The Boating Forum - In need of Detroit mechanic for survey

I currently have a boat under contract and I am looking to get an extensive engine survey done. The vessel is powered by twin 550hp 6v92TA Detroit Diesel's and is moored on the Hudson River in Millbrook New York. I would also like to have the mechanic accompany me during the sea trial if possible. If anyone can point me in the right direction of a good Detroit mechanic or marine engine surveyor that services that area, I would greatly appreciate it. Thanks.

These engines DO NOT have a good track record, too much HP out of that block and several other issues. Sorry I can't help you with a Surveyor. Johnson and Towers are detriot guys in jersey but i dont know if they would go up there.

I have been doing as much research as I can on these engines and I have read what you said about the horsepower. That is mainly why I want to find a good Detroit mechanic and or marine engine surveyor to go over them with a fine toothed comb. I'll give Johnson and Towers a call and see if they offer surveys up that way in New York. Your information if much appreciated, thank you.

What kind of boat are the engines in?? Sometimes your hull surveyor can give you a few referrals on who to use for the engines. Just another option for you. Best of luck. J/T would be a good phonecall for you to make.

The vessel is a 1995 42' Egg Harbor convertible and weighs in at 36,500 pounds. I will ask the vessel surveyor who they recommend. I will also make a call to Johnson and Towers today and find out if they service that area. Thank you for your time and information.

Got it, let us know how you make out.

Unfortunately I had to walk away from this purchase after the initial survey and sea trial was performed. I just signed the vessel rejection notice and received my deposit back. The surveyor found numerous mechanical issues with both the propulsion and auxiliary machinery as well as a few leaks that damaged some of the interior and who knows what else. None of this was present during my initial inspection. Had the initial survey and sea trial gone well I was going to use Johnson & Towers for the mechanical survey. They really were a pleasure to deal with and provided me with good information and answered the many questions that I had. I will definitely use them when I find the right boat. Thanks again for the help and for pointing me in the direction of J&T, it was much appreciated! Will update again if I find another boat.

On a different note, did South Jersey Yacht Sales ever have an office at Forge Landing Marina in Brick Town? My dad has been at that marina for the past 25 years and I could swear that I remember SJYS having an office there. If I recall correctly the dock master at that time would have been a fellow named Dave, don't remember his last name though.

550 wasn't so bad on 6v92's by the way, run and cared for properly. I know a guy has over 3,000 hours on his and they check out fine, and several other happy owners. It's when they got juiced well above that and driven hard they got their bad reputation.

Good example of why the $$ spent for a survey are well worth it.