10-17-2017, 10:04 PM
Can't help you too much with the boat other than recommend getting a good surveyor. I currently have a 43 open which I believe has the same bottom. It is without a doubt a great running and well built boat that can safely handle a pretty aggressive seaway with a comfortable ride. All things considered it is the best boat I have ever owned.
Regarding the engines my last boat was a 43 Bertram with DD 6v92 550's, very similar setup to what you are getting into. Generally speaking they are good reliable engines. 4000 hours is a lot of time for a high output Detroit (assuming yours are 550hp) so you may be looking at overhaul in the not too distant future. most DD techs will tell you how the engines have been run are more important than the number of hours so depending on the previous owner you may get lucky. I would highly recommend an engine inspection but if not here are a couple of things to check:
1- cold start (engines not run for at least 24 hours) the engines should light immediately to a smooth idle with no hunting after the first few seconds. Smoke is ok, expected and should clear within 30-45 seconds. A little sheen on water normal but should immediately clear as well.
2-these engines do not like to be over-propped/over-loaded. at wide open throttle the boat should exceed rated RPM by 20-50 RPM so look for 2320-2350 after 30 seconds or so WOT.
3- engines should not smoke once warm, other than maybe when pushing up over the hump. Steam at cruise speed will dissipate quickly and is ok. Continuous Blue, black or white smoke not good.
4- gear oil should be clean. Dark oil could indicate a rear seal leak which is an expensive fix.
5- look over past oil samples and maintenance history if available.
if you go onto boatdiesel.com there is a wealth of information that may lead you to other things to check.
Good luck and hope you become a 43 owner.
Regarding the engines my last boat was a 43 Bertram with DD 6v92 550's, very similar setup to what you are getting into. Generally speaking they are good reliable engines. 4000 hours is a lot of time for a high output Detroit (assuming yours are 550hp) so you may be looking at overhaul in the not too distant future. most DD techs will tell you how the engines have been run are more important than the number of hours so depending on the previous owner you may get lucky. I would highly recommend an engine inspection but if not here are a couple of things to check:
1- cold start (engines not run for at least 24 hours) the engines should light immediately to a smooth idle with no hunting after the first few seconds. Smoke is ok, expected and should clear within 30-45 seconds. A little sheen on water normal but should immediately clear as well.
2-these engines do not like to be over-propped/over-loaded. at wide open throttle the boat should exceed rated RPM by 20-50 RPM so look for 2320-2350 after 30 seconds or so WOT.
3- engines should not smoke once warm, other than maybe when pushing up over the hump. Steam at cruise speed will dissipate quickly and is ok. Continuous Blue, black or white smoke not good.
4- gear oil should be clean. Dark oil could indicate a rear seal leak which is an expensive fix.
5- look over past oil samples and maintenance history if available.
if you go onto boatdiesel.com there is a wealth of information that may lead you to other things to check.
Good luck and hope you become a 43 owner.
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