Which diesel engine option is best for the 460 Sundancer?

[370 DA]

Looking at 99-02 460 Sundancers. Learning about diesels as I go here and was wondering which is a better engine option for that model. The Caterpillars or Cummins? Very excited to be learning all about a different animal vs gas engines.

 

[ttmott]

Here is my 2 cents; they are both great power plants however, most importantly, historically and going forward, proper maintenance per the book is the key; records, records, records. Secondly, I would make the decision on what qualified service is available in your area; if two boats were in front of me and in good repair it would come down to availability of qualified technicians close by. The only significant technical issue in these years that I know is the torsional damper between the engine and gear; these issues may have all been retired by now. Lastly, join boatdiesel.com; all the info you desire is there.

 

[fwebster]

I think your question may be sort of moot.

The 460 was available with only Cummins 6CTA's, 480CE's, Volovs, Cat 3208's , 3116's and 3126's. There are very few Caterpillar powered 460 DA's out there. I did a quick look at yachtworld and checked 34 '99-2003 460DA's for sale in the US......there were 26-6CTA's, 3-480CE's, 1-Volvo, 3-3208's 1- 3126's and no 3116's. I think finding the right boat with the right options like hardtop and cockpit air is a lot more important than the difference between Cat and Cummins.

I honestly wouldn't turn around for the difference between the 6CTA's/480CE's and the 3208's. The only knock is that both will be smokey on cold starts. The 3208 is a typical Cat engine with a lot of low end torque and I'm a Cat guy so that would be my personal preference, but I also have CTA Cummins engines in 2 pieces of off-road equipment and love them too. I think a 3126 460 is going to be slow and a little light on power and I would avoid Volvos because of parts expense and service availability, which is spotty in the US.

Good luck with the search.