Anyone runing a VW motor?

[SP Scirocco]

anyone using a vw motor in there boat?

[Tornado2dr]

Really?

Who wants to call sea-tow?

Just kidding. Interesting...

[Señor Peligro]

What? Were Mercruisers too reliable, cheap, and easy to fix?

[SP Scirocco]

I think in Europe they don't like the US standard measuring system... :p

[spockcat]

As of January 1, 2011, all marine propulsion systems previously sold under the Volkswagen Marine brand name will be rebranded and offered exclusively as part of the CMD TDI® series. Over the next 18 months, the CMD TDI Series product will become more and more integrated into the CMD lineup. The agreement also states that CMD and its distribution channel will assume responsibility for service of and warranty administration of all previously sold VW Marine product.

[GTI_2.0T]

Got to take a spin on this down in Miami back in February, at the boat show (livery is different now, with more of an Audi R10 feel - 'TDI' is much more prominent):



The boat is a Statement Marine 37 SUV that's setup for running the NYC to Bermuda Challenge. They attempted a record last year, but turned in due to weather. The current record is 22hrs, 23min and they were well ahead of pace before retiring last year.

It was an interesting ride - the sound was all turbo and the torque was impressive (twin 4.2's). You could hear a deep rumble, but it was almost entirely turbo whistle. They were claiming 2.2mpg at cruise, which was around 35kts with the props they were running for the Challenge I believe.

Couple of my own cell phone shots (sorry, none of the boat itself):






In the convention center, the TDIs were on display in the Mercury booth. The Cummins guys wanted nothing to do with us in regard to the motors.

Pop out VW badge, insert Mercury badge.

[SP Scirocco]

Man that's sounds awesome I would love to hear the sound of those motors.

[n0rdicalex.]

what's the reason for running coolant instead of seawater? is that something new marine engines are moving to?

[spockcat]

what's the reason for running coolant instead of seawater? is that something new marine engines are moving to?

Corrosion. No salt into the aluminum engine to have to flush out after use.

[BsickPassat]

Corrosion. No salt into the aluminum engine to have to flush out after use.

the block is still cast iron though.

and... other parts of the engine are water cooled.... the turbo is water cooled, the intercooler is a air-water type...

in addition to salt, you have other minerals in sea water that build up in the nooks and crannies that need to be flushed regularly.

[spockcat]

the block is still cast iron though.

and... other parts of the engine are water cooled.... the turbo is water cooled, the intercooler is a air-water type...

in addition to salt, you have other minerals in sea water that build up in the nooks and crannies that need to be flushed regularly.

Sea-Doo seems to make a big deal out of their "Closed Loop Cooling System" for their boats. I can certainly see the point if you are using the boat in salt water too.

[tip]

what's the reason for running coolant instead of seawater? is that something new marine engines are moving to?

Its actually been around for quite some time.