Kevin, your message was well done. That is why I said that "Synthetic" oil is not for everyone. Your remarks about "higher selling price", I think are mostly valid. To answer your questions "YES" I do oil samples on my boat as we do with all the trucks. We have signed agreements with Mobil (on the truck side) that with their Synthetic Delvac oil and oil samples at each oil change, they will pickup any engine repair costs, "due to oil issues". Working with the MFG of the engine and Mobil, we can significantly extend oil changes on the trucks and reefer engines.
For me, it is more of comfort knowing that I have the very best protection with the very best oil that I can put into my marine engine and generator. Cruising a single engine trawler (no back up engine) for 48-60 hours of continuous running on long distant trips, "it just feels good" to have the Synthetic oil taking care of my engine.
I think the other point, under the category of the "why" of Synthetic oil is how clean it stays, hour after hour. When I pull out the dip stick every morning to check the oil, and every morning, it looks clean and clear, well ..... just seems that the engine will be happier with clean oil. Or, if the engine is not happier, then I am !
Cost certainly is more then mineral oil. But, as boats we spend a lot of money on items in our quest of this crazy hobby. A couple nights at a nice marina at $2.50 per foot, or a great dinner with wine and drinks for 4 at a nice dock side restaurant, all cost more then the added cost of Synthetic over Mineral Oil. So again, "Synthetic" is not for every one. Each of us has to make the choice of spending the extra money. It is almost like an insurance policy, you spend money every year, and may NEVER get a return on your investment. Yet, when you need it, you really need it.
Bob Wilkins
Kevin, your message was well done. That is why I said that "Synthetic" oil is not for everyone. Your remarks about "higher selling price", I think are mostly valid. To answer your questions "YES" I do oil samples on my boat as we do with all the trucks. We have signed agreements with Mobil (on the truck side) that with their Synthetic Delvac oil and oil samples at each oil change, they will pickup any engine repair costs, "due to oil issues". Working with the MFG of the engine and Mobil, we can significantly extend oil changes on the trucks and reefer engines.
For me, it is more of comfort knowing that I have the very best protection with the very best oil that I can put into my marine engine and generator. Cruising a single engine trawler (no back up engine) for 48-60 hours of continuous running on long distant trips, "it just feels good" to have the Synthetic oil taking care of my engine.
I think the other point, under the category of the "why" of Synthetic oil is how clean it stays, hour after hour. When I pull out the dip stick every morning to check the oil, and every morning, it looks clean and clear, well ..... just seems that the engine will be happier with clean oil. Or, if the engine is not happier, then I am !
Cost certainly is more then mineral oil. But, as boats we spend a lot of money on items in our quest of this crazy hobby. A couple nights at a nice marina at $2.50 per foot, or a great dinner with wine and drinks for 4 at a nice dock side restaurant, all cost more then the added cost of Synthetic over Mineral Oil. So again, "Synthetic" is not for every one. Each of us has to make the choice of spending the extra money. It is almost like an insurance policy, you spend money every year, and may NEVER get a return on your investment. Yet, when you need it, you really need it.
Bob Wilkins
