Just came to agreement on a 550

NotHerDecision said:
Dancing queen

The 3196 issues have been well sorted in this forum. As long as a blow by test is performed you will have the ammo you need. The soft blocks all failed early in their life so they are pretty much off the market at this point.

The 31 series cats have been proven reliable at this point and are in many members boats.

Josh
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I talked to a cat senior technician I know about a boat powered by 3196. Quote these were dark days for cat. Unless you want to spend lots on coolers or rebuilding it’s easier to find another boat. I opted for some screaming Jimmies. I’m glad someone is having good luck with them.
Tim
 
Tim

Every single manufacturer has engines that have suffered some issues... Detroits used to be the gold standard, now parts, and techs are hard to find and have skyrocketed in price. Cummins had aftercooler issues, CAT has some soft blocks and aftercooler issues...etc

The 31 series engines had some sooting/aftercooler issues and it's well documented and now known how to fix or avoid. The soft blocks are out of commission for the most part at this point in the game. Everyone is entitled to their opinion, but to say you should run from 31 series CAT engines is just not a statement that is true.

This forum has some great folks and even better mechanics. The senior cat tech you spoke to should know where to look for the 31 series issues and also be able to confirm how many are doing great in service today. I won’t say they didn’t have a few issues out of the gate but most are great at this point.

I am just against the many folks who look to these forums for advice then jump in with opinions right as they join. There are literally hundreds of threads with well-documented issues and resolutions on the 31 CATs and to be honest one really shouldn’t run from these engines but should be aware of the few issues and what to do to avoid those at purchase.

I sincerely welcome you to the group and can’t wait to hear more about your 550! It looks to be an awesome boat and I want to follow your adventures on the left coast!

Josh
 
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Well the survey went well. Paperwork was signed and boat units were exchanged. She’s going to be ours Monday. All she really needs is the new name and a stereo. The only radio onboard is the vhf.
 
Congrats! I’ll look for you on the water this summer. :)
 
DQ, congrats on getting the new 550. I do have one question. This picture from the ones you posted, shows a ladder going to the fly bridge but the photos that someone linked to show the fiberglass steps. Which did you get on your boat?

index.php

I'd like to have that aft galley setup on mine. I think that would be a nice addition.
 
Gofirstclass said:
DQ, congrats on getting the new 550. I do have one question. This picture from the ones you posted, shows a ladder going to the fly bridge but the photos that someone linked to show the fiberglass steps. Which did you get on your boat?

index.php

I'd like to have that aft galley setup on mine. I think that would be a nice addition.
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Ours has the ladder. The picture is our boat. I haven’t taken delivery yet because of the snow.
 
Same here with going through the locks. I went through the first time in about 1992 with my 20' bowrider.

Since then we go through locks about 8-10 times a year.

Last year, after going through locks with this boat for almost 9 years, I learned a new trick. I now approach the bollard at about a 30* angle and use the bow thruster to "aim" the bow (and the boat) to align it with the wall of the lock.

I don't know why I didn't think of that years ago, but I've found it works very well. Makes getting the boat positioned much easier.

Have fun on your maiden voyage!
 
Congrats! Love to see more pics of her!

Josh
 
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