Horizon Cat _ Diesel of No Diesel?

[Boat-in]

Good Afternoon,

We are planning to purchase a ComPac Horizon Cat.

I limited our initial search to outboard only. However, I have found a very nice one with the inboard Diesel.

Is there any significant drawback to the inboard diesel? Noise?  Vibration? Way more expensive to maintain? etc.

Thanks in advance for your thoughts.

[alsantini]

Ok.  Please understand that my answer comes from a 79 year old!  My last sailboat had a 4 hp 4 stroke outboard (2007 Com Pac Eclipse)  lugging the outboard in and out of the pickup became an issue that limited the number of days that I trailer sailed.  So, when I was looking for a Horizon I specifically looked for an inboard diesel.  I have sailed my Horizon for just a little less than a year and am totally sold on the diesel.  It starts right up, idles smoothly, and has plenty of power.  Leaving the dock or coming into the dock is way easier than with the outboard.  Vibration and noise are actually less than my one cylinder outboard.  Especially the noise.  Since the engine is completely covered the noise is greatly reduced.  The Horizon holds 7 gal of fuel and I have used a total of 4 for the entire year, and I sail at least once a week.  Changing oil is easy with the West Marine vacuum oil exchanger.  My next project are the fuel filters (3).  I plan on changing them once I am in the water in Florida end of this month.  BTW, Com Pac used a few different diesels.  Mine is a Yanmar 15 hp 2 cylinder (2GM15).  Personally, I will never go back to an outboard....  Sail On,  Al

[Boat-in]

Ok.  Please understand that my answer comes from a 79 year old!  My last sailboat had a 4 hp 4 stroke outboard (2007 Com Pac Eclipse)  lugging the outboard in and out of the pickup became an issue that limited the number of days that I trailer sailed.  So, when I was looking for a Horizon I specifically looked for an inboard diesel.  I have sailed my Horizon for just a little less than a year and am totally sold on the diesel.  It starts right up, idles smoothly, and has plenty of power.  Leaving the dock or coming into the dock is way easier than with the outboard.  Vibration and noise are actually less than my one cylinder outboard.  Especially the noise.  Since the engine is completely covered the noise is greatly reduced.  The Horizon holds 7 gal of fuel and I have used a total of 4 for the entire year, and I sail at least once a week.  Changing oil is easy with the West Marine vacuum oil exchanger.  My next project are the fuel filters (3).  I plan on changing them once I am in the water in Florida end of this month.  BTW, Com Pac used a few different diesels.  Mine is a Yanmar 15 hp 2 cylinder (2GM15).  Personally, I will never go back to an outboard....  Sail On,  Al

As an aging sailor, I really appreciate your perspective.

Glad to hear they noise is not much worse than an outboard.

I too have trailer sailed with outboards for years. I find the option of an inboard Diesel intriguing.

Should I expect to pay more for a Horizon Cat with a Diesel?

[Boat-in]

the one I am looking at has a 2YM15 Yanmar Diesel

[alsantini]

Regarding the cost.  I would guess the age of the boat would determine  the value added amount for the diesel.  As the boat ages it looks like the value added cost of the diesel is reduced.  When I was looking I found that to be true.  My Horizon is a 2021, so the difference in price between the outboard and the diesel was still present.  I will happy to discuss cost, just not here.  Call me if you want to discuss specifics @ 630-728-6035  Sail On    Al

[crazycarl]

Another consideration. Some years ago at the Strictly Sail show in Chicago, there was a couple working the Compac booth with Jerry. They had just ordered a Horizon Cat with electric propulsion and were selling their HC with the diesel because they only used the motor coming in and out of the harbor and didn't like the maintenance of the diesel for such little use. I don't know what the cost difference would be, but my guess is the diesel would initially be cheaper.
Given the frustration and lost sailing time I've incurred with outboards over the years, I would go diesel.

[Boat-in]

Thanks all....

Diesel it is!

[alsantini]

To follow up this discussion diesel vs outboard.  My Horizon only has one battery.  It is a huge AGM that starts the diesel no problem, but still leaves me a bit perplexed.  So as a temporary solution I purchased a diesel start pack from Amazon that will start the old girl or young lady easily in case the main battery is dead.  Next phase is to install a second house battery, which is a Florida project this winter.  I asked Santa for a dual battery charger isolator and an Off, One, Two or Both switch.  Hopefully Santa does not get confused and get me outboard stuff.... LOL  Sail On, Al

[Boat-in]

To follow up this discussion diesel vs outboard.  My Horizon only has one battery.  It is a huge AGM that starts the diesel no problem, but still leaves me a bit perplexed.  So as a temporary solution I purchased a diesel start pack from Amazon that will start the old girl or young lady easily in case the main battery is dead.  Next phase is to install a second house battery, which is a Florida project this winter.  I asked Santa for a dual battery charger isolator and an Off, One, Two or Both switch.  Hopefully Santa does not get confused and get me outboard stuff.... LOL  Sail On, Al

Thanks

Good idea to always have a start pack onboard.

Another huge benefit of the diesel is the alternator. Depending on configuration, it can be as big as 125 Amps!