Hello folks;

I'm just asking if the cost of diesel is in any way affecting how you feel about owning a diesel duck. Diesel is now a dollar a litre in Canada, and the cover of this month's Barron's magazine talks about the "$200 barrel of oil".

The price of oil is a concern, that is one of the big reasons for a Duck. If you look at other power boats such as the Californian, you get between .5 and .7 MPG, a Huckins will get you about 1 MPG, a Nordhaven MAY get 2 or a little more. At those rates, a Duck looks pretty good . As for $200 a barrel. I think Barrons is trying to scare up some sales.

Diesel is the only way to go aboard a vessel. Gasoline is Far to dangerous. Image the compartments gas vapors can hide in on the DD. I'm not too easy on Propane being aboard, put Gasoline into the mix and you can just forget it. Maybe Diesel Electric is a good choice with the efficiency gains.

Could not agree more...the cost of fuel is a big issue which is the perfect reason to go with a DUCK....you can back off and toddle along using very little...sometimes you can use the standard sails to assist...if you want to sail go the motor sailor version.....I know many "Matureing sailors" like the idea of getting behind those windscreen wipers....cause if you just sail, and don't use any fuel, you usually get wet in the cockpit...I think my sail assisted 462 is just right