CAT 3208T diesels in a 1981 Cigarette 41
 

Hi has anybody had any experience with cat 3208t on trs outdrives ? twin setup on a 1981 Cigarette 41 . should i buy this boat ? how us this system work ? is it different to a bravo drive with gears and clutch cones ? they quote bhp to be 370 per engine 50 knots flat-out
thanks Ricky

TRS use transmissions.The transmissions if they are the 72c model hold up pretty well with moderate HP.The drives are pretty good also.Guys around here use 72c in back of those 3208's all the time crabbing.They use the hell out of them and not a lot of problems.JOHN SR

sorry just informed that they are not TRS they are Mercruiser SSM III

That's even better.SS 3 use bigger transoms and gimbals and most likely have built 72c transmissions with the extra plate or cyborg ect type. YOU should be good.IMO JOHN SR

thanks for help Ricky

what is a boat like that worth?

I had 3208s in an ocean yacht and loved them. They are reliable 375 hp and less. they are big cubic inches. don't run them to the pins. Stay at 75 to 80 percent and run them there all day.

I had a pair of the 400 HP versions in a Sea Ray 40 EC...simply put...outstanding propulsion system. Big torque motors and very smooth....very reliable. The 3208's make BIG torque and can swing a big prop. There was a 35 Mistress here in South Florida that I know from personal experience trying to run him down...running a pair of 3208's and could hold 60-65 for hours on end.

If you get the 41 you will have something not only economical to operate but very unique for sure.

Hi. got the 41 today will post pictures soon as pos

cant wait to see pics, thats the way to go, big diesel. I have been researching 3208s as I just picked up a TopKick with a fresh 375hp turbo in it. its a bit dated by todays standards but fantastic for what it is when used within its limit. ive heard very reliable and the best cold start around. they also appear fairly cheap to replace if need be, they have been referred to as a throw away motor as the bores are not sleeved. ive not read anything that would sway me away from them although I've read they are not great when used at high duty cycles (by this I mean a truck pulling doubles 24/7)