48' Cat Questions
 

Hi all. New to the forum. New to O.E. picked up a '95 48'er with ASD 8's and no power. Here's my question. I'm shying away from big block power. I have access to two mint GE T-58-8f turbines, 1350hp each. But...I've seen discussions that these boats are nose heavy. Is this accurate? If so, I feel that turbines at a svelte 350lbs each, is perpetuating the problem. So in my mind, I'm thinking I'd be better off going with two compound turbo diesel engines for power. Im thinking that the extra weight in the rear, should help the bow lighten up a bit. Plus the torque of the diesels should be a benefit, and the fuel consumption is way less than the turbines, and especially blown big blocks. Thoughts? Diesels would run about 1200lbs a piece. Thanks in advance.

No I did not. I bought this privately. Survey came back excellent, so I jumped on it.

Go turbine power and dont look back!!!!

Niagara Falls, N.Y. It will be on the Upper Niagara River and Lake Erie mostly. With some time running Ontario. Plan to do the Ray Nuchereno Memorial Poker Run, Erie if we're ready and shook down, and 1000 Islands, schedule permitting.

302Sport I like the turbines, I'm just wondering if it will take too much weight off the stern.

Heres a 39 Ocean express with turbines that used to race. MTT actually still has the boat sitting there in a warehouse. They would be worth the call.

i will be going thru the erie canal this summer will try to see your turbine boat while down there
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302sport... That was your boat?! I have that video saved to my YouTube, and I've probably watched it 50 times. I think that the 39 is a better balanced boat, than the 48. So, as stated above, my concern is shifting weight to the bow, and off the stern. I've read that the 48's handle rough water like it's not there, no doubt due to the heavy bow staying down rather than riding up the waves. Taking weight off the rear would amplify this trait, and I'm concerned it will hurt the handling and the speed. Since I'm in the building phase, I'd rather build the problems out, rather than try to fix the problem after the fact.