Volvo Penta 'KAMD43 Kompressor' engines

[DavidMcMullan]

Hi, Is there anything that should put me off buying a boat with these (2003) engines? Engine hours around 1400hrs. Are there likely to be any problems with spares in the next 5-10 years? Any particular 'major cost' maintenance items, I should be aware of? Thanks in advance, David.

 

[Greg2]

Good motors. The KAD series was a development of the AD41, which was a very good start and to my mind the 43 was the best of the bunch (the early 42 had one or two issues (nothing major - we had them on a boat and they were good) and the 44 and 300 just got more complex).

There are lots of these around so I would be surprised if parts become a major issue. I would buy a boat with them - in fact they would be my preference over the subsequent D series on the basis that I prefer simplicity and something I can look after myself.

 

[Momac]

I agree .
The best engine of its type .

 

[Mr Googler]

I’ve got 42’s....love them. Dead simple

I would defo buy a boat with 43’s

 

[DavidJ]

I’ve got KAD43’s
I think the peak of reliability before the electronic and multivalve engines came in.
I notice a few posts of late with computer and control problems starting to emerge with the later KAD44’s. I guess 15 year old electronics in a salt environment is going a bit

 

[BruceK]

I’ve got 42’s....love them. Dead simple

I would defo buy a boat with 43’s

+1

They are not without some faults as all and every engine is but they are simple to work on and easier to fix. If they made new engines this way they'd be my choice too.
1400 hours is no train smash if they have been looked after, mine have done considerably more and show no signs of giving up just yet.