2012 540DA - in the market and have engine package questions

[pwrbotr]

Hello Club SR -

I've been a lurker of this forum for some time - great info and brain trust! I am in the market for a 540 DA and have found one I am seriously interested in with the QSC 600s. I know that the QSM 11s were also an option on this model. I am looking for real word experience (and performance) of the QSC 600s in the 540 and it pushing 50k lbs. Is the 540 underpowered with the QSC 600s? There are very little performance information of the 540s and nothing comparing the two engine configurations. I came across a blurb that the QSM 11s have a 5 knot faster cruise speed?? I'm coming to the CSR forum hoping for some wisdom. I've made the mistake in the past of buying an underpowered boat and don't want to go down that path again!!

Many thanks in advance!

 

[techmitch]

Not in my wheelhouse but check these guys out.

Cummins Marine Diesel Repower Specialists

Seaboard Marine Stocks A Full-Line Of Cummins Marine Diesel Engines, ZF Marine Transmissions, And Specializes In Parts & Service For Cummins Marine.

www.sbmar.com

Technical Cummins Marine Engine Information

www.sbmar.com

I'm sure other members will chime in. Best of luck going forward and welcome to CSR.

 

[ttmott]

The good news is that hull will plane at around 15 knots, loaded. So a lower cruise speed shouldn't be a problem with the QSC's in a shaft drive boat. Is the boat you are interested in shaft driven or Zeus pods? I don't think they ever put a QSM11 with a pod drive. If it is a pod drive then your cruise speeds will be a bit higher with lower HP.

 

[Shaps]

To give you a point of reference, I have a 2010 500 w QSC 550s and Zeus pods. So smaller hull but.a bit less HP as well. I typically run with 1/2 to 3/4 full tanks of fuel and 1/2 tank of water. Plenty of gear and people too.
We regularly cruise at 26 knots, approximately 80% load, burning around 42 gallons an hour. I would expect that package to be similar with likely a bit worse fuel economy.