Diesel Power – Owning a Diesel RIB

There are a number of advantages to owning a Diesel RIB, Team JBT have put together a blog to highlight some of the pros and cons of these RIBs.

Running Costs. The cost of marine diesel fuel is lower than petrol meaning that you have a few extra £££’s to go out and enjoy yourself!

Consumption. Diesel engines use less fuel than petrol ones. It’s why diesel cars are so popular. Some engines can suffer from ‘turbo lag’ and as a result take a little longer to get onto the plane. However, when cruising at high speed a turbo diesel engine can be a very fuel efficient, benefiting from more torque from less power. The sheer power and torque of a marine diesel engine means that a lower horsepower engine is required compared to the petrol outboard equivalent. This is great on a bigger, heavier RIB where multiple outboards maybe be required to get enough driving force.

Availability. Diesel is more common on marine fuel pontoons as not all offer petrol.

Reliability. Marine diesel engines are, generally, refined and marinised versions of industrial engines. As a result they can offer a longer service as they are based on an engine designed to run for thousands of hours a year. The common nature of brands like Yanmar and Volvo means that obtaining servicing parts are not usually a problem.

Space. Yes the space a diesel inboard engine uses at the back of the boat is compromised by the need for an engine bay. However, without the outboard engine there is plenty of space for a sun pad and bathing platform on the transom. Always popular with guests when at anchor.

Weight. Although heavier than petrol engines and slightly slower onto the plane, the extra displacement on diesel RIBs can provide a smoother ride in the rough, and if you are Tom from Team JBT, a bigger wake for wakeboarding! This means more air time!!! Check out this video of a V-Type Diesel Inboard RIB we currently have in stock!

Modern. Long gone are the days of diesel engines on RIBs being slow plodders, modern marine diesel engines have impressive power to weight ratios and coupled to an outdrive means great performance. These examples are worth a look….

JBT Marine currently have three diesel RIBs in stock. Click on the listings below to see more details: