Cat 3208 vs 3126

[segaerta]

As my quest for another boat continues, I come across similar boats (e.g. SS Camargue 44) with following types of engines : cat 3208 or cat 3126. HP differs only slightly (435 vs 425 HP), so what is the main difference between both engines and how do they compare from a reliability point of view ? How do they compare to VP's (TAMD63 / 74) ?

In other words, which one would you choose and why ?

Thanks,
Alain

 

[thefatlady]

3208 is V8, capacity 10.4 litre
3126 is straight six, capacity 7+ litre.

3208 has more torque, is less stressed but is heavier. Only problem I know on 3208 is aluminium aftercooler pipe flanges corrode, but many have been replaced for bronze ones (easy job and cures it).

The Volvo 6.7 and 7.4 litre straight six engines just don't have the same power, in spite of being similarly rated. Volvo are good at testing their engines under advantageous conditions to get the figures up. IMHO the Cat is better built.

I would go for the 3208 every time.

 

[segaerta]

sent you a PM

 

[Deleted User YDKXO]

Agree with thefatlady. I've had both the 3208 and the 3126 in boats and I'd go for the 3208 every time. The 3126 is lighter and narrower than the 3208 and some boat builders preferred it for that reason. It is also likely to be more economical than the 3208. The 3126 also had some valve problems which Cat have fixed, even when the engine has been out of warranty, so it's worth asking if this has happened. I think I might favour a 3126 engine that Cat had repaired because many are upto 10yrs old now and I doubt whether Cat would contribute to a repair now
The 3208, on the other hand, has a reputation for being bulletproof except the most powerful version (variously described as 425/435/442hp) which can require major rebuild work after 12-15yrs. I nearly bought a boat with 3208TA engines a few years ago and an oil analysis saved me from a £35k bill so, as with any engine, get an engine survey and oil analysis done by a good engineer. But you won't go wrong with sound 3208 engines. They're large capacity relatively understressed engines with good torque and power characteristics. They are not the latest type of electronically controlled engine (hence Cat can't sell them new in Europe because they don't meet the latest emissions regs) so they do use a bit more fuel and they are known to deposit a bit of soot on the transom but I reckon that's a price worth paying for their reliability

 

[volvopaul]

HI had a lot to do with cats, my choice would be 3208 though I have had lots of probs with them in the past on my own boats.
3116,3126 have all had major probs with heads, valves and unit type injectors and pumps.
3208 has probs with cracked ex manifolds, and injection pump advance /retard gear, very costly was revised on later engines, also probs with unstable idle speed due to rust inside pump, cost at least 3k per engine to sort out done 2 engines recently.
435 suffers from piston ring probs due to overboost/ too much fuel IMHO engine far too stressed at this hp rating, also pump probs as per others.
Dont buy one with too many hours all ones I have worked on had less than 1000 hours on clock.
Good luck.

 

[segaerta]

Thanks for all replies.

Based on comments about most powerful versions, recommendation would be to look for the 375 HP version ? Unfortunately, not a lot (none) are around on Camargue 44.

I notice some with 3126's and 420 HP as well, leading to the conclusion that these engines must be stressed even more than 3208 ?

Other question, how to best approach an advert with 'Engines completely rebuilt ?'

Thanks,
Alain

 

[Deleted User YDKXO]

Yes, recommendation would be to look for 375hp version of 3208 but as you rightly point out, you are unlikely to find this version in a fast planing boat unless it's an older one, probably older than a Camargue 44. So I guess you're stuck with the 442hp version which is no bad thing, just make sure it has been regularly maintained (ask for the bills) and it has'nt done thousands of hours. Be aware that the Camargue 44 was a v popular charter boat so some might be a bit tatty and have high hours and the price should reflect this
With regard to rebuilt engines, IMHO you need to find out why they needed rebuilds (eg flooding would put me off the whole boat), who did the rebuild and what they did. Ask for copy invoices and unless the job was done by a franchised Cat dealer, walk away. If the rebuild was done recently, is there a current warranty which would be a comfort. See HERE for a useful article
As you're comparing 3126 v TAMD47P, are you also considering a Targa 48? Good boat save for some Fairline quality niggles (I owned one with 3126's) but better with TAMD74P because extra power gives useful extra speed. The hull is a relatively deep V and 3126 powered boats will struggle to hit 30knots when dirty. Many T48's had head/valve probs with 3126's so check history

 

[segaerta]

thanks Deleted User,

Unfortunately, Targa 48 and similar boats are a little outside my budget range (130-170k).

My main worries are : when buying an older boat, probably better not to spend all our money on the purchase itself but keep some aside should major repairs turn up that were overlooked during survey or engine oil analysis. Question is ... how much ? What's the point having a nice boat if you can't use it (or pay bills like the 35k you mentioned). Unless I win the lottery, I want to be carefully spending my hard earned cash.

So will probably end up again with initial choice of late 90's Targa 37 or Princess V40.

Cheers,
Alain

 

[Deleted User YDKXO]

segearta, it is prudent to keep a little money aside in case big bills come along but you'd have to be very unlucky to get hit by a really major expense like an engine rebuild with a boat around 10yrs old. Obviously you can reduce the chance of this happening by buying a smaller newer boat rather than a larger older one. For example £170k would probably just about buy an older Targa 48 with 3126 Cats but it's right at the bottom of the T48 price range so it would probably be a well used boat with potential problems if you're unlucky. But it also depends on your own skill level as well. If you like to do your own maintenance and have the necessary skills, then an older boat is not such a risk.
Of the 2 boats you've mentioned, the V40 has an excellent reputation as a sea boat and your budget should buy a good one but be aware that sterndrive legs require more maintenance than shaftdrive (as fitted to Camargue 44/T48) so make sure you check them out well before buying

 

[bilzaf]

Deleted User that was a major issue in my recent search for a boat. everybody in the marina said me to avoid sterndrives. there was one sunseeker travado with 3208s but it wouldnt reach 25 knots flat out. and i chose instead a sealine s 37 mod 1997 with legs because it was newer and faster. and half consumption i reckon /forums/images/graemlins/smirk.gif