scooper321
Well-Known Member
We looked at a couple 480 DB and a 420 DB this past weekend. We have decided to cross the 420 DB off of our list. If we can get one at a good price the 480 would fit our family best. We've narrowed it down to the 2000-2001 (maybe a 2002). Aside from aftercoolers is there anything else to watch out for on the C3196's? Saw a 2000 this weekend that had less than 1k hrs and was told the aftercoolers were "inspected" recently. Also what are the thoughts on having one of these disassembled and shipped. There is one for sale out in the Midwest. Wondering if its worth investigating.
I'm working my way into the market for a 480, too. So I've processed a lot of the info you're currently learning. First, your last question. I'm only looking at boats that I can boat home. I'm not interested in disassembling a flybridge and then having it re-assembled at home. I know it's been done and can be done. I'm not comfortable with it one bit. Too many bolts, cables to be cut/spliced, things to be sealed. I'm already buying a used boat that will have issues to correct. I don't want to add any new ones by disassembling things that don't need to be disassembled. That might restrict my available boats a bit, but not much. I just can't buy an inland boat or one from California. Anything else is fair game. Shoot, I could buy one in the Gulf and have the adventure of a lifetime bringing her home to the Chesapeake Bay! <--- That's a good reason for a good hull and a factory-authorized mechanical survey!
Regarding the aftercoolers. It's nice that they were recently "inspected". But that doesn't mean a lot. You need to first verify that they are the most recent version of the aftercoolers. Go on the 480 sedan bridge owners thread on here and read. Several places throughout it talks about a model number you will see on the aftercooler that denotes it's the most recent design. If the boat you're looking at doesn't have the most recent aftercoolers, factor new aftercoolers into the price you offer. From what I've learned, the 3196's are really nice engines... IF they are taken care of and have the most recent aftercoolers. If they are the most recent, request to see the invoices for WHEN they were replaced. I'd be wary of an engine that had them upgraded recently, because that means 18 years of NOT running on the proper designed aftercoolers.
Other than that, it's an 18 year old boat. So get a good survey. Looks for signs of water entry. Test every handle, every latch, every light. Look in every drawer, cabinet, storage. Throw water in every bilge pump. Try every control on the dash. Give it the look-test. Would your wife think it was a well-kept boat? Neglected interiors imply neglect elsewhere. OCD-care given to the interior might imply similar care to the mechanicals.
Oh, and ask for detailed service records. Get the S/N's and get them from CAT. But get them from the owner, too. If he doesn't have them, buyer beware!
Good luck! And post pics when you buy one!