2002 380 w diesels (CAT 3126) or gas (Merc 8.1)

Markw949

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Jul 14, 2020
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Hi - we are trying to decide whether to pay up a little ($20k more) for a 380 with diesels and a new installed bow thruster. Both are 2002 and roughly same hours 700. Would like to hear from any owners of 380's with diesels or gas and experiences - pros and cons. I know the diesels are heavier and boat may go slower, which isn't a big issue. Questions are differences in performance, maintenance, fuel costs etc.
Thanks
 
I have a 400DB with the CAT diesels. I run several MPH faster than my dock neighbor with a sistership. I burn about 22 GPH and he burns 34 GPH.

As for bow thrusters, with the diesels and the torque they provide, you probably will not need to use the thrusters.
 
I will never forget that my 410 with 350HP 3126's was 50% heavier than my 8.1 powered 340 and used HALF the fuel! Cat filters and parts are cheap. A 380 with diesels is a great boat. The bow thruster alone is worth $12K...
 
Great comments and insights...no shortage of diesel where we boat on Narragansett bay in RI. Not sure if we'll benefit from lower fuel costs and a bit concerned about the significantly higher labor and maintenance expense. Working on a diesel mechanic now for engine survey. Actually we're more familiar with diesel coming from sail boats with small diesel engines. The gas boat has benefit of lower cost of entry and leaves room in our budget for improvements...maybe a bow thruster or new plotter.
Mark
 
Maintenance if something major needs repair is more expensive on a diesel than a gasser. Routine maintenance is much simpler. On my CAT 3116's all there really is to do is change the oil and filters, fuel filters, clean the air filters and change the engine anodes. The biggest difference is each 3116 uses 7.5 Gallons of oil versus 7 quarts... But with the "Reverso Oil" system it is a snap to do. I do all the fluids, filters and anodes myself.
 
So after coolers and injectors could be very expensive, but assuming its been well maintained and surveys fine, hopefully it will be all routine maintenance. Boat has a Reverso system installed. I would want to do fluids and filters myself as I'm pretty hands-on. Water flow from Port engine appeared less and broker tells me raw water pump was replaced - thinks it may be growth on intake and will have bottom cleaned. A mechanic will tell the real story. Thanks for your imput!
 
Water flow could simply mean the impellers should be changed.
 
Remember- whenever you ask a gas vs diesel question, you have to always ask the respondents which they own. You might detect s pattern of bias in the answers that you should consider.
 
Water flow from Port engine appeared less and broker tells me raw water pump was replaced - thinks it may be growth on intake and will have bottom cleaned. A mechanic will tell the real story. Thanks for your imput!

Due to the design of the exhaust system routing, you will find that on 3126 powered 380/410's...Completely normal...
 
if you're only going to go as far as block, the gassers will be fine - but if you are considering a bow thruster - it will be 10-12k to install one - remember, the diesel boat not only burns 50% less, but the fuel costs 50% less too (no road tax on off road diesel) an '02 with diesels is pretty far down the depreciation curve, the gasser not so much...
 
Diesel without question especially in the Narragansett area. Plenty of good boatyards around there that can work on it. Other than a major rebuild on the diesel I think the cost of maintenance isn’t too far off. The 8.1s although great engines will nickel and dime (or more like $20 and $100) you on repairs that will add up With the stuff that Mercury bolted on such as expensive water pumps that the housings wear out in a few hundred hours, and cool fuel modules at $800 each that will corrode or shed paint and need to be replaced. Plus having the price of mind that you can run a diesel genny without the CO worries is priceless.
 
Remember- whenever you ask a gas vs diesel question, you have to always ask the respondents which they own. You might detect s pattern of bias in the answers that you should consider.

Not necessarily true. I for one like diesels, although my current boat is gas. For my needs the gas boat does just fine. It just depends upon the circumstances.

Also, being a fan of diesel engines, no way would I buy a boat with 3116/3126 engines. Again, just a personal preference.
 
Mark, I have had both. In the salt, gasser will still use parts including risers and manifolds every 3 years. 3126 should be easy maintained, but a 2002 with 700 hours scares me as I think it was not used enough. Low hours is really not a great for any boat. If I was looking at that boat, and based on where you live, diesel will be great for island hopping and the extra weight will help in the chop that is always in the Northeast.
 
Captronn I’m not the smartest guy here so would you please walk me thru this. You specified you would never own a cat 3126. When asked why, your response was “read my reply”. I did and I can’t find The reason in your post. Could you please enlighten us.

Mark. I have met plenty of people that have said “my next boat will be a diesel” or “wish I went with a Diesel”. I have never met anyone who regretted buying the diesel. They may be out there I’m just saying I never met one. Go with the diesel.
 
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