CAT 3208

[Sportsman]

Anyone got any wisdom to share on the 3208? Considering purchasing a 32 Carolina express with a single 1991 3208 with 1300 hours on it. I know the builder/owner well and know the boat and engine have been babied as a secondary boat to larger sportfishers over the years. The boat has been fished out of Hatteras 5 or 6 times a year and has merely been used as a run about. Rumor has it, by trading in a 3208 a completely rebuilt 3208 can be had for around $9k from some guy in Tidewater VA area. I guess he is the 3208 guru or something. I'd love to hear from any folks with past/present experience with the CAT 3208's. Thanks.

[seapower]

I work on them from time to time. Just part of what I do for a living. Done several cat "long block" rebuild's in the last few year's. The horsepower rating is the a very key piece of infomation. If you like you can either post up here what you've got, or PM me, or call me on the phone. Dosen't matter to me. What is the name of the boat? I may know it as well. Frank

[Storm]

I owned two 3208's (320hp), no aftercoolers. I was advised to stay away from the aftercooler versions (375hp and 425hp). My first 3208 was replaced at 5,000 hours. The second 3208 I sold with the boat when the engine was still new. I don't remember any major issues with the original engine during the five years I owned it. Quite sure I paid about $17,000 for the newer 3208 in October 99'. Two months later I purchased my current boat with Cat 3196.

Storm

[Big Jay]

Frank will prob have more to elaborate on this but:

The higher horsepower models of motors seem to have more problems. Just what i've seen over time.

[Sportsman]

Unfortunately the boat I am looking at does have the higher hp version. It's the turboed, intercooled that produces something around 425 or 435 hp. I had read that the turbo charged 3208's could over heat easily. The price of the boat is GOOD so I hate to just drop it. May look in to what would my options would be for a replacement engine....preferably rebuilt by a reputable mechanic. I'd like to find something in the 425 to 500 hp range that will fit in the hole.

[Big Jay]

Unfortunately the boat I am looking at does have the higher hp version. It's the turboed, intercooled that produces something around 425 or 435 hp. I had read that the turbo charged 3208's could over heat easily. The price of the boat is GOOD so I hate to just drop it. May look in to what would my options would be for a replacement engine....preferably rebuilt by a reputable mechanic. I'd like to find something in the 425 to 500 hp range that will fit in the hole.

Frank is the man for stuff like this..but yeah. 1300 hours and the high output version i would steer clear. I mean 1300 hours isn't bad but its getting there.

We opted for the updated 3126 300's in our 30' Albemarle. The 3126 350's had a host of problems.

[hubris 1]

I always thought that was a pretty good engine. 1300 hours is nothing on that however I have been told 5000 hrs is about all they will run until they need a face lift. However in a pleasure craft at 200 hrs a year its gonna take you 25 years to get there.

[seapower]

Sent you a PM with my phone #, call if you like. I'm right across the sound from you. Is there something bad wrong with this engine or are you just thinking out loud? Yes the 435's weren't known for excessive hour's,they're heavy, they aren't as fuel efficient as the newer engines. But if you can get the boat "right" (if there is such a thing), run her till it quit's!!! Alot of engines with that age are simply written off, why??? Truth be known, one of the very worst thing's for an engine is NOT TO RUN IT. "I just found a boat that's 15 year's old and it only has 200 hour's on it", now you've got something to be worried about. Too many time's I've gone through em' with the basic stuff that probably hasn't been done in awhile. And they're back up and running. Have somone that know's what they are doing, take alittle time with it. If it's no longer serviceable, OK, cross that bridge then. You haven't given any reason other than age and hour's to cause your consern's. Frank,SeaPower

[seapower]

If it's that good of a deal, I'll show you how concerned I am about that Cat. I'm looking for a boat in that class myself. Frank

[Sportsman]

Is there something bad wrong with this engine or are you just thinking out loud?

I know the builder/owner of the boat and he says that she was running hot last year and that he had the cooler rebuilt. Said that he feels like the prop that was on her may have also caused some trouble too. This guy is trustworthy and is in the process of having someone go through the engine with him and will be resetting it as well as putting a different prop on her. The problem with the engine is just what you have described previously....the thing has not be run like it should. This guy has a 58 footer that he fishes all spring/summer/fall and the 32 has pretty much been run when he remembers it needs to be. With all that said, the boat is clean as a pin and has been brought back to life over the last year. New curtains, electronics, riggers, paint, pumps, wiring. Honestly, the motor is not that big of an issue as the cost of a nice rebuilt replacement engine added to the sale price would still be a good buy. The boat should be back in the water by September and we will be putting her to the test then. Also planning on seeing what will be involved in moving the helm and chair forward a couple of feet.