1992 - 1994 440 Dancer diesel power options (which one)

[Jriggsy]

I am looking to potentially upgrade to a 420-440dancer and am confused about available power options. I have always heard good things about Cummins, but is the standard 300HP engines enough for a boat this size? Or what about the older 3208 Cats that are 375 HP, or the 3116 Cats at 350 HP. What does everyone thing is the best power option for this boat, and what sort of fuel burn rate will they yield. Thanks

 

[fwebster]

I think the 5.9 6BTA Cummins are not enough power in the 420-440DA. Several in our area have failed because they were overloaded.

The 3208 Caterpillar is a bullet proof motor and was only discontinued as a part of the "master plan" to achieve mandated emission goals. The new engines in this hp class are 6 cylinders and 6 explosions every revolution means 2 less than with the 3208 which is a 8 cylinder engine.

I've got 3116's in a bigger boat and have had no problems with them, but I don't run them wide open either. As long as you are happy with speeds achieved under 2400 rpm's either the 3208 or 3116 is a good engine.

The 375hp 3208 burns 12 gph / engine @2400rpm and the 350hp 3116 burns 11.6 gph /engine @2400 rpm.