Buying a new boat....but want opinions please

[Fullabeer]

Hi All,

I'm looking at a Cruisers 300 CXI. I've not sea trialed her, but in terms of fit and finish she looks good.

Here's the question(s) - She comes with twin D3-160's. I know these are based on a volvo car engine, but are they any good. I understand we can all be unlucky, but generally are they a decent and reliable engine?

Also interested to hear from anyone with one of these boats. How's the handing is less than ideal conditions? Can they get up on plane with 8 passengers (4 adults, 4 teenagers)?

Appreciate any advice or comments.

Thanks in advance,

steve

 

[Momac]

If this is the older d3 ,not the current engine called d3 ? If so believe they can be troublesone.

 

[Canopy Locked]

If this is the older d3 ,not the current engine called d3 ? If so believe they can be troublesone.

You believe correctly. A friend of mine is experiencing major issues.

 

[Thalassa76]

D3s dont have a great reputation. try for a D4

 

[volvopaul]

D3s, a terrible engine avoid it like the tax man .

 

[westernman]

D3s, a terrible engine avoid it like the tax man .

What is your opinion on 10-15 years old VP D4s?

 

[Thalassa76]

What is your opinion on 10-15 years old VP D4s?

I have a 2009 D4 225, done 650 hrs, my engineer tells me its barley run in! runs like a dream & good on fuel

 

[SC35]

What is your opinion on 10-15 years old VP D4s?

I have two D4's from 2010.
Coolers need cleaning every now again, and a PCU fried itself.
Otherwise good.

 

[westernman]

I have two D4's from 2010.
Coolers need cleaning every now again, and a PCU fried itself.
Otherwise good.

What is a PCU? Same as an ECU?

 

[SC35]

What is a PCU? Same as an ECU?

There are ECU boxes all over the place with a D4.

HCU = Helm Control Unit, throttles etc
PCU = Power Control Unit, moves gear actuators, drives fuel control
Fuel Control Unit

 

[westernman]

There are ECU boxes all over the place with a D4.

HCU = Helm Control Unit, throttles etc
PCU = Power Control Unit, moves gear actuators, drives fuel control
Fuel Control Unit

Thanks for the explanation.
So the bit which connects to the throttles on the flybridge, inside and wherever to the gearbox and engine?

Was it easy to get a replacement?
Did you need a second mortgage?

 

[SC35]

Replacements easy available Sir.
Only £2652

 

[Cathy*]

D3s, a terrible engine avoid it like the tax man .

We're going to see a boat next week with D3 170's . What are the common problems?

 

[PCUK]

Is this boat from Cruisers International? If so avoid as they were poorly built.

 

[simonfraser]

2 D3’s on stern drives, great combo

 

[ontheplane]

The above was tongue in cheek methinks