Advice about buying a diesel engine

My 26' S2, Messing About, has an unreliable 10HP outboard. I have been giving some serious thought to buying a diesel, so I asked the community for advice. As ever you guys came up trumps. Thank you. Here are some edited highlights:

What should I buy?

Some enigne makers are making quite compact diesel sail drives. Seems it might be ideal for that kind of boat? Robert

the new Harbor 25 has a nifty little inboard mounted outboard engine. Must be a heck of a lot cheaper. Ask a LOT of questions B4 you buy. Dan

How much will it cost? Well the answer is how long is a piece of string

a new 20 HP diesel will run you 20,000. Michael B

The boat I race on is a Bristol 35.5 and the owner put in a new 30hp diesel for around 11,000. Another crew member has a Pearson 30 and he put in a new diesel, probably around 20hp, and I think it ran him around 8,000. Scott

I plan to buy a marinized Kubota engine from Sound Marine Diesel LLC called a Beta Marine. The quote for the engine, panel, wiring transmission and mounts is $9,200 USD. Installation quote is approximately $3,500 USD. Dan

my friend Jasper does the best research of anyone I know. he's got an old (1958) Chesapeake 32 and last year his westebeke gas blew a head gasket. over the winter he decided on a Beta Marine Diesel. I think all in, including new shaft and prop and electronic control panel it's close to 10k, Thomas Armstrong

Should I do it?

No. Stick with the outboard. It gives you enough power. Don't waste your money on this. Brian at Morgan's Marina. (I absolutely love Brian's honesty. I am a customer for life now)

1- How long do you plan on keeping this particular boat? If you're keeping her like skin then maybe going with an inboard diesel would be worth the time and $$$$ investment. I've found used at an affordable price in my area and even new at a reasonable price.

2- If you're not keeping her until your age/health grounds you, then maybe the best thing is finding a good used (or spring for new) outboard with a bit more power. That way you don't spend time fighting to install a new engine and all the wiring etc. and you can be back out on the water faster.

Having worked on my boats diesel engine I know that I'd rather be sailing than crawling around in small spaces with prickly fiberglass trying to retro fit a diesel engine! Debbie

Thanks to everyone who contributed. It's going to cost me more than my boat's worth and as I doubt we'll keep her for more than 3 years I think we will tough it out with the outboard.