I’m very interested in a 65 foot boat that has twin Man i6 800. I know they are made in Germany and are popular with buses and trucking, but that’s as much as I know. How is their parts distribution in the U.S.? Are they slow and expensive like Volvo? Can your average mechanic work on them? I’m only a 2 out of 5 rating mechanic myself. Sorry for all these questions but I’m more familiar with CAT. Than Man. I bow to TF for their knowledge and honesty.
Wifey B: Love my MAN'S.
We have or have had several boat with MAN's. Now, I'm assuming you're talking recent somewhat recent engines. I don't go back that far, but assuming we're talking MAN Common Rail. Any complaints I've heard were from before common rail.
Parts distribution and repairs are fine. You get certified MAN mechanics. Now, CAT may be more prevalent in the US but worldwide they don't come close in volume. Definitely not slow.
We have 800's on my fave boat, my Baby Riva. 44' and runs 40+ knots, cruising at 35+. Definitely not slow. MAN dominates the market on medium hp and speed engines. So, I love love love my MAN 800's.
MAN vs. CAT. CAT has a bit of a cult US following but MAN has more hp in the same size. CAT dominates the SF market, MAN dominates the Performance and sport boat market. Also, much quieter than CAT. In the US, likely more CAT mechanics, but plenty of MAN. I hear CAT people say MAN is expensive to maintain but frankly don't buy that it's more or, if it is, only marginally.
Now, depending on what you're looking for, thinking of typical MAN installations, 800's are a bit small for a 65' boat. 1000 and above would be more common. We've had 800's, 1200's and 1360's and no issues with any.
In the 800 hp to 1400 hp ranges, worldwide, MAN is by far the leader. They now are pushing up to 1900 hp. Above the MAN and CAT ranges, MTU owns the market.
I'd recommend taking some MAN courses or at least spending time working with a solid MAN mechanic. Follow their maintenance schedule religiously.