Does anyone have experience with Cat Diesel engines? I'm considering a 1995 Carver 440 Aft Cabin. A sticking point with me are the Cat engines. Cummins marine engines have a better performance reputation than Cat marine.
The boat I’m considering have two Cat 3116 engines. That year was also trimmed with a Cummins 6BTA. Thanks.
Oh, Sorry I missed that you are a new member, Welcome to Yacht Forums. I am not a fan of the 3116. Early bad history that we would think should already cleared itself out but every now and then I still hear of a 3116 imploding on itself. The 3126 was a better replacement but both models are not for Do It Your-self (DIY) maintenance. In my opinion, the 6BTAs would prove more reliable and easier to work on for the DIY guy,,, after the raw water pump upgrade. Both engines use the Shetwood raw water pumps. 30 year old Carver fuel tanks? There is an Excedrin Headache waiting to happen without notice. Remember to have your surveyors really look deep into her. Including oil labs on all (clutches, engines, gen-set, thrusters) Keep us up
Thanks Ralph, We had her surveyed yesterday. The surveyor was the best I've worked with. He was pleased overall with the boat’s condition. The oils are at the lab now. And to think, before you reminded me of 30 year old fuel tanks, all I was worried about was engine blocks cast in France. Thanks again!!!
That poor casting is what I was referencing without getting to technical. Some of those blocks are still around. We have a great mobile Cat tech in north east Florida. A great part supply shop in Jax. If/When you need anything, let us know. rc
Like any engine manufacturer, they built good engines and some not so good. As Capt Ralph mentioned, the 3116’s are arguably the worst engine CAT produced. If you go forward with the purchase, just make sure you buy it right. Resell will be challenging as the 3116 have a very poor reputation so your buyer pool will be small.
The general consensus here in South Florida is, if they have made it this long and have some hours on them (been used), then they are fine.
I'd think 6CTAs would be more suitable for that size/weight/style of boat... if that had been an option... -Chris
Indeed the B series sounds a bit small to push an aft cabin 40+ although carvers are fairly lightly built. Hi did the boat perform on sea trial? Did it get on plane easily or struggled? These boats were never great performers putting a lot of pressure on the engines If the oil samples come back good, I wouldn’t worry too much about the engines. Personally I d be more concerned about the fuel tanks as Ralph mentioned as well as possible structural issues. Didn’t carver use plywood stringers back then?
We've invented the term "Carver Wake" -- not intended to be pejorative. just to describe what we often (not always) see. Only guess I can make is that many of their models had been sold with base engines, and those base engines were at the bottom of what's necessary to get properly on plane. -Chris
I represented a boat recently powered with 3116's. I was surprised to learn the aftercoolers were fresh water. Motors surveyed impressive.
