Boat decision

[Txapeldun2807]

Hello guys, I currently own a Luhrs 380 convertible 1997 with twin CAT 3126, have been offered a Hatteras 55 convertible 1989 with twin Detroit 12v71 and a Hatteras 46 convertible 1993 with twin Detroit 8v92 which boat do you recommend

Thanks for your advice

 

[Captain Ralph]

The 12V71s if they are in good shape.

 

[divert00]

The 55 has a monster engine room. It makes maintenance work a pleasure. 12v71s bulletin proof if maintained.

 

[Fanfare]

It is true that the Detroit 71 series have a deserved reputation for longevity. But after 30 of use years my twin 6V-92TA mechanically-controlled engines have been flawless, requiring even fewer repairs then the 71N engines they replaced. And no oil leaks! Therefore I would pick whichever boat you like best.

However, absolutely avoid the later Detroit Diesel electronic controlled DDEC engines. Don't work, no parts.

 

[jim rosenthal]

The boat with 12v-71s.

 

[Briankinley2004]

I have owned both except my current 46 has 8V71's instead of the 92's. The 55 is tiers above when it comes to space. The extra beam and length give it lots of room. For me that became a negative when I moved to my current location. The water is shallow up here and all my family is 12 hours away. So it became just me taking care of the boat and the 46 is much more manageable. The engine room on the 55 is a true stand up engine room you can enter from the cockpit. The 46 allows you to get around good in the ER though. The 55 cruised at 18 knots but drank 60 gallons per hour. The 46 cruises at 15-16 knots but only drinks 35 gph or so. With the 92's you should cruise faster but I can't comment on fuel burn. If you fish the cockpit on the 55 is way larger with plenty of room but the boat is harder to anchor or hold over structure than the 46. Also everything on the 55 seems to cost more but I think you will find the 92's in the 46 may offset that. My 55 had ZF gears which are strong but they are $$ to service where the Allisons in the 46's are not near the money to replace. At the end of the day though the condition of the boats and engines would play alot in the decision for me. I would be happy with either one providing they were in good condition but would pick 71 series engines if all else was equal

 

[madhatter1]

I have the same boat as Brian. 1983 Series 2 46 with 8-92's @650HP. Burn about 37GPH at 20 knots. Slightly underpropped. 1900RPM.

 

[rsmith]

I have owned both except my current 46 has 8V71's instead of the 92's. The 55 is tiers above when it comes to space. The extra beam and length give it lots of room. For me that became a negative when I moved to my current location. The water is shallow up here and all my family is 12 hours away. So it became just me taking care of the boat and the 46 is much more manageable. The engine room on the 55 is a true stand up engine room you can enter from the cockpit. The 46 allows you to get around good in the ER though. The 55 cruised at 18 knots but drank 60 gallons per hour. The 46 cruises at 15-16 knots but only drinks 35 gph or so. With the 92's you should cruise faster but I can't comment on fuel burn. If you fish the cockpit on the 55 is way larger with plenty of room but the boat is harder to anchor or hold over structure than the 46. Also everything on the 55 seems to cost more but I think you will find the 92's in the 46 may offset that. My 55 had ZF gears which are strong but they are $$ to service where the Allisons in the 46's are not near the money to replace. At the end of the day though the condition of the boats and engines would play alot in the decision for me. I would be happy with either one providing they were in good condition but would pick 71 series engines if all else was equal

You have 8/ti’s? That should be a solid 20kt boat @2100 rpm

 

[JEw]

We have a 1994 50C with 1271 DDEC with 1400 hours no problems.