Looking at 500 Sedan

AndyJ

New Member
Feb 20, 2018
3
Boat Info
boatless
Engines
boatless
Hey guys,
I've spent hours looking through threads and didn't see any to fit my question... Sorry if i missed one....

Anyway, My wife and I have finally decided on "the perfect boat for us"! We found a 1994 500 Sedan bridge. It has the 6V92 550HP DD. Can any of you help with our numerous questions...
(1) any pro's or con's to this year/model ?
(2) any idea what the "expected" fuel burn should be?
any and all info will be greatly appreciated!!
 
I've done a lot of reading on the DD6V92's. There was a 480DB that I really was in love with that had them. That never worked out, but here is what I learned.

The consensus is that around 535 HP is the max for a long life on these engines. They were rated higher and the words used, hand grande with the pin out, stick in my mind for those higher HP ratings. The 550 HP rating might still be OK as it is close to the 535 rating. They are 2 cycle diesel engines so they will consume more fuel then a 4 cycle diesel. My guess would be somewhere north of 45 gph on a 500. It is only a guess. Also your cruise will be a few knots slower. The good is they are very reliable, if it starts it will get you there. They have a bad rep. on leaking oil, but I think if looked after properly that is more an issue with the road version.

The parts supply used to be plentiful for these engines so a rebuild was not a lot of money. But as these engines are older the parts supply is limited so the cost to maintain will be significantly more and a rebuild will also be more as well. There are still some mechanics around who work exclusively on the older DD models, there are a few on the Chesapeake here that do. Overheating is a very bad thing for these engines. Keep them cool and not overloaded and they should have a good life span.

It's best to find a mechanic that is deeply knowledgeable around the DD engines to do a mech. survey for you.
 
We have the 8V92s in our 500 Sundancer, our fuel burn is around 30gph at cruise, which is about 22-24 mph, turning around 1700 rpm. Detroits had issues with the DDEC version, which a computer controlled version. Recommend staying away from those, but I don't think 1994s were that style.
 
Thank you guys for the great info! I really appreciate it. We have actually settled in on a 52' Hatteras and hope to be the new owners soon! It's got a pair of 8V92's @ 750hp. starboard engine has 250hrs and the port engine has 50hrs since overhaul. Again, thank you so much for the response!!
 
Andy

That's not many hours on an older boat... boat's don't like sitting so look closely for deferred maintenance items as I would guess there is a significant amount...

Hatt makes some awesome boats! let's see a pic!

Josh
 
Thanks Josh! Starboard engine was overhauled in 2016 and port in 2017. My wife and I will be back down there this weekend so I'm sure i'll have many many pics.. lol
 
Good luck with that 500. We have a 550 and absolutely love it. They're basically the same boats, just the 550 is stretched in a couple of places.

Can't tell you anything about the Detroits but I can tell you that we sure love our boat.
 

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