38 - 40ft SeaRay which diesel engine is best?

I understand, and I didn't intend to sound critical.

You were correct..... since there are folks shopping for diesel boats involved here, I wanted the whole story posted. I really get tired of all the "experts "on the dock and boatdiesel.com's assumption that the soft block problem and the TRW valve problem affect the quality and longevioty of Cat engines forever. The truth of the matter is that Cat fixed all they knew about that failed. The soft block issue surfaces early in the engine's life as oil consumption goes way up and the TRW valve problem occurred at 150 hours or less. That means there is virtually no chance of finding a boat with either problem today.

Personally I think the Cummins C-Series engines (420/450 CTA, 480CE, QSC, etc) are the finest modern marine engines. They are not bulletproof however. It's important that they not be overpropped and maintenance of the seawater-cooled stuff, especially the aftercoolers, is critical. Seaboard Marine has a forum with a lot of information on Cummins marine engines.

Well thanks guys for all the info I really appreciate it. Now its time to start watching for the right boat to step up to.