Well, back to the boat/engine question. I just bought a Carver with twin Cummins 330 HP turbo charged, and intend to use it like Piper, running at hull speed. I have been told it is important to run the engine at higher speed and have the turbo kick in at least once a day for about 20 minutes. Running on one engine is an option, but* like as been mentioned, make sure the tranny can free wheel, mine can. I have been told to expect 1 mpg at planning speed (23kts) and performance curves on boatdiesel.com have confirmed this. Hopefully slightly better than twice that at hull speed of about 7 to 9 kts.
Fresh water is a plus an worth some extra money. Just confirm this. Disassembling the aftercoolers will probably tell you. I just installed a fresh water flush in my boat and can't understand why it doesn't come installed from the factory. It's easy to do and cost next to nothing.
High preformance diesels like you're considering have many more issues than the normally aspirated Perkins and Lemans. I am no expert, but if your plan is to conserve fuel, I would stay away from the high performance engines. I would have except I couldn't find a boat that my wife liked. But then again, if you want to go fast, even just once in a while, then there is no other choice.
The experts on these engines reside on boatdiesel.com and I would encourage you to join.
Generally a boat that has been maintained cosmetically has also been maintained mechanically. Just a general rule, but have a survey.
Lastly, prices on used boats fluctuate wildly. I thought I got a good price on my boat and I may very well have, but the market for used boats is so far in the buyers field, that if you are patient you will get a good deal. Then again 2 months after you buy you'll probably realize it wasn't the deal you thought.
-- Edited by timjet on Monday 28th of June 2010 05:10:50 AM
-- Edited by timjet on Monday 28th of June 2010 05:19:27 AM