Which engine? Cummins 450C, Cat 3126B, or Volvo 74P - The Hull Truth

Onewolf · 07-26-2006, 03:20 PM

I'm doing some research and the boat model I'm interested in was available with those three engines. Which engine would be preferred and why?

The Cummins and Cat were rated 450HP, and the Volvo 480HP

Thanks.

Doug

fishman 77 · 07-26-2006, 03:22 PM

CUMMINS - THEY ARE BULLET PROOF!!

baitkiller · 07-26-2006, 03:33 PM

All great engines in the 7 liter category. I like the Volvo best because it has the best EDC system and controls IMO. Also consider its a liner engine, so if you lunch a cylinder the repair can happen without stripping the block bare for machining. Cummins probably has the best warranty for pleasure duty, Volvo second and Cat third. Factory warranties, not extended. The Cat is probably the strongest, power wise, of the three. That 3126 really likes to push boats. I've been very impressed by their performance. Parts and service are readily available and obscenely expensive for all three. I hear " Volvo Parts are expensive" all the time. Hogwash, stuff and nonsense. ALL diesel parts are expensive. Caterpillar service is super spendy. Several hundred just to show up. What's your favorite color? Yellow, Green or mat white?

MadDoc · 07-26-2006, 03:35 PM

I've got the Cummins commmon-rail engines (380 hp) and they've run great except I had an ECM die on me at around 70 hours. They replaced it quickly, no problems since

steveyacht · 07-26-2006, 03:48 PM

Of the three you mentioned I would rate them in this order: Volvo, Cummins then Cat. Volvo for the reasons given and in addition they will most likely provide you with the best overall economy. Cummins very solid. Cats.... Overall Cats are veryt good motors but their 31 series motors have experienced more than their share of problems.

Onewolf · 07-26-2006, 03:49 PM

I had Volvo diesels in a previous boat and I thought the service/mantenance parts were enormously expensive. I guess that just goes with the territory (anything 'marine' = $$$, anything 'diesel' and 'marine' = $$$$$$).

Doug

Onewolf · 07-26-2006, 03:53 PM

BTW, currently 70% of the boats of this model on the market have the Volvos, 20% Cummins, 10% Cat.

So it wouldn't be a bad thing if the Volvo ends up being preferred (not that we're ready to make the move to the bigger boat at this point in time).

Thanks for the replies so far.

Doug

go-fish · 07-26-2006, 03:56 PM

Cummins has my vote, it's a workhorse!

spearfish3 · 07-26-2006, 03:58 PM

The Cummins 450 is an 8.3L engine and on the same block as the QSC8.3 540 hp. I like the cummins the best, and that engine should last a ton of hours. The cat 31 series is know for problems, and the volvo is going to be very expensive to fix. The only downside to the cummins is its a mechanical engine so it will be louder than a common rail. Good luck.

EAGLEOCNJ · 07-26-2006, 04:18 PM

I personally dont know the specific engines but as far as the gas inboard motors, Volvo parts are way more$$$ for parts than any other. Ive heard the same for diesels. Sounds like Cummins parts are readily available; Volvo you wait a week before you bend over. I know this first hand.

bewitched · 07-26-2006, 04:21 PM

Another vote for Cummins. Simple design, and tough as nails.

Bitefish · 07-26-2006, 04:26 PM

Cummins, hands-down.

ben · 07-26-2006, 04:28 PM

Cat 3126B: great engine. No smoke, great torque and fuel economy, very simple on maintenance.
I know of problem on the 3116 series. No issues as I know, about the newest 3126Bs and C7s
ben

Bigeye10 · 07-26-2006, 04:40 PM

anyone hear rumors that cummins is coming out with a ceramic engine, doesnt require oil or something, probably just a rumor ?

bewitched · 07-26-2006, 06:03 PM

I was going to make a joke about a ceramic engine that doesn't need oil, and runs on tapwater.
But I remembered a thread recently about smart alec comments not helping, so I'll hold back.
I haven't heard about that, but that could change everything, huh?

Knot Tight · 07-26-2006, 07:09 PM

All three are great motors. I have a Volvo and it has the electronic controls which I like. Service is difficult in my area though and they bend you over on part but I can get any part overnighted to me for a cost so I am not sure about the above guys 1 week wait time. I have heard CAT will really get you on service as was already said. Cummins you should have an easier time with parts and they may be less than the other two. I think it would come down to a service facility in my area with all three being very good motors. I have been told three weeks for service here before and needless to say I just did the work myself.

EAGLEOCNJ · 07-26-2006, 08:40 PM

My experience was with a 1992 Volvo gas engine(s). Im sure if you have TAMDs, or one of the newer ones things would be easier. I can only give my opinion which is Volvo is no doubt last in my book. If I ever owned a CAT or Cummins I could then have an opinion on them.

Another example, MS-4 transmissions. Due to the small size and down angle, many boat manufacturers went with them and were able to fit the engines below decks (no boxes) as a result. These days, you break an MS-4 and they are not made anymore. Anyway, you prob. get my point - I had several bad experiences with Volvo and would stay away from them with my 50, 60, 100k for diesels.

CaptWill · 07-26-2006, 08:48 PM

Based on my ownership of a boat with Cummins, and of knowledge of plenty marina slip-holder exoeriences, it would be: #1; Cummins, without a doubt. Second choice is Cat. Volvo a very distant 3rd.

prowlersfish · 07-26-2006, 09:19 PM

Quote:

CaptWill - 7/27/2006 7:48 AM

Based on my ownership of a boat with Cummins, and of knowledge of plenty marina slip-holder exoeriences, it would be: #1; Cummins, without a doubt. Second choice is Cat. Volvo a very distant 3rd.

I could not have said it better myself

modunlavy · 07-26-2006, 09:49 PM

First thing to do is find out about service in your area for the three.... that will by far impact your enjoyment of the boat the most when/if you have a problem.

As a service/sales manager for a company that is an authorized dealer for both CAT and Cummins I'll tell you this:

CAT has a much better warranty than Cummins, and much better 'policy' after the fact. Most of the rumors you hear about CAT not standing behind their product are just that, and they are from a friend of friend of a friend. See if you can find someone who personally had an issue CAT didn't stand behind and you probably can't.

Personally, I do like the Cummins engine better in this comparison than the CAT 3126. Not that there is anything wrong with CAT, but the Cummins has less hp / cubic inch, Parts are somewhat less expensive in comparison, etc.

As for Volvo, YES - the parts are more expensive. Period. I have a volvo TAMD41 in my personal boat and the parts are high compared to comparable cummins (6B) and even the 3126. Remember, I price parts everyday.... And I know first hand about the MS4 issue mentioned above as I just blew up my MS3 (older version of MS4). No worries because all parts are readily available, though I will probably update to an HS1. Overall I have been very happy with this Volvo (and my last one).

However, the parts pricing is insignificant compared to getting good service. I recommend visiting the dealers in your area for the three, ask around the docks about the service dealers, and get a comfortable feeling and go with that one. All three are solid motors overall.

Michael