Cost For Engine Survey

I have been given a price for an engine survey of the boat I am looking to buy.

Twin Cummins 6BTAs, 370 each, Hurth trannies, and a 15KW Westerbeke genny.

Fluid tests extra.

What would you reckon is a good price for such a survey - surveyor comes very highly recommended from multiple sources.

Will he do a compression test? Can you be there to ask questions?

what_barnacles said:

Will he do a compression test? Can you be there to ask questions?

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Yes and yes. In fact, since I am moving from big block gas Crusaders, he will take me through the engine room set up.

I would think 1 days pay at the going rate if he doesn't have to travel too far and finds no major problems. Bill

menzies said:

I have been given a price for an engine survey of the boat I am looking to buy.

Twin Cummins 6BTAs, 370 each, Hurth trannies, and a 15KW Westerbeke genny.

Fluid tests extra.

What would you reckon is a good price for such a survey - surveyor comes very highly recommended from multiple sources.

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I'd add the fluid tests and the price quoted seems like a reasonable price. You have a highly recommended surveyor and he quoted his price. I wouldn't argue with it.

$1000 was what I paid, 5 years ago. Some of the best money I've spent on a boat.

I have basically the same engines. I paid $500 without compression tests. So $1000 would be about right. My engines had 350 hours on them and not a breath of blow by. He was very confident the compression was just fine after no blow by and an immediate light off when the starter was bumped on cold engines.

Sorry guys, that post was a bit ambiguous - the engines are 370hp each! That wasn't the quote!

Menzies

The price will be based upon age of vessel, prior maintenance history what you request done and how invasive the current owner will allow. If boat is salt water stored and any sign of water backing in to induction side from exhaust add 3 hours per engine to access and inspect elbows and turbo.

A few years ago I was considering a GB with JD 6125s. The after coolers had never been serviced. Some other servicing issues were extremely tardy as well. To perform a thorough survey while doing catchup maintenance was agreed to by owner with costs to be split accordingly. We never carried through as other vessels came along that were more enticing.

So, the cost to do a survey IMHO is dependent upon how deep you want/need to dig.

I would second that the blowby test is valuable along with checking the salt water pumps, intercoolers and general engine loading.
370 Cummins 6b's along with a 15KW genset is an unusual combination leading to an enhanced concern (guess) about overloading.


Good luck with your new potential purchase

smitty477 said:

I would second that the blowby test is valuable along with checking the salt water pumps, intercoolers and general engine loading.
370 Cummins 6b's along with a 15KW genset is an unusual combination leading to an enhanced concern (guess) about overloading.


Good luck with your new potential purchase

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When you say "overloading" what exactly are you referring to - the powerplant or the vessel itself?

"When you say "overloading" what exactly are you referring to - the powerplant or the vessel itself? "


The main engines....
Just a WAG as we do not know anything about the boat that this machinery is installed in.
The 6B comes in varied hp ratings and is never used at 370 hp for displacement installs. Boats that would have the 370 versions typically are sized for gensets that range from 8 or 10 KW up to a 12.5 for the most part.
So again as an observation or a 'wild ___ guess' only I would be more concerned with main engines that are overloaded (overpropped) on a boat that had this more unusual combination.

smitty477 said:

"When you say "overloading" what exactly are you referring to - the powerplant or the vessel itself? "


The main engines....
Just a WAG as we do not know anything about the boat that this machinery is installed in.
The 6B comes in varied hp ratings and is never used at 370 hp for displacement installs. Boats that would have the 370 versions typically are sized for gensets that range from 8 or 10 KW up to a 12.5 for the most part.
So again as an observation or a 'wild ___ guess' only I would be more concerned with main engines that are overloaded (overpropped) on a boat that had this more unusual combination.

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PM sent.

menzies said:

PM sent.

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Keep the exchange open. There are people on here that are very familiar with those engines. What was the quote...you are still being ambiguous...

And what kind of installation is it?

Baker said:

Keep the exchange open. There are people on here that are very familiar with those engines. What was the quote...you are still being ambiguous...

And what kind of installation is it?

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Quote was 1050 for both engines, and genset. Fluids 50 bucks a test.

It is on a boat!

menzies said:

Quote was 1050 for both engines, and genset. Fluids 50 bucks a test.

It is on a boat!

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SOunds about right.

The new owners of my recently sold single engine trawler paid Cummins right at $1000 for engine and generator.

Sound about right then.

Thanks.

More info after survey and final decision. I don't want to jinx it before then!