What is your reason for the repower, and performance expectations?
The 3208 is rated for somewhere in the neighborhood of 30000 gallons of fuel, so old may be a relative term. Hours and maintenance are much more important.
A new common rail engine may certainly give you great economy- but factor in how long it will take to recoup that outlay, especially is the Cat is still operational.
Well, in you have the coin to throw at it- go for it!
Also, toss some punctuation into your post- makes it easier to read
Well, in you have the coin to throw at it- go for it!
Also, toss some punctuation into your post- makes it easier to read
My 3208 is old I just bought the boat and it was setting for a long time without being used I don't want to put a ton of money into re building it if I can re power it for around 40,000 and get better performance I was thinking a 4.5S J.Deere 275 hp it will be used as a fishing vessel / live aboard fuel economy and range are very important maybe if I can achieve 5 gph at 8 knots that would be awesome it's a single I know they did not make many singles most are twins but I wanted a single I'm thinking about getting a marine engineers opinion.
Drive up to Oxnard and talk to Tony Athens. He is the go to marine engineer on this specific question, having done more repowers in this HP range than anyone on the West Coast.
Part of the question is matching the hull to the motor and drive train. This is well within in Tony's knowledge base.
Have you had the chance to run the boat and get some performance numbers?
A 34 should "sorta" plane with 200hp, but to do it comfortably you would want an engine rated above that so cruising speed is attained around 70% of engine power, so around 300hp min to cruise at plane.
If you do not intend to plane it, you can go with a lower rated engine, but this will affect resale.
It depends what speeds you want it capable of.
The lowest dollar option would be to have the 3208 pulled and gone through.
3208's normally have a lot of blowby, but it should not be coming out the dipstick. There are blowby regulating valves on rocker covers, if those are not working it could force blowby out other places.
Deere and Cummins have good offerings in the 200-300hp class. Cummins has a reman 210 and I think 270 and 315 available.
It would make a lot more economic sense to repair or overhaul your Cat than buy a new engine and the cost savings will more than pay for any fuel savings for the rest of your life. At 1400 hours, your Cat should be good for another 6600 hours or so.
How long do you plan to keep the boat? Adding a $40K engine repower won't get you that much on the market when you go to sell. If you get back 20% of your investment you will be lucky.
The scary thing about changing engines is it's not just as simple as pulling one out and dropping a new in. You've got transmission, mounts, realignment issues. Plus the while it's out factor. You can easily get out of control and and spend way more than the boat justifies. There's a reason most people rebuild an existing engine. But go talk to Tony he has the knowledge.
I currently have a single 3208 Caterpillar 210hp natural I want to re power it any suggestions on an engine??
Just guessing a number to overhaul my 3208 what do you think the cost would be I have yet to get a ball park from a mechanic they just say time and material.
I plan to keep the boat for at least 10 years probably more but yeah I am aware of the re sale it don't really bother me none my boat will be a tough resell.