Hi Guys,
I’ve going through quite an experience in the purchase of a Cummins diesel powered 35’ Carver aft cabin. Arrived at survey and neither engine would start. Fwd AC unit wouldn’t work, bad fuel, and a couple of other minor issues. We thought the bad fuel was the cause of the engines not starting, but it has turned out there are other issues with the port engine. The owner has agreed to fix everything, but just yesterday the mechanic has found another problem with the port engine driven fuel pump. It will take 3 weeks to get the part. Most of the problems seem to have be created by neglect and non use. I’ve told the owner I will not buy this boat without a engine survey by Cummins paid by the seller. He has not agreed to this yet, but my broker said he probably will. Cummins as supported by others have stated that if they OK the engines, I can take it to the bank. In the mean time since our contract has expired, I am looking at other boats.
I have learned a couple of valuable lessons from this experience.
* Diesel engines when souped up with tubo chargers and after coolers can be temperamental. The tubo can spin as high as 120,000 rpm.
* Diesel engines are expensive to repair. Ex: the fuel S/O solenoid for the port engine was $425.
* Diesel mechanics are expensive; the 1000 hr service on a pair of Cummins 6B’s runs $2400 if no issues are found.
A couple of guys I’ve been in contact with have suggested I look at gas boats. I did not consider gas for a couple of reasons, but I’m learning that I may have been premature in not considering gas.
Initially I thought diesels were more reliable, but I’m finding out that may not be so.
Gas are much cheaper to repair and parts are a lot cheaper.
Fuel economy is better with diesels, but I’m finding out not that much better. Perhaps less than 10%.
Safety; diesels hands down are safer, but much more gassers are out their so perhaps with the proper precautions this can be managed. My biggest concern with gas is running a gas powered genset all night for AC with the possibility of CO2 entering the cabin. I know all boats have a CO2 detector, but still.
Anyway I know virtually nothing about gassers. I am looking for a aft cabin motor yacht in the 34 to 38 ft range and this seems like a good match for a gasser. Can someone enlighten me on the different makes of gas engines typically seen in this size boat and perhaps some recommendations as to which engines to stay away from and which should be highly considered.
I have not completely given up on the diesel powered Carver, but I have some time to decide and I want to use this time wisely.
Thanks guys,
Tim
I’ve going through quite an experience in the purchase of a Cummins diesel powered 35’ Carver aft cabin. Arrived at survey and neither engine would start. Fwd AC unit wouldn’t work, bad fuel, and a couple of other minor issues. We thought the bad fuel was the cause of the engines not starting, but it has turned out there are other issues with the port engine. The owner has agreed to fix everything, but just yesterday the mechanic has found another problem with the port engine driven fuel pump. It will take 3 weeks to get the part. Most of the problems seem to have be created by neglect and non use. I’ve told the owner I will not buy this boat without a engine survey by Cummins paid by the seller. He has not agreed to this yet, but my broker said he probably will. Cummins as supported by others have stated that if they OK the engines, I can take it to the bank. In the mean time since our contract has expired, I am looking at other boats.
I have learned a couple of valuable lessons from this experience.
* Diesel engines when souped up with tubo chargers and after coolers can be temperamental. The tubo can spin as high as 120,000 rpm.
* Diesel engines are expensive to repair. Ex: the fuel S/O solenoid for the port engine was $425.
* Diesel mechanics are expensive; the 1000 hr service on a pair of Cummins 6B’s runs $2400 if no issues are found.
A couple of guys I’ve been in contact with have suggested I look at gas boats. I did not consider gas for a couple of reasons, but I’m learning that I may have been premature in not considering gas.
Initially I thought diesels were more reliable, but I’m finding out that may not be so.
Gas are much cheaper to repair and parts are a lot cheaper.
Fuel economy is better with diesels, but I’m finding out not that much better. Perhaps less than 10%.
Safety; diesels hands down are safer, but much more gassers are out their so perhaps with the proper precautions this can be managed. My biggest concern with gas is running a gas powered genset all night for AC with the possibility of CO2 entering the cabin. I know all boats have a CO2 detector, but still.
Anyway I know virtually nothing about gassers. I am looking for a aft cabin motor yacht in the 34 to 38 ft range and this seems like a good match for a gasser. Can someone enlighten me on the different makes of gas engines typically seen in this size boat and perhaps some recommendations as to which engines to stay away from and which should be highly considered.
I have not completely given up on the diesel powered Carver, but I have some time to decide and I want to use this time wisely.
Thanks guys,
Tim