jps wrote:
I keep hearing that boat hours are different than normal applications--
that'd have diesels running constantly for those long-hour lives.

And, that low hour diesels should be gazed upon with suspicion (not that
any engine shouldn't be suspect) since infrequent use is not kindly to
diesel engine parts.

Is this baloney or is there some basis in fact?

jps

I say Baloney!

Check out Cummins. their Consolidated Diesel (the same type in the
dodge Pickup trucks) is very efficient. hold together well, and
replacement parts (if ever needed) are down to competetive marketing.
Cat is good stuff, but if you need anyting, hold on tight!
perkins is a cantankerous old engine that does well, but you don't get
the hr's out of them as you would the cat or cummins. a 2 cycle
Detroit was great in their day, but they like to leak oil regardless of
what configuration. They got a nink-name of "Drip-troit"

But they pushed boats for years. Odly enough, parts for the 2-cycle
"Jimmys' are high.
AND they suffer low end torque. you have to ahve them wound tight
(approx 24-2600 rpm) to get effeciency out of them.

I'd check out the marine versions of the 5.9 cummins myself.