Diesel engines

Phasma

Phasma2128
Sep 17, 2016
689
West Michigan
Boat Info
2003 360 Sundancer
Engines
Mercruiser 8.1s Horizon
i just posted a similar question in the diesel forum. I thought I would get more input here. Sorry for the redundancy.

We are looking to upgrade from a 360 sundancer gasser to possibly a 460 sundancer diesel. I was looking for input on what HP would be ideal? I don’t want to end up under powered. Is there a quality difference between Cats, Cummins or Volvo?

I’ve been a gas guy my whole life. I know very little about diesels. Any guidance would be appreciated.
 
Generally speaking, diesels have much more torque and burn less fuel. The Cats are pretty much bullet proof and maintenance is relatively easy. Frank Webster can elaborate.
Cummins I believe are higher HP and I believe they are sleeved.
Don’t know much about the Volvo’s.
 
Not sure what generation of 460 your looking for but the early 2000’s were good years. I looked at them while buying my 410. For the extra 5’, you get a reclining chair and laundry facility. I didn’t want the laundry, would love the recliner! Also as you get towards the 2002-3range the hard tops became available.

I think you had 3 choices on diesel in that boat/generation. CAT 3116 at 6.6l 340 hp, Volvo TAMD at 7.3l 410 hp and Cummins 6CTA 8.3l at 430 hp. Most of what I saw were Cummins. Anything with 3116, might also have 3126s if there were issues early on. I would guess the Volvo’s were for the European market. Volvo’s are known to be bulletproof but parts are hard to come by and expensive (based on my ownership o Volvo outdrive). Cant recall seeing a Volvo power Sea Ray.

I believe the 6CTAs are mechanical engines and comparable to the CATs but bigger displacement and hp. I think a very good engine overall, and I think highly regarded in the industry. Looks like it will cruise that boat in the high teens/low 20s just shy of 1 mpg.

If looking, get a separate engine survey, you’ll be glad you did. 460 is a really nice boat.
 
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I have had CATS and Cummins. I personally prefer the Cummins. Both great Engines, but the Cummins in my case were cheaper to operate and maintain.
 
The various flavors of the Cummins 6C is by far the most common power for the 460. I've been on several examples with Volvo power. (there was also a window of time that DD and VP teamed up, so there are 460's out there with Volvo power that carry a DD label)

Earlier models can be found with Cat 3208's. SR specs mentioned 3116's or 3126's, but I don't think I've ever seen one so-equipped.
 
What I am hearing then is that Cats are bulletproof but Cummins are less expensive and possibly sleeved. Any estimates on average number of hours I can expect before a major rebuild is typically expected?

Looking for a 2003-2005 from what I can see on yacht world.com. Freshwater, hardtop
 
High-output 3208's don't enjoy the "bullet-proof" rep of the lower HP versions.

I personally think hours are a horrible way to measure engine life. Total Fuel burned, load and maintenance are better indicators, but that's a lot hard to find on the dash!
 
Thanks guys! As usual....a pile of knowledge and well worth the annual donation.
 
The 2003-5 460's with Cummins, had the 480CE. It was a first step into an electric engine. Great motor but it does not like to be over propped. The Cummins engines are indeed sleeved.
 
A friend of mine just bought a 33 Amberjack with twin Cats. He mentioned to me there were some years they had problems. Something about checking the stamping on them. Not really sure. I would guess a bit of research is good for that. On another note we both just got back from a weekend trip. I burned 94 gallons of gas and he burned 52 gallons of Diesel. We both were traveling at 28mph. Pretty damn good.
 
Caterpillar or Cummins will serve you well. Each have their maintenance issues and benefits but in the big picture if they are properly surveyed and show well you should have good service. I'm a fan, if given a choice, to have the higher torque engine as this engine will have been run in a lower part of the duty cycle and consequently have longer service life; all else given the same. The real question to ask is what is the best service in your area; Cat or Cummins??
 
You cannot go wrong with Cat’s or Cummmins with that said you will love the difference between gas and Diesel engines. Like you I had always had gas boats, this new to me 48 Sundancer with high pressure common rail Cummins has made me a fan of the engines. They make the boat so much more enjoyable to operate.
 
You will find the year of the boat, and what sea ray was rigging with will dictate the engine model. You cannot go wrong with CAT or Cummins. Whatever the engine, research and make sure the proper maintenance is complete..... Volvo, eh....I would not consider it. Parts cost, and service in my area is thin , and that may be telling of the market impression when moving up.....My current boat has Cummins 430 C's. I'm I big fan of simple mechanical engines....less failures!
 

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