KAD 44 or KAD 300

Kipper

Kipper

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I am thinking about upgrading to a Targa 34 now as they appear to be very good value at the moment.

My question is, is it worth paying roughly 20k premium for the newer boats with the KAD 300's in.
I have seen afew boats in the high £80K bracket with the KAD 44's and they seem very good value. OK newer is newer but are the 300's a great deal more pwerfull (25HP?)
 
I have twin Kad 300's in a Rodman 900 and a good friend has exact same boat with Kad44 - there is NO difference between the performance of the two boats. Kad44 and 300 are very similar if anything the KAD44 may be a little less stressed and is probably the one I would go for providing service history etc etc (very imporant that u see evidence of valve clearances being set every 200hrs on both models)
 
In terms of engine power the KAD44 is plenty good enough for the Targa 34. We had a Targa 35 with KAD 42's (230hp) and there was no issue with performance...in fact quite the contrary! :)

I think the 44's are 260hp and the 300's 285hp. There may be other reasons to opt for the 300 but I don't think that power is one of them. Worth noting that tappets are an issue on both and that maintenance is crucial to avoid a trashed top end.
 
The kad 300 is a smoother motor and has all the tweaks of the 44, both old units, just make sure they have correct service history paying particular attention to the valve adjustment schedule.
 
I have KAD300s in my current boat. They are lovely smooth and powerful motors; IMHO much nicer than any of the four cylinder lumps. Not driven a KAD44 powered boat, but as the 300 is just a minor evolution, would expect it to be similar. I don't think the 50 hp total variance will be significant in a Targa 34. I think I'd be more concerned about the condition of the rest of the boat and the drives in particular than making the motor the deciding factor. Happy hunting!
 
AdeOlly said:
I have KAD300s in my current boat. They are lovely smooth and powerful motors; IMHO much nicer than any of the four cylinder lumps. Not driven a KAD44 powered boat, but as the 300 is just a minor evolution, would expect it to be similar. I don't think the 50 hp total variance will be significant in a Targa 34. I think I'd be more concerned about the condition of the rest of the boat and the drives in particular than making the motor the deciding factor. Happy hunting!
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The kad 300 has a different two piece outdrives, much stronger than the kad 44 drive, I'd go with the 300 set up.
 
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