3208's Cats

JohnD · Post by **JohnD** » Wed Nov 19, 2008 1:10 pm

Bill, About a month ago I took my boat to work (20 min cruise, 20min idle) I was turning just under 21k at ~1950rpms with just less than 1/2 tank of fuel not much of any gear. Top end under calm conditions lightly loaded was touching 32kts. I’m running 22x26 with a cup and could use more prop as on the pins I turn 3000. In the end, I’m where I want to be 20 to 22kt cruise (1900-2100rpms) without pushing the motors. They are rated at 2800rpms and anything above 2300 the turbo wine is getting obnoxious. At 2100-2200 you can’t even hear it and it’s quieter in the salon than when I had 454’s. The best part is the kick when you put them in gear, I idle at 700rpms and 7kts (I need to run the cables for the trolling valves). For the 3126’s I say stick with 350hp or less and that way you can use the ZF220A’s (10 degree down drop). Because mine are 420hp & the 220A’s only rated to 350hp I was afraid to go with them so I was stuck with 280A’s (8 degree down). So I had a lot of fitting and modifications to get them to work. So far I love my motors and I’m starting to forget the pain of installation. I think the 3126 @350hp would be a great choice for a B33 or 35 for that matter. These hulls were not made to go much more than 30kts, so the extra hp is overkill. I also think that Cummins or Yanmars would be easier to install due to their smaller foot print. Br, John

CB35 · Post by **CB35** » Thu Nov 20, 2008 4:57 am

Doug here is my comment about rantings on 6Bt's being better then 3208 Cats. "There is NO substitute for cubic inches". Sure 435HP is toooo much for a 3208. But stop forgeting you can use the throttle to control the amount HP you put to the transmission. Try looking at it this way. If I want to run 24kts in my 300HP Cat I would need to turn around 2600 rpms, over 90% (not good). I could do the same thing with 435HP at around 1900 rpms and 60-65%. Try to guess which engine is lightly loaded and closer to the peak torque? Right the 435HP Cat. Now which one will last longer? Don't get caught in the mind set the 435 and the 300 or 375HP Cat all need to run at 2500 rpms all the time. I would much rather have a 435HP Cat and run them easy then 300HP Cats always running them hard. I don't go on weekend cruises around the bay. We run the boat offshore, traveling often 200 miles. Time is valuable and bopping around at 18kts is a PITA. Biib if you got the bucks always go with the higher HP just control the output HP and therefore load with the throttles.

tmarshall · Post by **tmarshall** » Sun Nov 23, 2008 2:30 pm

Hey where are you guys finding good remans???? Dealers here in norfolk/virginia beach wont give me a quote. I just want to know what it gonna take to replace my 3208t 275hp. I love em but I am gonna do a major overhaul in a year or so and would like to know what needs to be budgeted for engines and gear? any help would be great!!!!

Post by **dougl33** » Sun Nov 23, 2008 2:52 pm

Charlie While my obvious choice is Cummins, the higher HP 3208 Cats are just not an option for the 33. There's no room for the gears that are necessary for anything more than 3208's @ 300-320hp. Even then you're takng a chance as the MG 502's are only rated for 270hp.

schultz · Post by **schultz** » Sun Nov 23, 2008 4:15 pm

Thom, It's been awhile since I lived in Maryland on the Eastern Shore but I recall doing some business for my Detroit 8V53's with a company in Cambridge Maryland that had been around for ever. Many of the local waterman where doing Cat and Cummins business in Crisfield, MD. I also recall a Marine Cat company in Baltimore If you need I can make a few calls to get names and numbers.

JohnD · Post by **JohnD** » Mon Nov 24, 2008 7:08 am

Thom, I used a company T&S in Crisfield MD, good honest folks. Here's a link, give them a call and let them know what you want. They're familiar with Cummins and Cats, others too. http://www.tandsmarineinc.com/ br,

IRGuy · Post by **IRGuy** » Wed Nov 26, 2008 6:41 am

Thom... If you are interested in Cummins 6B remans drop me an email. Frank B - IRGuy@aol.com The weak will inherit only whatever the strong are willing to let them have! "Phoenix" 1983 FBC Cummins 6Bs - 315HP Wilmington, NC

CB35 · Post by **CB35** » Sun Nov 30, 2008 4:16 pm

Doug the solution is called down angle transmissions. That way the engine can stay closer to level and the tranny case does not hit the hull. JD ran into trouble with HP and could not find a 10 degree down angle. If he had he would not have had to raise the salon floor. The hatch height on a 33B should be lots cheaper to modify. The solution in this case is to measure the height under the hatch, the angle of the current installation, the size of a bigger transmission and get some graph paper and see if a 375 or 435 HP Cat will fit.

Post by **dougl33** » Sun Nov 30, 2008 4:51 pm

Yeah. 'Cause everyone wants to raise their floor.[xx(][|)][:(] You really can't raise the sole on the FBC's and there's no room for the trans (down angle or not!). As I've continued to say the 6BTA's are the best way to go.

franklyprice · Post by **franklyprice** » Sun Nov 30, 2008 7:49 pm

Sure anything can be done to a boat, but , why would you? There are better alternatives today. Lasting longer is a relative term. It's a given that whatever engine you have, lack of maintenance after 20 years and a probable overheat are what's going to kill it, not too high a power rating. 3208's were a wonderful engine , sound great, smoke very little and last a long time but who wants to work around one?