3208's Cats

billb · Post by **billb** » Thu Sep 06, 2007 10:42 am

does anyone know if 435 hp 3208's will fit in a sportfish without modifying the engine boxes..and what does the group think??? love cats, and have had good luck with them.....[:D]

sbeer · Post by **sbeer** » Thu Sep 06, 2007 11:02 am

From what I have heard is that they will not fit because of the aftercooler and turbo setup, to tall. You might want to think about 435 hp in a sportfish. You open that baby up and you might find yourself in outer space. That would be a cruiseing 30 plus knot boat. If you do it bill, I would love to go for a ride. I'll be sure to bring goggles and straps. Power baby, I love it Mike

Post by **dougl33** » Thu Sep 06, 2007 11:26 am

Unles you're getting these engines for free, I'd stay away from them. Way too much HP. They're like hand-grenades with the pins out. They will not last. You'll probably get faster cruising speeds with 370 Cummins or 380 Yanmars as they weigh much less. Regards, Doug L. 1986 33 Bertram FBC Queen Elizabeth Marblehead, MA [img]http://www.bertram33.com/photogallery/p ... sabeth.jpg[/img]

billb · Post by **billb** » Thu Sep 06, 2007 1:49 pm

Maybe 375's better. it would be so easy to swap them out since I have 3208's now....easy deal..just upgrade the shafts and change props, I just get tired of coming in from 70 to 80 miles at 20 knots, It just takes forever....Mike get ready, to go for a ride (I think)[:D]

smanni · Post by **smanni** » Thu Sep 06, 2007 2:24 pm

Bill, If you do - let me know what your cost is as I have thought about this a few times. The 80 mile run out and back get sto me also.

Sean B · Post by **Sean B** » Thu Sep 06, 2007 4:01 pm

The 375 HP 3208 is considered a good and solid engine, while anything higher is generally considered too much for the block (short life). Some additional things to consider: The extra weight of the Cats vs. the Cummings helps to stabilize the boat's ride, but of course slows it down a bit too. I need my trim tabs to plane correctly, while nobody else on the board seems to share that problem. The 3208 is a tight fit and can be difficult to work on in our boats (I know this first hand) while the Cummings allow for more access room. Is mostly a non-issue if you have the sportfish, but I can tell you that it is hard to get at the outboard sides of the engines, especially the port side. There are also some sweet deals out there on the 6BTA's right now, if it's not already too late to catch a cheap pair. If you're not scared of the weight and access issues with the 3208, you should think about the 3126's too. Sean Burlingham "Island Time" 1987 Bertram 33 SF Melbourne, FL SBurlingham@cfl.rr.com [img]http://www.bertram33.com/photogallery/p ... d_Time.jpg[/img]

billb · Post by **billb** » Wed Sep 19, 2007 4:35 am

So guys, the height diff in the 375 and the 435 hp 3208's according to the specs from cat is only one tenth of an inch...the 375 are 40.0 tall and the 435 are 40.1 tall...I have found some reman's complete 375 HP for(15,500) and 435 HP for(17,500) no gear, so what do you think??? 2000 hours will be a lifetime for me, 200 hours a year.... the 435's should last at least 2000 hours with good care don't you think??? do you think it could cruise at easy 28 knots????am I crazy??? let me know what you think???? also the 3126 420 hp remans are (17,500) no gear.... thanks!!!!!!!OPINIONS NEEDED!!![:D]

smanni · Post by **smanni** » Wed Sep 19, 2007 5:02 am

I think 375 is about the right HP needed in these boats. I would think "resale" and value also. Many people would be afraid to buy your boat with 436 HP knowing that they might be a scary engine to deal with - but common acccepted knowledge says that 375's are safe for 3208. I know most of us dont plan on selling these boats, ever - but you never know. I dont plan on selling my house for a long time - but Im always considering what the value is with every change I make - Just in case.

IRGuy · Post by **IRGuy** » Wed Sep 19, 2007 5:47 am

BillB... For near the prices you are talking for Cat 3208 375HP remans I think my Cummins guy here will sell the reman 370 HP 6Bs. Since they are in the same block as my 315s I can attest to the fact that you can get outboard of both engines if you are an average sized guy, and don't mind some muscle cramps, sore knees and an occasional skinned knuckle or two. Plus.. they weigh around 800 lbs less each. Drop me an email If you want me to run this through him.. I will be happy to do so. Frank B - IRGuy@aol.com "Phoenix" 1983 FBC Wilmington, NC

sbeer · Post by **sbeer** » Tue Sep 25, 2007 7:02 am

If you already have 3208's it a drop in. Coverting to anything else requires alot more, gauge clusters, rewiring ect... 375 h.p would be my way to go. Pull the old 3208 and drop in the higher h.p. As far as working on them that Sean brought up, the year of your boat, like mine, has the engines outside of the cabin, not half in and half out like Seans. Sean, you correct me if I am wrong. This gives you plenty of room. The only issue is the height of the engine. Did you measure? I have the 320 h.p without the after cooler and they fit snug with the engine box down. There are ways around that though, just raise the box up. Just my opinion. Mike

Sean B · Post by **Sean B** » Tue Sep 25, 2007 4:32 pm

quote:Originally posted by sbeer If you already have 3208's it a drop in. Coverting to anything else requires alot more, gauge clusters, rewiring ect... 375 h.p would be my way to go. Pull the old 3208 and drop in the higher h.p. As far as working on them that Sean brought up, the year of your boat, like mine, has the engines outside of the cabin, not half in and half out like Seans. Sean, you correct me if I am wrong. You got it right, but it's more like 10% in, not half and half. Basically my heat exchangers are under permanent FG covers that are under the couch on the starboard and under the galley sink on the port. I don't know what it would take to remove the heat exchanger but I don't want to find out. Is why I learned how to acid-bath my tube bundles in place, but if they ever start leaking it'll be hell to remove them. Other than that, the port side of the port engine is a real bitch to access, and I imagine it is the same with yours [img]http://www.bertram33.com/images/slide_s ... haul02.jpg[/img] Sean Burlingham "Island Time" 1987 Bertram 33 SF Melbourne, FL SBurlingham@cfl.rr.com [img]http://www.bertram33.com/photogallery/p ... d_Time.jpg[/img]

IRGuy · Post by **IRGuy** » Tue Sep 25, 2007 5:29 pm

Sean... Your engines look awfully clean.. Don't you ever run them? Frank B - IRGuy@aol.com "Phoenix" 1983 FBC Wilmington, NC

Sean B · Post by **Sean B** » Tue Sep 25, 2007 5:38 pm

That was the "After" picture just after a paint job, they don't look anywhere near that good anymore... Sean Burlingham "Island Time" 1987 Bertram 33 SF Melbourne, FL SBurlingham@cfl.rr.com [img]http://www.bertram33.com/photogallery/p ... d_Time.jpg[/img]

CB35 · Post by **CB35** » Wed Sep 26, 2007 5:39 am

For the difference in price I would go with the 435's. You don't have to run them wide open. Maybe 70% will give you a good speed and long life. You always have more if you need it in a boat race. I would take a 3208 over a 6BT any day. You will need larger exhaust for the 435's probably for the 375 also over a 300HP 3208. Larger shafts and new props; it really starts to add up. I fished the Hudson this pat weekend. 18kts out and 20kts coming back. We traded 300 gallons of diesel for a sword and a couple of mahi. Charlie

Post by **dougl33** » Wed Sep 26, 2007 6:58 am

quote:Originally posted by CB35 I would take a 3208 over a 6BT any day. Not me. I'd go with the motors that are still in production. Regards, Doug L. 1986 33 Bertram FBC Queen Elizabeth Marblehead, MA [img]http://www.bertram33.com/photogallery/p ... sabeth.jpg[/img]