Fuel for inboard diesels

Martin Firth · 13 June 2002, 20:35

I am awaiting delivery of my first diesel powered rib and wondered what the options were to purchasing relatively expensive Marina diesel(worst still, local garage). My household fuel is I believe only 28 sec and I understand that "red" agricultural diesel(and also presumably marina diesel) is higher grade than this. What can I fuel my engine with(1.7tdi Mercruiser) and where can I get it? I have room to store my own fuel, is this legal? Any advice would be greatly appreciated (by my wallet).

MarkWildey · 13 June 2002, 21:36

Martin

There are various places on the south coast where you can get an account and save a few pence over cash deals. I hold an account in Poole which allows me access to fuel 24hrs/day.

The south is quite expensive and prices vary a few pence so check around. As diesel is available all over the place I wouldn't bother with the hassle of storing it.

Even with my Yanmar fueling up is something that doesn't happen that often so with your 1.7 I should make a yearly note in your diary to check your tanks !

regards

Mark

John Kennett · 14 June 2002, 11:01

Martin

You are going to need to do a lot of hours to make it worthg storing your own diesel. Even the most expensive marina is unlikely to charge more than 35p/litre, and with a bit of shopping around you should be able to get it for about 25p/litre -- even in the Solent.

The best price that I know of is in Cowes, just past the floating bridge on the West side of the river.

You will also find that it is quite easy to strike a deal with a marina if you fill up there regularly, even if you don't set up an account.

Always haggle -- most places do charge an inflated price for casual visitors!

John

Scubakid · 14 June 2002, 16:27

Hi

have a look at www.totalbutler.co.uk and see if they have a depot near you the advantage is you can also set up an account for DERV and get this cheaper too.

John

Mike C · 14 June 2002, 19:34

I live inland, (near Slough) and I am also awaiting delivery of a new boat with the Mercruiser 1.7. I just asked at my local canal marina in Uxbridge and they are only charging 29p per litre. I could fill up there before I go but frankly after being used to paying the price for petrol for my old 2 stoke engines at 80p or so, even 35p is going to be like free.... until Mr Brown notices!

Mike C

By the way, yes there are rules about how much you can store at home. I don't know what the max is but I suspect the 150 litres in my new boat would probably technically break it! Just fill up at the marina and smile at those buying petrol!

Martin Firth · 14 June 2002, 22:02

Thanks guys, i'll enjoy cruising around and sounding out the south coast marinas this summer.However does anyone have any info on the grade of 'diesel' required and is performance/economy/longevity affected significantly by using different grade fuel.Could I use domestic heating fuel for example?
Martin