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Kristin
Diesel engines have come a long way in the past few years.
MasterCraft may have struck a chord with the European market. With fuel costs averaging two to three times the average price Americans pay at the pump, our neighbors to the east may be eternally grateful for better fuel economy on the water.
Teaming with Volkswagen, the legendary boat manufacturer introduced the Pro-Star 190 225-6. This version of the boat, which has been available for a little over a year, has recently received the full International Water Ski Federation approval as a world- record-capable tow boat. With 225 hp at 4,200 rpm and 333 pounds per feet of torque at 2,000 rpm, the boat's performance
is better than expected for a diesel.
“I have tried other diesels before and they have always struggled on initial pull out before the power kicks in, but this was no trouble at all for me,” says pro skier Glenn Campbell.
“My father [Ian Campbell], who has driven countless pro events, was impressed as well. I'm all for diesel.”
Because diesel engines burn fuel cleaner and more efficiently, they have a longer life span and increase nautical mileage by up to 40 percent. The engine upgrade will surely translate to more time on the water.
As for noise levels, they seem to be of little concern.
“[There] was no black smoke and it was extremely quiet,” says Campbell of his experience behind the boat.
However, such conveniences come at a price — and a steep one, at that. With an upgraded MSRP of $32,500 for the engine alone, it's a question of personal choice and disposable income. Is it worth the price tag to save money on fuel and help out the environment a bit? That's your call.
Additional Information:
Engine Performance, Technical Characteristics and Drawings
Volkswagen Marine – TDI 225-6
MasterCraft / Volkswagen ProStar 190 Gains IWSF approval
MasterCraft Boats – Press Release
