2003 Sea Ray 380 w/ 3126 Cats

[lisatim3640]

We have been looking for a good 38 Sundancer and I wanted to get you valuable opinions on a 2003 Sea Ray 38 with Caterpillar 3126 motors that we are looking at. This is the first diesel my wife and I came across and it appears to be clean and maintained. Obviously, we would have a survey done prior to purchase, but we wanted to know if there are any issues or problems with this year and model. Thanks in advance for your time!!!

 

[ttmott]

Nirvana!
No significant issues in the 3126 engines around those years.
Just have a certified surveyor that has expertise in the Cat engines go through them.
If you get the boat, plan on baselining the drive and generator systems. New softgoods, top end set, cooling system flushing and change, replace the pumps, shaft seals, cutlass bearings, prop refurbish, etc....

 

[Strecker25]

@mrsrobinson can speak to the 380 with diesels, but most of us 3126 owners are very happy!

 

[mrsrobinson]

Thanks @Strecker25, absolutely love my CATs, and they are my first diesels (in a boat) as well. 2nd year/season of ownership. Happy to answer any questions you have about the engine and/or the boat.

 

[H2Oload]

My 45’ had 3126s and performed well. They require straight 30 or 40wt oil. Don’t use multi viscosity.

 

[ttmott]

My 45’ had 3126s and performed well. They require straight 30 or 40wt oil. Don’t use multi viscosity.

Ah, Cat recently changed that requirement. There is now an approved multi-vis spec.

 

[mrsrobinson]

To answer your question about issues and problems, check out the 3116 3126 threat on here, lots of good information there. Mine have been trouble free, with the exception of an overheating issue, which was my fault. I've got them mostly up to date on service and maintenance. I still need to do the fuel injector height adjustment. That scheduled for next month. I've done all the work myself to date.

 

[mrsrobinson]

Ah, Cat recently changed that requirement. There is now an approved multi-vis spec.

Yup, what I used to change the oil a couple of months ago, Rotella multi.

 

[lisatim3640]

Thanks for everyone's advice. This is a terrific site! Was the choice from gas to the 3126 Cat an expensive upgrade in 2003?

 

[mrsrobinson]

I replied to your other thread as well, this is a best guess, $25,000.

 

[ttmott]

Remember the additional cost for diesel power is additional value when selling the boat.

 

[mrsrobinson]

And a big grin on your face every time you fire them up