mmills023
Member
The C-7 is the replacement engine in Caterpillar's line for the 3126/ 350hp application. C-7's were used because there are no more new 3126's. The Cat C series is significantly further down the technology path that the 3116/3126 which are mechanical engines. You can have problems with any diesel engine, but the Cat C engines are typically Caterpillar….i.e. bullet proof.
And, yes, there are a few 3126 400DB's, but there aren't many for a couple of reasons: The 400 was first offered at a time when dealers sold everything as soon as the boats hit the showroom. Sea Ray was only taking 400 orders if there was a signed sales contract attached to the order form. This was the latest and best executed sedan in this size class that SR ever offered and it was a hot seller that every dealer wanted on his lot. Most dealers handled the pre-sold requirement by getting a customer to agree to have his name used in this manner so the dealer could get at least 1 inventory boat. Eventually, and for the first year or so this was the way most 400's were sold. Since they were destined for a dealers showroom, most had very few options and the 3126 was kind of expensive for a little performance boost.
ANd the cost for the 3126 option is the other reason we don't see many. IN actual practice, even thought they have a larger displacement and develop a few more horsepower, the torque surge on the 350 hp 3116 and the 420hp 3126 are nearly identical up to about 23-2400 rpm, which is recommended cruise speed. That means you really only take advantage of the added hp on the 3126 after you get to an RPM range that is above where you should be running the engines anyway. So, most experienced buyers just didn't spend the extra $8-$10K for the 3126 option.
Frank - that was great data! - thank you so much. I have a few additional questions if you dont mind.
You mentioned that the C7 was a replacement for the 350HP 3126, then below you mentioned the 3116 being 350HP and the 3126 being 420HP. Would the C7's that were used in replacement likely match the original HP? In this case could i expect the C7's to be around 420HP?
Last question - if you were purchasing this boat would you suggest looking for anything specific (engine wise)? I have a local CAT dealer (Yancy CAT in GA) that will inspect the engines, but thought I would ask you as well!
Thank you so much for the reply