Diesel Engines

A Foursome of Eights

With highly refined features and an ergonomically superior tiller, Yamaha’s 8-hp four-stroke stiff-arms a trio of competitors.û

Four-Horse Four-Stroke Run-Off

Suzuki edges Yamaha and Mercury with a little more kick, a long and easy-to-operate tiller, and one-pull starting.

Bio-Diesel: Nice Fuel if You Can Find It

I have heard it suggested that we use soy oil for diesel engines. I have a 3-cylinder Universal diesel and was wondering if you...

Small Four-Stroke Outboards

Today's small four-stroke engine is still heavier than its two-stroke cousin, but at least prices have come down across the board. Consider this field if you need dinghy power or main propulsion.

HUM Bugs vs. the Pristine Tank

What is the crud that, if left to have its way, can foul your filters, starve the fuel pump, and bring your diesel engine...

Deck-Fill Fuel Filters

The expensive Baja filter, oft-mentioned in these pages, did very well in these tests—but West Marine's new Teflon-based filter did better for less, by means of a simple water-separating scheme.

Silence of the Engines

The Westerbeke 4-107 had been through three owners by the time I got it. It had plenty of hours on it, and somewhere along...

Diesel Mechanics’ Forum

Questionnaires and round-table discussions among those who work on diesels for a living yield some interesting opinions.

Electric Propulsion: Solomon Technologies’ High-Wire Act

It's powerful, quiet, renewable, and sometimes even free. It doesn't pollute. How severe are the drawbacks? That depends on several of your thresholds.

PS Advisor: July 2001

Lexan vs. PlexiIm planning to replace my wooden companionway boards with translucent plastic. Is there a difference between Lexan and plexiglass? Can both be...

Carl Alberg’s Family Sailboat for the Ocean – Alberg 37

Are you looking for a family sailboat that can cross the ocean and sail the Caribbean in safety and comfort? Carl Alberg designed the...

Latest Sailboat Review

Hunter 45DS Used Boat Review

Hunter Marine unveiled its latest large cruising monohull, the Hunter 45DS, in late 2007. The boat is essentially an upgrade of the 44DS, with twin wheels, a new transom, new styling, and a roomier, reconfigured interior. Hunter has sold 152 hulls since the boats debut, making it a fairly successful endeavor. To increase the Hunter 45DSs interior volume, designer Glenn Henderson opted for relatively high freeboard and additional length. Henderson also matched a nearly elliptical rudder with a smaller keel. The 54-horsepower Yanmar auxiliary engine moved the Hunter through calm water at 8 knots at 3,000 rpm. Testers sailed the 45-footer in flat water and 13.5 knots of wind, making 5.8 knots and were able to tack through 110 degrees. The current base price of the Hunter is $268,990.