Caterpiller 3208

Tuck · Post by **Tuck** » Tue Oct 05, 2010 1:42 pm

Question: Is the Caterpillar 3208 a good, reliable marine engine? Also, are 2200 hours something to worry about, or is this within "okay" range for this engine?[/img]

Danny Bailey · Post by **Danny Bailey** » Tue Oct 05, 2010 4:52 pm

Good engines but.....
1. Heavy for the horsepower output
2. Big for the horsepower output
3. The 375 HP version is not very durable
4. Parts are very expensive

RWS · Post by **RWS** » Tue Oct 05, 2010 8:27 pm

+1
what Danny said.

RWS

gettaway · Post by **gettaway** » Tue Oct 05, 2010 8:59 pm

are you considering thses cats for your F32?

I believe that the engine is to tall to fit into the engine compartment of the F32 and the stringers may not support the wieght and torque without substantial added support

HP to wieght ratio not very good

is the engine already marinized? if not, could be cost prohibitive to convert

2200 hours for a cat diesel, just barely broken in if they were maintained

prowlersfish · Post by **prowlersfish** » Tue Oct 05, 2010 9:02 pm

Good engine . below 375 hp great engine . at 375hp can last a good while in not ran real hard and taken care of . at 425 hp the same goes only more so. if its below 375 hp 2000 hours is nothing ( if taken care of )

As far as being big and heavy for power Rating I don't fully agree compared to a yanmar Yes , compared to a Detroit No.

rossjo · Post by **rossjo** » Tue Oct 05, 2010 9:04 pm

Won't fit in an F32 ... good (old) engines if properly maintained.

For an F32, the Cummins 6BTA or Volvo TAMD41 are great engines.

prowlersfish · Post by **prowlersfish** » Tue Oct 05, 2010 9:04 pm

I have seen a F32 with twin 3208s in it they where about 210 hp each (non Turbo)

rossjo · Post by **rossjo** » Tue Oct 05, 2010 9:08 pm

Where do you put your feet?

prowlersfish · Post by **prowlersfish** » Tue Oct 05, 2010 9:11 pm

They fit not as tall as a Cummins B ( none tubo 3208)

prowlersfish · Post by **prowlersfish** » Tue Oct 05, 2010 9:42 pm

http://www.yachtworld.com/core/listing/ ... id=2245217

gettaway · Post by **gettaway** » Tue Oct 05, 2010 11:03 pm

not sure if the POS in the brokerage is an example of fit and finish!

prowlersfish · Post by **prowlersfish** » Wed Oct 06, 2010 6:39 am

No that boat looks pretty bad , but its the only one I could find with the Cat listed . I saw real nice one a year or 2 back . Trojan did put the cummins 504 in the F36 I belive it was aprox the same size . I am not sure what if any diesels where offered in the F32 .

rossjo · Post by **rossjo** » Wed Oct 06, 2010 7:20 am

Without the Turbo (3208-NA) it should fit since its a V8 ...

But the -T or -TA turbos add 6-8", which wouldn't fit.

Danny Bailey · Post by **Danny Bailey** » Wed Oct 06, 2010 8:35 am

As with most everything else about a boat, engine selection is a set of compromises:
weight vs horsepower
cost vs durability
horsepower vs fuel use
size vs engine room space available
operating envelope vs performance desired

Without adequate consideration and analysis you most likely will end up with a boat you don't like

Tuck · Post by **Tuck** » Wed Oct 06, 2010 10:30 am

tks for the input guys.

no, not considering them for my f32. looking at another boat. probably not going to happen, but researching, just in case.

i think these are 325 hp, iirc.