Looking for 2000 - 2003 400 Sedan Bridge

[MikeM]

Hi, Guys -

Looks like I found the right place. It's great to be aboard!

I'm considering three possible 400 Sedan Bridges: a 2001 gasser (502's), a 2000 diesel (340hp Cat 3116 TI's) and another 2001 diesel (407hp Cat 3126 TA's).

Since my current boat is a 27' Fountain / single 502 Mercruiser (which I'll keep), I'm familiar with the 502/8.1. However, my gut is telling me to go for the one with the bigger diesels. But, I'm curious: are there any maintenance "gotchas" or drawbacks related to either model diesel? I'm new to the diesel scene!

Any other considerations to look for in this model?

Many thanks!

Mike

 

[MAKC]

Hey Mike Im looking at the same boat for our next upgrade and i'll share a few things ive found n my research.

Everything ive learned says a gas powered boat of this size is a bad idea. Diesels are what im looking at because of the torque you need to move this boat and keep it moving on plane. The diesel engines seem to burn a little less than what im burning in my 320DA (25-26gph). Ive seen people saying 22-24gph at cruising speed with diesel powered 400DB's. Pretty amazing for a boat of this size!

There has been a lot written about CAT 3116's engines so do your homework and understand the issues some have had. FrankW (fwebster) here on the forum has written just about everything you need to know about those engines and how to know if the ones you are looking at are problematic or not. The CAT 3126's are the engines on the boat im looking at but i wouldnt stray from a 3116 at all if it was in the boat i wanted. I believe different years had different offerings for diesel engines and there are some out there with QSM's. FourSuns here on the forum can shed a ton of info on those engines as can a few others. Between those two guys, you can get all the info you need as you look at the 400DB with diesel engines.

As with any boat, a hull survey as well as an engine survey from a licensed mechanic specializing in the engines you are looking at is always a great idea.

Good luck in your search! It sure is a pretty boat that offers just about every amenity there is to have out on the water.

Mike

 

[fwebster]

There were no 400DB's with QSM-11 engines. Most had Cat 3116/3126, but a few of the latest 400's made have the Cummins 6CTA's.

 

[osd9]

..... I believe different years had different offerings for diesel engines and there are some out there with QSM's. .....

QSM-11s were not an option on the 400DB. Many of the later 400DBs (2003-2004?) came with the Cummins QSC Diamond edition motors and/or the Cummins 480CE motors.

 

[MAKC]

Whoops! Thanks for the clarification guys

 

[searay40dad]

another thing to keep in mind is re-sale. I just traded a gas 400DB, m-u-c-h smaller market out there for it. brokers/dealers on the coasts won't look at a gas 40' sedan. you'll find some 400DBs on the inland rivers, lakes, waterways and such where they're better suited.

fyi, i ran my 400DB at 22mph or so ("fast cruise"), which was around 35gph. I got to know the people at the fuel docks very well.

will let the experts guide you on the 3116 vs. 3126's. although I would absolutley recommend that you have the diesels thoroughly checked out. Blow by tests, oil and coolant samples, ECM service codes checked, upgrades verified, etc,. basically try to find as much service history as you can. I had CAT service techs thoroughly check my mains with a certified & knowledgeable surveyor present too. The CAT workup cost me $510 on my 3196s. worth every penny when you consider the cost of repairing, let alone replacing these things.

In my opinion, a knowldgeable, reputable surveyor who is WORKING FOR YOU is an absolute must. You cant do to much due diligence in my book.

as stated previously, moisture testing is another must on this boat.

good luck....the 400DB is a fantastic boat.
tim

 

[jbruno]

Hello Gentlemen,
I'm a new forum users but have owned a 2001 400 Sedan with the Cummins 6CTA8.3 diesels(430HP) for 4 years now. In 2006 when I was shopping for the 400 I move to the from a 1998-2000 to a 2001 just to get the Cummins. The stories I heard about the 3116's and the 3126's scared the sh*t out of me. I can honestly said I absolutely made the right decision. The Cummins have been great (not one problem in four years) and the extra HP really is a plus. I have a 11' Boston Whaler (about 800 pounds) that I keep on the swim platform and I have no problem getting up on plane. Normal cruise speed is 25 knots at 2200 Rpm and burn about 24 gph.
My 400 is up for sale and I'm planning to move to a 480 sedan but I love my 400.

 

[Four Suns]

QSM-11's in a 400DB would be some boat....