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need some input 440, 4207 or 405/406

Discussion in 'Carver Yacht' started by yfz_450ama, Mar 20, 2013.

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  1. yfz_450ama, Mar 20, 2013
    #1
    yfz_450ama

    yfz_450ama New Member

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    Hello all, new here. Looking for some input. I currently own a 86 carver 3207and am looking to upgrade. We've been eyeing up the 440's, 4207's and the 405/406. Can anyone give any pros/cons on any of these boats? I'm looking at diesels and have noticed the issues with the 3116 Cats.
    The wife likes the 405/406 but insists on a washer/dryer. Haven't seen any of that model with one and not even sure it's an option to add one.
    I personally perfer the bigger 440 or 4207.
    Any input would be greatly appreciated!!

    Thanks all
  2. RB480, Mar 20, 2013
    #2
    RB480

    RB480 Senior Member

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    The 440's with 3116's or 300 Cummins are VERY fuel efficient for their size and the CATS have great torque around the docks. The 420/450 Cummins make the boat really move.

    I own a 370 which is the older brother to the 405/406. There was not a Washer/Dryer option on these boats.

    Where are you located? There are a couple nice 440's here on the Great Lakes that I have personally seen since that is probably my next move up.
  3. yfz_450ama, Mar 20, 2013
    #3
    yfz_450ama

    yfz_450ama New Member

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    I am on the 3 rivers in Pittsburgh, PA. Like I said I personally love the 440s but have heard some really negative things about the 3116 Cats. Have come across a few with the Cummins but mostly with the Cats.
    We have been eyeing up a few on the Lake's but haven't made the trip up yet..hoping for the weather to break a bit first.
  4. RB480, Mar 20, 2013
    #4
    RB480

    RB480 Senior Member

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    Most of the 3116's that I have been in contact with have been pretty flawless motors, it is the 3126's that have the bad rep. Generally after 250 hours on these motors if something hasn't happened that is catastrophic it isn't going to.
  5. NYCAP123, Mar 20, 2013
    #5
    NYCAP123

    NYCAP123 Senior Member

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    Tell your wife that a washer/drier on a boat isn't all that great and nothing get worked up over. They're not like what she has a home. Most will handle a couple of T-shirts and a pair of jeans or a couple of towels ok, but not much more. It's generally easier and less time consuming to bring the laundry on shore to do. There have been a couple of threads on the subject here.
  6. Capt J, Mar 20, 2013
    #6
    Capt J

    Capt J Senior Member

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    I agree with this, boat washer/combo all in one's SUCK. It takes 4 hours to do a load of 4 t-shirts.........

    As for the 3116 CAT's, they're good motors as are the 3126's (with all of the updates). All of the motors with the factory defect issues (bad aftercoolers etc). have worked their way through the system a long time ago. I wouldn't be conscerned about a 3116 CAT.......
  7. hopper5, Mar 21, 2013
    #7
    hopper5

    hopper5 Member

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    Exactly what issues were you referring to with the Cat 3116 engine ??
  8. yfz_450ama, Mar 23, 2013
    #8
    yfz_450ama

    yfz_450ama New Member

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    As far as the washer/dryer it's a win win. She gets what she wants and I get a new boat. We know they are nothing amazing, but to do a few towels would be nice.
    The 3116's I have been doing quite a bit of research on and I have heard about the block problem and the valve problem. I would prefer the Cummins but am having some trouble finding them in the 440. I have also seen some 440's with under 500 hours on the 3116's and I know they are saying right around 500 is where the breaking point is, so by that I am saying they haven't all cycled through yet.
  9. hopper5, Mar 23, 2013
    #9
    hopper5

    hopper5 Member

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    As far as the Cat 3116.....when we did our mechanical survey the surveyor said the issue was with french made blocks, if I recall correctly, and he checked the serial numbers to confirm my motors were not in that category. Was the block issue what you are concerned with?? That is the only issue I was made aware of before purchasing my boat.........
  10. Capt J, Mar 23, 2013
    #10
    Capt J

    Capt J Senior Member

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    Yes, the metal in the French blocks was too soft and that is where a lot of the problems came from. Make sure the blocks you have or are considering are not the French blocks....
  11. yfz_450ama, Mar 26, 2013
    #11
    yfz_450ama

    yfz_450ama New Member

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    Thanks for all the info guys. I have seen quite a few with the cummins engines I think that may be the route I would rather go.
  12. JETJOCK, Mar 28, 2013
    #12
    JETJOCK

    JETJOCK New Member

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    I love my 4207. **** thing is a cruise ship and well "layed" out.

    I wanted to add a Washer/Dryer combo and after reading all the reviews I decided against it. I have a nice laundry mat that does wash and fold for $20 a seabag....I am way ahead after paying them to do the laundry.

    I have been happy with GAS....Merc 454's. Easy to replace, easy to fix, easy oil changes....etc. But I can appreciate the Diesel crowd.

    FWIW...
  13. MysticDolphin, Mar 31, 2013
    #13
    MysticDolphin

    MysticDolphin Member

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    +2 on the 4207
  14. Jim Jones, Apr 3, 2013
    #14
    Jim Jones

    Jim Jones New Member

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    4207

    I have a 1988 4207 and we love it so much we have owned it twice. We also owned a 1987, the beam and room are so great on this boat it should have been called a 48 instead of a 42. Both were gas powered and very economical. Remember when buying older boats condition is everything.