Most suitable engine.

[David435]

We have finally accepted an offer for our boat and now are looking for a replacement. We prefer flybridge cruisers between 36 - 40ft but are unsure which engine combination is best and considered reliable and suitable as there is a vast difference in hp. The 40ft boat option is fitted with Volvo TAMD71B (357HP) while the 36ft boat options are fitted with Volvo TAMD61A (306HP), Cummins 6BTA (250HP) and Volvo KAMD42A (230HP). All boats would be expected to cruise at 18 - 20 knots and be suitable for long distance cruising to the channel islands.
Could any members advise their experiences with any of the above engines together with their consideration as to whether the engines would be powerful and reliable enough to meet our requirements.

 

[volvopaul]

We have finally accepted an offer for our boat and now are looking for a replacement. We prefer flybridge cruisers between 36 - 40ft but are unsure which engine combination is best and considered reliable and suitable as there is a vast difference in hp. The 40ft boat option is fitted with Volvo TAMD71B (357HP) while the 36ft boat options are fitted with Volvo TAMD61A (306HP), Cummins 6BTA (250HP) and Volvo KAMD42A (230HP). All boats would be expected to cruise at 18 - 20 knots and be suitable for long distance cruising to the channel islands.
Could any members advise their experiences with any of the above engines together with their consideration as to whether the engines would be powerful and reliable enough to meet our requirements.

Hi David looking at your post list of engines you are looking at Princess boats , more likely the 360.
I say this because they had the 42 , Cummins 250 etc.
The 71B is 380 hp , there is a 410 Princess listed with the 71B , the boat is actually an earlier 398 , nearly the same but the 410 has all the nice tweaks .
My view is that unless it’s a lighter boat stick with the bigger block engines , 61/71/73/74 etc .

The 410 I had was fitted with the 62A at 340 hp and gave a good cruise speed of 20 knots at 2200 rpm , the 360 Princess is a little better , my view would be to avoid the ones with the KAD 42 engines .
The Princess 360 is actually 40 ft overall, best engine option is the 63L or 63P. Plenty of power on tap.

 

[Nauti Fox]

We have 71B's in a 91 Fairline 45 Sedan which we've had for a year now, cruise is between 18-20 knots, flat out 26 with half tanks.
As I say, we've only had it for a year and a bit and did 98 hours last year.
No issues apart from the breather filters which I hadn't changed, once done no further issus.