480DB w/ 3196's

[Mike Welch]

We have found a 99 with 580 hours. The boat is clean and we would like to purchase, but it has Cat 3196's. The owner is fine with providing all Cat paperwork to document work performed. The aftercoolers were replaced in 2003 at Cat's expense. Last year he had acceleration lag and had Cat replace the injectors at his cost of $15,000. That seems high to me, but I haven't seen the paperwork on that repair yet. He says the engines perform fine now, although he did say he just received the class action notice in the mail 4 days ago. The boat has always been in freshwater.

There are a lot of Sea Rays with 3196's, so should we buy and hope for the best, or? We love the style and the layout. Help us decide?!

Thanks,
Mike & Mel

 

[Jaws]

Hi Mike and Mel,

We had the same decision to make a few months ago and the forums here were absolutely invaluable in helping us sort out the 480DB/3196 issue. There are several threads on this topic but have a look at this one: http://clubsearay.com/forum/showthread.php?t=5761&highlight=480DB

I have limited experience with diesel motors so the advice of many knowledgable members helped us get through this. In the end we chose another vessel style without 3196's. Those CAT motors have a pretty good reputation around the Great Lakes but the problems surrounding them elsewhere and the subsequent negative bias may affect future resale. But,... I found that this was already built into the asking price of the 480DB models that we viewed. In other words these vessels are a relatively good value. I just wasn't prepared to spend the big difference to get the Cummins equipped 480DB because that would have been my choice.

Just get all the information that you can and good luck with your decision.

James

 

[Bill Gillespie]

We recently purchased the identical boat and the only nagging problem has been locating the fuse that protects the blower in the master head. What Frank Webster will advise, and I did, was to get the full Cat survey. Ours has even fewer hours but has never been or had a problem (fresh water boat).

You mentioned the letter regarding a class action suit. I assume that is the one that destroyed the content of the Boat Diesel web site (two lawyers trolling for clients). I would like more information about that if you could send it to me.

These boat handle so well because of the huge props that the engines handle. I have not needed the bow thruster, to date. And.....they fly.

Keep my e-mail in mind if you make the purchase. We bought a dock queen that we have restored and have replaced things like reefers and many obscure items.

Buy the boat if it passes the tests - you will love it. Do not buy it without the tests and researching the Cat records.

Bill
99 480 DB
Tiz Min

 

[Steps Ahead]

Bill -

I am a member but infrequent visitor to boatdiesel.com. I am unfamiliar with the event you describe as destroying the content of that site. Are you able to shed some light on what happened?

I am neither a lawyer, nor affiliated in any way with the site or any of its postings. Feel free to pm me if you are uncomfortable discussing in this forum. I definately do not want to do anything to adversely affect csr.com (what else would I do with my free time!).

- Scott

 

[Skip]

I was just at Boatdiesel last night--I spend a fair amount of time in the Cummins Forumns-and saw no references to Class Action anything--perhaps the content changes were limiited to the Cat area?
Skip