On Sun, 1 May 2011 03:18:17 +0100, Capt. Ray Allen
wrote:


Still looking at Grandbanks 42,s and have found one that appears to be
outstanding! However, I don't have a clue as the problems inharent with
the Caterpiller engines (3208NA). If anyone has had experience with
this type of engine, PLEASE get back to me. Thank you in advance--CRA


The people I worked for in Indonesia had a 35? foot G.B. with 3208's
in it. They complained a lot about problems although what I saw was
mainly minor things. For example, the raw water pumps failed so
frequently that they bought two spares and carried them on the boat.
Overheat - change the pump.

I might add that during this period we were the largest purchaser of
CAT spare parts in the country so we got good service but the CAT
people sure hated to see us call :-)

In mitigating let me say that I have no idea how the engines were
operated, for all I know they might have been running them wide open
with the wrong props, and over the years I've seen little to complain
about with cat equipment..

There is a pretty good write describing various engines at
http://www.yachtsurvey.com/comparing_diesel_types.htm
Cheers,

Bruce
(bruceinbangkokatgmaildotcom)