400 db to 62 neptunus? Wise move? Need advices

[Creekwood]

Pietro, I am told that 3406E's generate 750hp's

Paul would know. He works for a CAT dealer and his boat has 3406E's that he says are 800hp. I have seen his 560 run and its not underpowered. I haven't got a chance keeping up with him in my 330.

 

[Timeflys]

Just curious to comments made about Cat engines in trucks....don't they go after the market anymore or was it a specific engine model?..

 

[Billfletcher]

Sword, I was in Manilla a couple tiImes and then Cebu In the 80's. You say there are no marinas and only mooring balls? How do you find technical support for your boat, or do you do it all yourself? I would think maintaining a 62 ft boat in that environment is difficult?

in any event, you live in an amazing area to boat. The various islands have some of the clearest water I have ever seen.

 

[swordfisherman]

Thanks again for the reply KnotEasy. That's the reason I'm asking you folks if you know anything about neptunus boats. Over here we don't get much choices to choose from. Maybe 1 or 2 boats are in the market at this time. I also wanted to gauge if I would be making the right decision. The neptunus probably had 4 previous owners already. While the 400 dB, I'm just the third owner. I also kinda hate refurbished or non original stuff. Although of course it's an 18 year old boat. Thanks again KnotEasy.


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[swordfisherman]

Thanks Creekwood and Timeflys


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[swordfisherman]

Hi Bill, there are marinas and yacht clubs in Manila, Subic, and Cebu. Plus a few smaller ones in Punta Fuego and Puerto Gallera that don't offer power, only fresh water. I live in the Island of Negros in the mid ph. We don't have any boating facilities here. As for service, cat has propmech who services all marine applications. They are mostly used to commercial vessels and have little experience when it comes to pleasure crafts. But at least they have the parts and tech people. It's still best to supervise their work. For mooring buoys, we just select a spot and ask for clearance from the local government and Coast Guard. We fill 50 gallon barrels with rebar and concrete and tie 4 together and a buoy.

I am the only one who owns a motor yacht in the whole island. I guess it's the lack of facilities that turn off other people.

There are a lot of places to visit in the ph. You just have to plan trips well especially for sourcing fuel.


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[Jackie J V]

Paul, thank you for your reply. We live in the Philippines where it takes an arm and a leg to get boats over here. I am told that the port engine took a brand new head. I have not yet asked for the reason for it. So what made you decide to choose a SR over the neptunus Paul?

Swordfisherman,
I was looking for specific items when looking for my boat. Cat 3406e engines was one of the criteria. Others included three staterooms, hours, condition, age, preferable freshwater usage and some other stuff including price. I had almost pulled the trigger on a Neptunus 56 express and a Sunseeker Manhattan, but simply couldn't come to terms. Finally found the 560 we currently have and have been happy with the purchase. I'd consider a Neptunus in a second though. As I said, high quality build.

A 3406e puts out 800HP in the marine configuration. In the on-highway truck configuration it is tuned to put out 560HP. Anyone know why (other than Frank )? Fresh water cooling is far more efficient than air/radiator cooling therefore you can tune the engine up further. It is tons of power for the 560DB - gets me on plane quickly and tops out at ~36MPH. I think it might be a little light in a 62 ft boat though - I think you'd have to see that for yourself.

Regardless of the quality of the initial build and the engines themselves, the key will be to make sure to get a good survey. A lot of stuff can happen in eighteen years - or as importantly not-happen (i.e., proper maintenance).

Someone commented about Cat being out of the on-highway market for engine supply, which is correct. They made that decision about 5 years due to complexities and costs getting up to Tier IV status, at a time when most truck manufacturers were integrating vertically. Cat still produces the C-15 though, together with the C-18 that can be found in the new Sea Ray 65 L Class. The C-18 is built off the same block as the C-15, just bigger cylinders.

Good luck with your decision!

Paul

 

[Dsybok]

I have been on a number of Neptunus boats at boat shows over the years, probably at least 8-10, Mostly 55 to 65 foot range. I have never owned one or known anyone who did.

I find them to be spacious, well built, well designed. I like them a lot actually. Their mid 200s 55 would be almost ideal for me.

They do not seem to hold re sale value as well as some other boats, I have seen cosmetically nice 55 ish Neptunus in the early 2000s for less than $400k. Peruse Yacht Trader to get an idea of asking prices, maybe you can find a Neptunus owners forum to ask some technical questions. I would get a good engine survey with a fluid analysis, especially since you could be in for quite a repair bill if something is lurking there seeing as you are so remote. Good luck!