Engine Hours

[jeremiason]

When you get ready to purchase the boat, ask for an ENGINE SURVEY to be performed on both the main engines and the Generator by a Licensed Mechanic.

Sometimes, if the boat has been on the market for a while, someone else may have already done.

A proper engine survey will determine if the engines are in good shape.

The deterant to engine surveys by buyers is the cost... In the San Francisco area, where you appear to be from, it will cost about $500-750 for two engines.

[Cheechako]

then again, ac ouple of big diesels will set you back $40k or more!

[bobconnie]

Ahh some of us maintain a Engine and Mechinical Log, the same as we and all should do, maintain a ships log. I show and date any and all repairs, oil changes, mantaince on pumps and thru-hulls ect ect. I guess the younger generation has to have a computer to have a record for much of anything maybe?? But I was taught to keep records about the vessel I was responsable for. This habit has helped me sell a boat a time or two! some folks like to see a proper engine space, clean and organized, along with a log thats the same, clean and complete! Just a old timers old habits!

[Celestialsailor]

I bought my HR 35 for cheeeeeap!, mostly because the engine would not turn over...or so they thought. When I surveyed it (yes, I do my own), I found the engine would turn 350 degrees in each direction. Ultimately it was due to carbon. The owner had passed away and some well intentioned friends would start it every few weeks for 10 minutes and let it idle. See my thread... Challenge: Engine Diagnosis

Another thing to watch for is a badly routed exhaust or a plugged one. Yes...you have to dismantle it to find out.