QSB 355 or 330 6BTA?

lwrenn · Post by **lwrenn** » Thu Aug 27, 2009 1:37 pm

I am at a point that i need to purchase engines and gears for my new project boat. I am torn between the QSB355 and the 330 6BTA? The price difference is around 20 to 25k (includes a lot of stuff like one lever comb shift/throttles)for the common rails engines. The other point is all of the computer controlled stuff? I am asking you guys as the price is not the main concern but trouble a free future is. The engines will see around 1000 hour per year and not run hard as my projected cruise speed at 1800 rpm's will be 19 knots and wot around 30 knots. Unless I am chasing sailfish showers I rarely run the boat at wot. The speed difference according to boat diesels calculators is not much between the two different engines also. Other things are that I need electronic shifters on the QSB's. I am sort of torn between the two sand I feel I can buy a lot of fuel for the difference in price. Go at it guys, a note for you cat guys(3206ta 260hp one of the best engines ever made, but alas things change!) the C7's priced out around 90k and they wonder why they can't sell any engines? Captain Larry Wren 305-360-4900 www.apirateschoice.com [img]http://www.bertram33.com/photogallery/p ... Choice.jpg[/img]

Post by **dougl33** » Thu Aug 27, 2009 8:53 pm

1800rpms is really loafing it for the Cummins (QSB or 330B). You can cruise the 330b's up to 2400rpms and still be going easy on the engines. I don't now a whole lot about the QSB's.

JohnD · Post by **JohnD** » Fri Aug 28, 2009 5:26 am

Larry, I'm new to diesels and have had my mechanical CAT 3126TA's for about 1-1/2 years and not seen much use due to the bad times. I went the way I did because of money and thinking mechanical motors better than computer controled. If you take money out of the equation, I think I would be inclined to go with the QSB's. I think rigging would be easier without so many wires and cables to run and think of the benefit of engine monitoring, you could interface with NAV equip and have a 12" display of any function monitorable on the motor without adding sending units, gagues and wire runs. You wouldn't have shift/throttle cables to worry with, a lot less wires to run. Put money back into the picture and as long as both are new motors I would go with mechanicals. I went with re-man motors and they are serving me well but some of the components like starter (I just had to replace one), alt and so on are typically not replaced if they are functional. So while the motor's are fresh, you still have to keep an eye on some wear items that you wouldn't have to with brand new motors. br,

h2ojst · Post by **h2ojst** » Fri Aug 28, 2009 5:33 am

They've got the computer's dialed in very well Larry as I'm sure you know. One of the features you may find handy, as much fishing as you do, will be the benefit of the computer assisted throttle valves. Also all the diagnostic programs are so nice. You can laptop the engines and keep them running new practically forever and they burn much cleaner & more efficiently. The only downside is that you're probably not going to be as hands on as you're used to being. You're going to have to pay the factory trained guys for everything except oil & filter changes. Joe Tomaini 1988 Sportfish Attitude Adjustment II Fort Lauderdale, FL

lwrenn · Post by **lwrenn** » Fri Aug 28, 2009 3:49 pm

The QSB are what I will probably get. I am adding the trolling valves as its only $1350 and the electronic controls are set up for them. The wiring seems very easy and the on board visual screens seem very cool. I agree the electronics have improved over the years and the price is about 12k more in the end. Captain Larry Wren 305-360-4900 www.apirateschoice.com [img]http://www.bertram33.com/photogallery/p ... Choice.jpg[/img]

h2ojst · Post by **h2ojst** » Sat Aug 29, 2009 5:06 am

Good choice Larry. I agree. I think it will be good $ spent. Joe Tomaini 1988 Sportfish Attitude Adjustment II Fort Lauderdale, FL

lwrenn · Post by **lwrenn** » Sun Aug 30, 2009 1:35 pm

QSB 355 on order!!!!! Man now I feel poor! I would really make a deal on a 33 FBC!

Rick · Post by **Rick** » Mon Aug 31, 2009 9:59 am

Beautiful boat Larry and although I'm not familiar with QSB's, they sound pretty sweet. Now that you've spent the extra $$$, you've got to add a Bow Rail ! Rick Ticket 85 SF Merc 454 MPI's Falmouth, MA

Miss B · Post by **Miss B** » Mon Aug 31, 2009 7:40 pm

Didn't Hemmingway fish one of those?

lwrenn · Post by **lwrenn** » Tue Sep 01, 2009 3:04 am

Hemingway's own boat the Pillar was not a Merritt. The history is hard to find but most of the IGFA's records have been set on these boats! There were only 13 made and each one custom to Roy Merritt's specs. "http://www.merrittboat.com/" I have #2 and I have been told that at least two us presidents and guests have fished on my boat. One of the more noted boats that we all have heard of is the Black Bart like the lures hull #13. As to the presidents, it sure will not be the current guy as he doesn't fish and that alone is reason enough not to vote for him.

Post by **dougl33** » Tue Sep 01, 2009 5:11 am

Pillar was/is a Wheeler.

JohnD · Post by **JohnD** » Tue Sep 01, 2009 5:19 am

Larry, Congrats of getting the motors ordered, I think you'll be really happy with them. Best of luck getting everything back together and get out fishing her. Send us some pictures of the progress when you can. br,

richcatch22 · Post by **richcatch22** » Tue Sep 01, 2009 3:19 pm

Simply, beautiful!

Miss B · Post by **Miss B** » Tue Sep 01, 2009 11:32 pm

Maybe you could hang a basketball hoop and backboard on the tower and the current guy in charge would go out on the boat with you... I have been to the IFGA museaum in Dania. Had a great time, If anyone is ever in that area it is a great afternoon trip. Plus, you can run next door and unload your wallet buyig everything you ever wanted for the outdoors.

h2ojst · Post by **h2ojst** » Wed Sep 02, 2009 4:57 am

No, then you'ld need to bring bananas & they're bad luck. Joe Tomaini 1988 Sportfish Attitude Adjustment II Fort Lauderdale, FL