To the credit of the 1350/1550 engines...that is big, reliable power that is turn key and has a warranty = readily re-saleable. The 1650 and 1750 QC4V engines remain available in the competition series where ownership is such that anywhere in the world you have one, pop an engine and Mother Mercury will handle the overhaul ( albeit the cost $$$ is equal to your first born) and replacement parts are available as fast as Merc can ship.

I love everything about the turbines but it's a short line as to who would actually own/run them and "actually" enjoy it as a recreational boat.

My friend John Hice is at it again. Headed for a 42’ Doug Wright Custom Canopy Cat.

2008 Outerlimits 48 Cat BPOW48003 | Lake Cumberland Marine

This one has been for sale for as long as I can remember. I think my dad talked to Randy about it (not to buy it, just yakkin'), and we lost him in '13.

Thanks. Brad.
(937)545-8991

Here is a 2020 turbine Skater.

https://www.powerboatlistings.com/view/72121

Turbine will run all day on diesel.

Tell them to wear some serious hearing protection when ground hopping those things. I know from experience and significant hearing loss.

Sorry, that's just my guess as to why we don't see many turbine boats having been built in the past decade. When we first started my 30 build, we (Rik and I) discussed doing some small APU type turbines that would've fit and been in the 700HP or so range. Having been in Howard's 40 and 46, I was over-the-top impressed with turbines, but the realities of them in a pleasure boat kept me going with standard type power (Sterling 588s). In addition to the no-insurance and fire hazard (Howard's 40 burnt to the water line after he sold it), the fact that the turbines burn almost 50% of full throttle fuel burn just at idle made me cringe - not to mention fitting large enough tanks in the 30 to give me good range. Trying to figure out an elaborate clutch/brake system for shift/idle/docking would've been another major hurdle, as my 30 wouldn't be big enough to support an auxiliary propulsion system for docking as all of Howard's turbine Skaters had (outboard motor on the 32 and 40, jet ski motors/pumps in the 46). Now, with all that being said, money no object, my dream boat would be a new Skater 588 (hull #1) with a pair of Lycoming/Honeywell T-55s and ASD #8s.

I think with T53's you can run the ASD8 but would you not have to go up to the ASD 10's for the power of the T55?

I got rid of the Sixes and went with these!

https://www.thehulltruth.com/boating...alina-isl.html