[Gicas1954]

I’m in the process of buying a used Tiara 3800 open with 2 Cummins 8.3 490hp with about 1700  hours on them. Assuming they have been regularly maintained are 1700 hours a lot? What’s the average number of hours before major mechanical revisions?

[Sans Peur]

Not sure about the Cummins but as long as they were serviced I would think it would be good. Get a membership to boatdiesel.com and ask there. Those guys really know their stuff.

[Capt James]

Boats, just like airplanes, break when they aren't used. I'd be interested to know what year your boat is and the usage per year. I would much rather have a 15 year old boat with 1700 hours than only 700 hours. Keeping the boat exercised and serviced is key to its longevity and serviceability. I have the exact same engines in my 3800 and expect to get well over 3000 hours of faithful service.

[Gicas1954]

Not sure about the Cummins but as long as they were serviced I would think it would be good. Get a membership to boatdiesel.com and ask there. Those guys really know their stuff.

Thank you. I will do.

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Boats, just like airplanes, break when they aren't used. I'd be interested to know what year your boat is and the usage per year. I would much rather have a 15 year old boat with 1700 hours than only 700 hours. Keeping the boat exercised and serviced is key to its longevity and serviceability. I have the exact same engines in my 3800 and expect to get well over 3000 hours of faithful service.

It’s a 2006 and it has exactly 1515 hours

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Boats, just like airplanes, break when they aren't used. I'd be interested to know what year your boat is and the usage per year. I would much rather have a 15 year old boat with 1700 hours than only 700 hours. Keeping the boat exercised and serviced is key to its longevity and serviceability. I have the exact same engines in my 3800 and expect to get well over 3000 hours of faithful service.

It’s a 2006 and it has exactly 1515 hours

[greylion]

Do your normal preventive maintenance and if in salt water, service the after coolers and heat exchangers every couple of years. I have 1850 hours on my 2006, runs like a top, no major issues since I bought it in 2013 end of season with 425 hours. Great engines.

[GeoDoc]

Seaboard Marine has lots of information on these engines. [Only registered and activated users can see links Click here to register] The owner, Tony, is IMO the the guru of Cummins engines. As you will see when you read his tips and other material he especially recommends servicing the cooling system in a specific way and specific time intervals.

[August Rush]

You should be able to get thousands of hours (like 5000-10,000) out of properly maintained marine diesels. Your question is very hard to answer. Check out boatsdiesel.com for lots of information.