TDI diesel powers brilliant new plate alloy blue water fisher

by Jonathan Revitt on 27 Feb 2012 For the first time in the Australia-New Zealand region, Cummins MerCruiser Diesel (CMD) TDI engines are being installed in aluminium hulls – and the results are great.

Leading New Zealand boat builder Southern Lazer (Southern Boats) has installed the famous V6 3.0L CMD TDI power packs into its newly remodelled XP-746 and XP-776 all-rounders – to create ideal blue water fishing machines.

The boats were ordered by Peter Carlston, who owns Family Boats in Auckland.

'A client and I first saw the TDI engine when it was launched at the Auckland boat show and we immediately put in the order for a XP-746 with the 225hp version of the motor.

'That boat’s now on the water and the owner is very happy. The engine’s more powerful and smoother than he expected, and it’s given him no problems so he’s rapt.'

Peter’s also a convert, ordering the larger XP-776 with the same V6 3.0L CMD TDI but set up to produce 265hp. That impressive combination is now sitting in his showroom attracting a lot of attention.

'It’s a great looking boat with a very, very nice engine. The TDI is really smooth, as you’d expect with that German engineering, and there’s no smoke unlike all the other diesel motors out there.

The boat weighs in at 1,800 kgs dry which the engine handles easily.

'The TDI gives you plenty of pick up, you certainly don’t need any more power. The TDI suits these boats. I think they handle better than with an outboard.'

In testing with a moderate load of 350 kilos, the TDI pushed the boat to 45 mph (72 k/hr) and needed just five seconds to get onto the plane at 20 mph (32 k/hr).

It’s the CMD TDI’s amazing fuel consumption, however, which sets up the combination as a fantastic new option for blue water fishers.

'The TDI’s fuel efficiency puts it into another class,' said Peter.

'At 25 mph (40 k/hr) it’s only using 20 litres of fuel an hour. That’s very low, making it perfect for game fishing when you want to spend 12 hours on the water.'

In short, Peter’s very happy the CMD TDI power and efficiency is giving him a new option to offer his clients. 'It’s a honey of an engine.'

More at www.brunswick.com or www.mercurymarine.com.au