60,000 hour 1271Ns????

[pizzazsdaddy]

We've all heard GM 71 series engine longevity stories. This one takes the prize! Meet Captain Billy Black...

I ran into Captain Billy while visiting Marsh Harbor in the Bahamas this summer. Captain Billy Black is the proud owner of DUTCHESS. A stunningly beautiful 1967 Hatteras 50 Convertible, that he's owned and chartered (almost daily) throughout the Caribbean, and now in Stuart FL, since 1974. Over the past 4 years, DUTCHESS has undergone a complete refit including newer Cummins power. What a lovely boat...


Inside and out.

But here's the kicker...Captain Billy claims he got 60,000 hours out of his old 1271Ns before replacing them 5 years ago. Never ran them above 10 knots. Followed the recommended maintenance schedule to the letter. I've personally known a guy that got 13,000 hours...but 60,000 hours is a new pinnacle. Good for you Captain Billy!

 

[Boatsb]

http://www.crazymatt.org/detroit60.jpg

 

[rsmith]

Good to see Billy back on the Dutchess. The boat had 8/71 naturals in it. I've known him and the boat since 1976 when he and his wife brought it back from Trinidad. The boat ran everyday out of Walkers for nearly 30 years until the hurricanes of '04 destroyed the island. Back in the 90's I remember he had 40k on the engines then. Engines that run everyday and keep fresh oil in them technically could run forever. Some say 90% of engine wear is from cold starts.

 

[krush]

http://www.crazymatt.org/detroit60.jpg

Where'd you find that? Was it from me?

 

[Boatsb]

Searched the internet for it. It was in the back of my mind from way back I read it either here or another site.

 

[pizzazsdaddy]

I stand corrected RSMITH. I have no idea why I was thinking 12s, When Capt. Billy showed me the boat and told me the story, I forgot about the original 871s in this model. I was so impressed by his stewardship of it. What a cool guy!