Bertram33 User Forum

Which diesel engines are the best fit for a 1986 33' Sport fisherman?

Well the inline sixes fit pretty nice and perform well. The most common are the Yanmar and Cummins 6BTA's. You really need 300 HP or better to make the boats move well , so the Yanmar 315-370 works well and the Cummins 300 - 370 works well also. I recently put a pair of Cummins 330's in a couple years ago and I couldn't be happier. The cruise is about 24 knots using about the same amount of fuel as the 454's did at 17 knots and wide open is about 30 knots. The added bonus of all that room around them for maintenance is really nice. Any one of the engines mentioned will make you very happy.

ditto

I have a 33 FBC with the 330 Cummins and have had really good service with them. Buzz

Frank is the man when it comes to engine advice. I wish I had Cummins 6BTA's. Trying to do any work on my V8's is a real pain. Zero room to work around, but hope they last forever at the same time.

Working on the Cummins is still a bit of a pain on the outboard side on the FBC. I think it would be even harder with V8's. But it wouldn't be problem on the Sportfish. Buzz

350 hp yanmars in mine and I really love them. The most difficult area to reach is the very front of the engines. Either the Cummins or the Yanmars will make you very happy. Good luck with your quest. Scott 1987 B33 SF Dealer's Choice V Edisto Beach, SC

Welcome Charles, One thing to think of as you look at motors, stick with under 400hp and you should be able to use ZF220A's which have the 10degree down angle(I think they're rated to 350hp...). The reason I mention this is I put 420hp cat 3126's in my B35 and had to use ZF280A's which are only 8degree down angle and had to really work to get them low enough, the other thing is prop size as we're limited in diameter to about 22" max. So I'd have to say the other's advice is good and that any diesel around 350hp would be a good choice. The standard advice says to go with the manufacturer who is well supported in your area, or where you plan on boating. I went with CAT's as they're pretty well supported here in the Chesapeake and the rebuilder was somewhat local as well, on a recent service call the Tech from Alban saved me 4-6hrs of labor by doing only what was need and fine tuned the motor in question perfectly. What year is your B33 and Manufacturer's have you considerd? br,

I was considering remanufactured 375 h.p. Cat 3206's.

You asked for the best fit, so I ruled out the 3208's. They are wonderful engines , last forever and have a great sound, problem is, they are HUGE and heavy. If they are in the same ballpark as reman Cummins , the Cummins would be a more realistic choice .

Unless you're stealing them, get a set of factory reman'd Cummins.

I just had a pair of Cummins 6BTA (330hp)Recons installed in my '95 Moppie this spring. Couldn't be happier!! In fact I just posted on the general tab on this site. I used Niemiec marine, in New Bedford, MA, they were awesome. Since you are in RI, you should definitely give them a call. www.niemiecmarine.com Call me if you want more detail, I'd love to chat. -Paul 860 918 5974

Does anyone favor the Detroit Diesels?

I have not heard of any Bertram 33s with Detroits. The best advice I can offer you is find out which manufacturer of those recommended above has the best service in your area. Ask around in marinas, etc, and see what present users say, then visit the dealers and talk with them.. get a feeling for which manufacturer's dealer seems to be the most co-operative, and consider them first. All the above manufacturers make good engines, otherwise they couldn't stay in the marine business.. the decision is which dealer has the best service. A final note.. stay with the most respected brands.. you will have to sell the boat one day.. and any knowledgeable buyer will know what those above have advised you. It is foolhardy to put Mercedes engines in a boat because you might be able to buy a set "at a good price", when you won't be able to sell it later because nobody nearby can service them or even get parts easily and cheaply. GO WITH THE FLOW!

quote:Originally posted by cboranian Does anyone favor the Detroit Diesels? No.