Hello all,
I usually come from a sailing world and displacement craft, but I currently have been dabbling into small planning craft.
I am comparing two boats, a 13' Boston Whaler with a 97 40hp Mercury 2 stroke ($5400 CAD) and a 14' Livingston with a 50hp 4 stroke Yamaha (2014) ($7000CAD)
My number one criteria is fuel consumption. I think the Yamaha would win that down right at cruising speeds given that the Livingston is around 300lb lighter I believe, correct me if I'm wrong. Boston's are very tough boats and build heavy, where the Livingston is light and thin.
But I also am concerned about handing in a variety of weather conditions, I won't be out in anything too crazy but my current 10' Livingston is very low to the water when loaded up. I guess the Livingston is also close to the water, but in some way it feels safer. Or is that just me?
Though the Livingston costs more up front, I think the fuel savings from the newer motor, 4 stroke, and lighter weight over all, will make up for the cost difference over the years. But! I know that I should put premium fuel inside, so would this just offset all the fuel saving? Ugh so many variables.
What are your thoughts about this comparison? The Boston sounds tougher but is heavyer and more gas will be burnt. Where the Livingston is light, easy to trailer, and fuel efficient with the newer engine (though requires premium), but I hear mixed reviews about them.
Thanks!
I usually come from a sailing world and displacement craft, but I currently have been dabbling into small planning craft.
I am comparing two boats, a 13' Boston Whaler with a 97 40hp Mercury 2 stroke ($5400 CAD) and a 14' Livingston with a 50hp 4 stroke Yamaha (2014) ($7000CAD)
My number one criteria is fuel consumption. I think the Yamaha would win that down right at cruising speeds given that the Livingston is around 300lb lighter I believe, correct me if I'm wrong. Boston's are very tough boats and build heavy, where the Livingston is light and thin.
But I also am concerned about handing in a variety of weather conditions, I won't be out in anything too crazy but my current 10' Livingston is very low to the water when loaded up. I guess the Livingston is also close to the water, but in some way it feels safer. Or is that just me?
Though the Livingston costs more up front, I think the fuel savings from the newer motor, 4 stroke, and lighter weight over all, will make up for the cost difference over the years. But! I know that I should put premium fuel inside, so would this just offset all the fuel saving? Ugh so many variables.
What are your thoughts about this comparison? The Boston sounds tougher but is heavyer and more gas will be burnt. Where the Livingston is light, easy to trailer, and fuel efficient with the newer engine (though requires premium), but I hear mixed reviews about them.
Thanks!
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