TOM TRIPPAttractive Price for Diesel-Powered Trophy WalkaroundOn the dock yesterday there was a 21' Trophy walkaround fishing boat with a cool little 1.7L Mercruiser diesel sterndrive. It stopped me in my tracks on the dock as I walked by because you just don't see diesels in many production boats like that. The boat was a 2008 2152 model, and the price on the windshield was $45K, which is about what you'd expect to pay for that size boat with a diesel in it; more than most 21-footers, but hey, a diesel. I would love a boat like that; easily trailerable, stupendous fuel economy, reasonable performance.

TOM TRIPPA View of the Trophy 2152 Walkaround LayoutAlas, it seems not to have been such a success. Trophy isn't offering the diesel option in the 2009 model line. I'll see if I can track down someone from the company today to ask why. Obviously, it didn't sell, but it would be interesting to hear what the reasons were. Price? No perceived advantage over the standard gas-alternative?

I think eventually we will see more of these small diesels, which have long been ubiquitous in Europe where fuel prices have been high for much longer. If gas and diesel are even close in price, the diesel engines will be attractive because of their inherent fuel economy advantage - up to 40% in fuel volume. Automakers are continuing to roll out newer electronic diesels, with common-rail fuel systems, some as small as 25 HP. With more volume production, maybe the prices will come down somewhat and reduce the premium over a gas engine.

TOM TRIPPTidy installation of the 1.7L Mercruiser DieselI'll let you know what I find out. In the meantime, here's a few photos of the boat.