My Engine Experiences:

[Solana]

Volvo:

AD41s - twin installation in Fairline Targa, mid 1990s. One died at 800 hours. Required replacement

KAD42s: In Princess 366 Twin installation. +BANG! One of them lasted 900 hours then POP!

KAD 32s: 1500 hours in Windy 31 Still going strong I hear

KAD300s: Twin installation in Windy 34 - one of them gave up the ghost at 700 hours and refused to give more than 3550 rpm (supposed to max at 3900). Thousands of wasted diagnostics with Volvo in Poole. No solution - sold boat at big loss.

Yanmar:

75 hp in 2003 Jeanneau 49 - 4000 hours and still good I hear. Had to rebuild gearbox otherwise no issues.

55 hp in Jeanneau 42 - 1200 hours - still purring like a kitten.


I've always serviced engines religiously and changed oil at 100 h or service interval, whichever sooner.

Conclusion: If it's green, I don't buy it anymore!!!

[Dockhead]

Sample of my experience:

Perkins/Westerbeke 4-108. Father's boat. Clock broken at 9,000-odd hours when he bought it 16 years ago. Still going strong 16 years later after very very hard use (he motored to S America and back ). Frequent oil changes; no other repair or service. Leaks oil like a sieve; solved with diapers in the bilge. Verdict: good, if messy

Yanmar 4JH3HTE. 830 hours when bought. Smokes like a chimney but runs like a top. Problems: pinhole air leak in fuel system; bad electrical contacts to starter relay. Now 1800 hours. Verdict: good.