will make 30 knots with 370hp and it should be lighter.

You can achieve just shy of 30 knots with a yanmar diesel in these through a 1:1.5 transmission and that’s with 70hp less

Interestingly though, the advert also says that a yanmar diesel is also available.

Personally for me at the money asked, I’d be looking for a good relaiable diesel version and live with 17 knots cruise and 22 knots flat out although that does vary boat to boat.

Not sure how it is in the states but we loathe mercruisers here in the U.K. They’re like one big expensive anode whether they’re diesel or petrol!

[ccboater]

Thanks everyone for your responses - it's been very helpful. I've decided to pass on this boat and will keep looking for a diesel. This forums has been a great resource for me in making my decision to find an Albin 28 TE and I'm looking forward to sharing my own experiences and getting more help from this group once I have one.

[WillieC]

Good choice, CC. You will find a good one, I'm sure.

[Sisu22]

My opinion, no way a big block V-8 is quieter than Yanmars, esp not at 3,000 RPM. 850 hours is also tired for a gas engine like that.

[GulfTango]

I also saw that boat. That is a really popular engine in other marine worlds. The specs for that era ( 2001) seems to be around 370 hp. I suspect the gas engine/transmission combo would weigh less than the Yanmar.