Boat shopping never seems to end. The quest continues.

No worries. I have zero desire to get gas engines in this next endeavor. Haven't made a 100% decision but certainly feel like i am getting closer to the decision on which boat.
 
This endeavor took a huge step forward this evening. Trying to gather a few estimates for negotiation. Mainly cost to bring a 3126 cooling system up to spec assuming it needs to be done.
 
SeaNile said:
This endeavor took a huge step forward this evening. Trying to gather a few estimates for negotiation. Mainly cost to bring a 3126 cooling system up to spec assuming it needs to be done.
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Are you looking at the sea water system or the coolant system? I've redone both DIY. A lot of wrench turning but doable and cost isn't exorbitant unless you get into big hunks of CAT metal (aftercoolers).

The CAT stuff is pretty solid. I mean really SOLID.
 
dtfeld said:
Are you looking at the sea water system or the coolant system? I've redone both DIY. A lot of wrench turning but doable and cost isn't exorbitant unless you get into big hunks of CAT metal (aftercoolers).

The CAT stuff is pretty solid. I mean really SOLID.
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You know, that's a damn good question! All I keep reading about is the heat exchanger, oil cooler and after cooler upkeep every 2 years.
 
SeaNile said:
This endeavor took a huge step forward this evening. Trying to gather a few estimates for negotiation. Mainly cost to bring a 3126 cooling system up to spec assuming it needs to be done.
Click to expand...

dtfeld said:
Are you looking at the sea water system or the coolant system? I've redone both DIY. A lot of wrench turning but doable and cost isn't exorbitant unless you get into big hunks of CAT metal (aftercoolers).

The CAT stuff is pretty solid. I mean really SOLID.
Click to expand...
SeaNile said:
You know, that's a damn good question! All I keep reading about is the heat exchanger, oil cooler and after cooler upkeep every 2 years.
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I am on this thread like a hawk, as I am shopping also.

Best I can add when talking about bringing maintenance items/systems up to par, is we should always remember that what it cost to do these jobs DYI is far less than what these jobs are actually worth and should be calculated accordingly into the equation of our purchase.

"It ain't easy, if it was, everybody would be doing it!
 
Mitch-

I feel like i know of ever boat out there from 40-45' with diesels. I'll be keeping the boat at Summit North on the C&D Canal and hope to travel past the Bohemia with this boat.

What are you looking for?
 
SeaNile said:
You know, that's a damn good question! All I keep reading about is the heat exchanger, oil cooler and after cooler upkeep every 2 years.
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If you’re still on the Freshwater 450, that two year maintenance on the heat exchanger and oil cooler isn’t much of a factor.
 
I had 3126B's in the 46, Boat was used in the Chesapeake, I did heat exchangers at 5 year intervals, never had any issues, no leaks, no build up. I would think every 2 yrs would be if you were in salt water.
 
I'll also add with a simple set of hand tools and a little muscle it can be a pretty straightforward DIY job. I have my aftercoolers off the boat rightnow, they've been cleaned, pressure tested, and repainted. I'm pulling the compressor housing from the turbo today to just do a quick clean of the compressor wheel, backplate, and housing. It will all go back together with new gaskets on the aftercooler and new hoses/clamps on the turbo outlet and cooling hose connections.

Local radiator shop (that Milton CAT recommnded) cleaned and tested both of mine for $200. Gaskets and hoses are probably another $150 or so.
 
Apparently it's really cold in St. Louis! Still moving forward with things but in February not much can be done. Hoping within the next 2-3 weeks we can knock out the hull and engine survey.

Estimate for engine survey is 3-4k. That's more than I was expecting.
 
SeaNile said:
Apparently it's really cold in St. Louis! Still moving forward with things but in February not much can be done. Hoping within the next 2-3 weeks we can knock out the hull and engine survey.

Estimate for engine survey is 3-4k. That's more than I was expecting.
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I paid $1,000 for engine survey including samples and $1,500 for hull survey for for the 40 sedan with diesels. Do you have the luxury of getting another quote. That seems very high to me.
Good luck!
 
West Coast said:
I paid $1,000 for engine survey including samples and $1,500 for hull survey for for the 40 sedan with diesels. Do you have the luxury of getting another quote. That seems very high to me.
Good luck!
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Are you sure you asked for an engine survey, for that quote you should get a very thorough annual service!
I paid $650 for engine survey including three oil samples on the Volvo 74TMADs
and I’m in Ca.
Carpe Diem
 
Carpediem44DB said:
Are you sure you asked for an engine survey, for that quote you should get a very thorough annual service!
I paid $650 for engine survey including three oil samples on the Volvo 74TMADs
and I’m in Ca.
Carpe Diem
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Yes, just asked for survey on 2 3126 engines. I was thinking 2k at most.
 
SeaNile said:
Yes, just asked for survey on 2 3126 engines. I was thinking 2k at most.
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That is unreal! 1st Cummins survey on 2-QSC 500s with 2-Techs for 8 hours was $1600. 2nd Cummins survey was a full 8 hour day for $1200. Full written reports, all fluid samples/tests, etc. I am with Rusty...maybe they are including an annual service.

Bennett
 
SeaNile said:
Apparently it's really cold in St. Louis! Still moving forward with things but in February not much can be done. Hoping within the next 2-3 weeks we can knock out the hull and engine survey.

Estimate for engine survey is 3-4k. That's more than I was expecting.
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Tomorrow is the last day of extreme cold for stlouis area. I live 10 mins from the Lou. If there is something I can do to help you, let me know. I have friends at several marinas in the area
 
The following is information that you have requested concerning the engine inspection of two (2) 3126 engines in a boat you are thinking of purchasing in our area.

We would travel to the marina, where the boat is located. Our technician would visually inspect both engines and piping for any type of coolant, oil or fuel leak. We would visually inspect the inlet air system for any type of boost leak and inspect the air filters. If you would like the technician could check and adjust the valves and injectors. The boat would be taken out and test ran to verify any type of leak after the engines got up to operating temperature and to verify oil pressure, fuel pressure, boost, etc. After the test run is complete an oil sample would be taken and ran through our oil lab and the results would be emailed to you. The technician would write up and note everything in a service report that you would get.

John, it is hard to tell exactly how long this would take, but I would estimate two (2) to three (3) working days. Our labor rate is $153.00 per hour regular time and $204.00 overtime. Our regular rate is good for eight (8) hours per day, Monday through Friday.

The technicians time would start when he leaves the shop and goes on until he gets back to the shop. Any parts would be charged out as needed. I would estimate the cost of this to be $3,000.00 to $4,000.00.
 
SeaNile said:
The following is information that you have requested concerning the engine inspection of two (2) 3126 engines in a boat you are thinking of purchasing in our area.

We would travel to the marina, where the boat is located. Our technician would visually inspect both engines and piping for any type of coolant, oil or fuel leak. We would visually inspect the inlet air system for any type of boost leak and inspect the air filters. If you would like the technician could check and adjust the valves and injectors. The boat would be taken out and test ran to verify any type of leak after the engines got up to operating temperature and to verify oil pressure, fuel pressure, boost, etc. After the test run is complete an oil sample would be taken and ran through our oil lab and the results would be emailed to you. The technician would write up and note everything in a service report that you would get.

John, it is hard to tell exactly how long this would take, but I would estimate two (2) to three (3) working days. Our labor rate is $153.00 per hour regular time and $204.00 overtime. Our regular rate is good for eight (8) hours per day, Monday through Friday.

The technicians time would start when he leaves the shop and goes on until he gets back to the shop. Any parts would be charged out as needed. I would estimate the cost of this to be $3,000.00 to $4,000.00.
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I really only have experience on the Cummins but engines are engines. For a survey absolutely no adjustments or service should be done. Its an inspection for god's sake! The inspection is visual for the most part. The technician should take no more than 1/2 to 3/4 of a day at most for what information you need to determine seaworthiness of the engines. If the Owner has records showing proper MX and what repairs have been done over the years you should be good to go. They should know exactly how long an inspection should take.
Just my opinion but I would find another mechanical surveyor or CAT technician to do the survey.
 
I had Michigan CAT survey my engines last summer and have had a bunch of others surveyed over the years for clients.

Their mode is usually to charge up front $2000 total and then refund you the remainder. Mine ended up being $1,100 total.

They visually inspected the engines, checked all of the engine components, hooked up their gauges and menometer to check for blow by and then we went out and ran the boat through its paces while they recorded all the information.

When we get back to the dock they pull all of the samples and they were done. This was about 4-5 hours for one technician.

They are quoting you for adjusting the overhead which is kind of out of place for a survey. If you want that done, then that’s great but you could shave half of the cost off by not doing that. They also don’t have any mention of the blow by test which I think is the most important part.
 
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Ray is correct. I have participated in several Cat 3100 series engine surveys done in Texas, Tennessee and Florida and none exceeded $1200 in cost and all were thorough.

The scope outlined in you post indicated that the surveyor intends to reset the engine overheads (adjust the valves and injector timing) unless the Cat technician has taken care of these engines previously and has records showing that overhead service is needed now, then that isn't a usual part of an 3126 engine survey. However, I notice that there is no blow by test mentioned in the list of anticipated tasks. Remember that these are 3126 engines and unless you have records from the seller indicating that these engines have been eliminated as possible soft block engines, the blow by test should be done. If resetting the overheads is needed or you specified it in addition to the list you posted then the $3000-$4000 estimate is a fair price and pretty accurate.
 
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