Thoughts on a 44 DA

[dtfeld]

Uhm, no they don't, not even close. Just the opposite, fast cruise yes, not 27. More then a mile to the gallon not on your life. Any 40+ diesel boat moving at ~24knt.s is not getting over a mile to the gallon. It's more like multiple gallon's to the mile.

My boat and 6v92TA Detroit's @20knt. ~38-40/hr. 48 Ocean with 60 Series 24knts @ ~40/hr. 46 Maxum cruiser, QSB 5.6's ~36-8/hr.

Perhaps @dtfield can speak to his boat. But in any case that is backwards. Sorry.

The 99-04 410s with CAT 3126 7.2l are about 45’ overall with a bolt on swim platform, weigh about 30k lbs and will cruise at 20kts to 21kts at 2300-2400 rpm getting right about or slightly better than 1nm/gal.

The next model years, I think 05-08 44s were almost the exact same length but a little wider (maybe 2-3”?) but with a molded in swim platform, and most if not all were Cummins 8.3l I don’t know the exact performance numbers, but they should be roughly equivalent in performance (speed and fuel burn). The larger displacement would be good for slightly better speed.

I love 05-08 version of the 44 Sundancer, but it was about 2x the cost. I chose an older 410 with diesels because I intend to do some longer range cruising. I initially wanted a 380 with 8.1s both are really great options and have pros /cons. Your job is to buy a boat that gets you what you need and want.

To be honest, I don’t think you can go wrong either way.

 

[Windjammer]

Ok, so back on this thing..Have found one, Freshwater with QSC500's, and about 800 hours. What can I expect "maintenance-wise" on the engines (other than oil/filter change and fuel filters) as a DIY'er on an inland lake? Any "factory (i.e. Cumming) stuff required or suggested?
Thanks

 

[SeaNile]

Any thoughts on the 03-08 50 DA? I found that the prices were the same, or even slightly less, than the 06-08 44DA with QSCs.

Love my 03.5 50DA.

 

[Windjammer]

OK - back on .project. Have found one with diesels (QSC500) that is freshwater. Should this thing pan out, what should I have done to these engines that have around 700 hours? I'm thinking impellers, but what else (assuming there is a local Cumming dealer near by) before I truck it halfway across the country?

 

[Blueone]

Cruising


Apparently Blue is getting a mile per gallon at 24.5mph

.96 ….. I round up

 

[Escapade]

There is a thread on here for the (QSC500) engines. Great info. Personally I absolutely love docking and in most cases do not use the thruster. The low end torque will move you with command. So much so that just putting in gear will soon take you over 5mph and curl one behind you, Lucky for us there is a switch " Slow Idle" as to not piss off the neighbors. let us know if you have any other questions.

 

[techmitch]

There is a thread on here for the (QSC500) engines. Great info. Personally I absolutely love docking and in most cases do not use the thruster. The low end torque will move you with command. So much so that just putting in gear will soon take you over 5mph and curl one behind you, Lucky for us there is a switch " Slow Idle" as to not piss off the neighbors. let us know if you have any other questions.

Great pic.

 

[Blueone]

There is a thread on here for the (QSC500) engines. Great info. Personally I absolutely love docking and in most cases do not use the thruster. The low end torque will move you with command. So much so that just putting in gear will soon take you over 5mph and curl one behind you, Lucky for us there is a switch " Slow Idle" as to not piss off the neighbors. let us know if you have any other questions.

I don’t have thrusters and I have been in some crazy docking situations where I wished I did but never had a problem ever…… now I have on occasion got off the boat and told people I don’t have thrusters…… I’m not sure that helps or not

 

[bbwhitejr]

Where is it coming from? I am not sure of Cummins Service in our area. I know there is a Cummins South Dealer in Gainesville, but not sure how up to speed they are on marine engines. What you have on your side of ATL, I am not sure.

A Cummins engine survey will be invaluable. The QSCs are electronic so they can hook up their computer and tell you every thing that is to know about alarms and all kinds of stuff.

For starters, I would have the impellers replaced...heat exchangers, after coolers, fuel, and gear coolers all pulled, cleaned, and pressure tested.

When was the coolant changed? Belt condition? Change oil and filters, change fuel filters, and racors.

Above is basically the 1000 hr Cummins recommended service. Will give you a good baseline to start from.

Bennett

 

[Escapade]

Our Cummins guy is NOT a specific Marine Tech. He is a Cummins Service Tech 95% time on Trucks. Cross trained in Marine, Knows his way around. Check the service records and have a scan done as part of purchase. A good mechanic will point you to necessary maintenance.