[Bruce Van Fleet]

Sorry to hear that Tom. But glad it sounds like you’re on the mend! Certainly makes our “prop problems” inconsequential. Hope you’re back to 100% soon.

[Bruce Van Fleet]

Hi Tom,
I’m just now getting around to considering what might be my best prop selection and will be making the swap in preparation for spring launch. As you may remember we are running the same boat and engines so I wanted to reach back out to you. By the end of last summer I was maxing out at 2860 RPM, relatively clean bottom, full fuel and water, and a summers worth of “stuff” on the boat but only two people. I currently have the M7 Zeus props and am maxing out at 2860 RPM. I recall your swap from M7 to M5 got you about 200 RPM (factoring in your heavier loading) so I’m leaning towards going to M5 myself and hoping it’ll get me easily to 3060. I’d probably consider M4’s if I could find any but the next size down I have located are M3 which feels like it may be too much off. Did you ever get around to installing your M2’s? Maybe your experience with the M2’s will sway my opinion on what I should go to. I’d love to know your thoughts and opinions on my own M5 or M3 debate. Thanks for any help.

[Bruce Van Fleet]

Hi Phil,
I was under the impression that the Cummins computer being hooked up during our run was going to track fuel burn but it did not. I do know we hit max rpm of 2950 port and 2960 stbd with full fuel and 7 guys on board, displayed a combined fuel burn of 59.6 GPH.
And great to know that seaboard will service the new aftercoolers before shipping but I’m just not sure I’d be able to convince them to order them from someone other than their usual source. I do want to tell them what I want done them before installing. Or at least the chance to it do myself.

[Bruce Van Fleet]

Good evening,
Got through a succesfull sea trial on the Sabre 48 with Cummins QSC 8.3 engines. As mentioned, 2012 aftercoolers never before serviced. Although temps were all ok, we were given an allowance to replace aftercoolers with new ones. I want to open the new ones up and Alco Metalube them the Seaboard way before they get put on. Two questions…1. Do I still install NEW o rings before re-assembly even though aftercoolers are brand new? 2. Should aftercoolers be pressure tested after reassembly or is this not required on brand new ones? Thanks again for the anticipated assistance. What a great resource! Hopefully someday soon I’ll have the added knowledge to pay it forward!

[Bruce Van Fleet]

Thanks for the additional info Tom. I’m interested to hear about your results with the prop change. Weather up here has delayed things for me a little bit. My sea trial was moved to next week. I’ll be sure to note rpms to determine if this one is over propped too.

[Bruce Van Fleet]

I will be sure to complete the fuel burn chart on the sea trial and post here for you thoughts.
And thank you Rob and Philip for taking the time to provide some helpful info!

[Bruce Van Fleet]

Thank you for your input Philip. To answer your questions, yes the boat is used in salt water and there is no fresh water flush installed. Port engine serial number is 73280826. Starboard engine serial number is 73279680. Engine model is QSC 550 HO P, CPL090600. I have attached what few pictures I have. As you can see, there is in fact the “blooming” as you called it from the end cap seem. My engine survey IS being done by Cummins NE out of Scarborough. ME. Are you suggesting you would not rely on their evaluations? If so, what do you estimate the cost to be if in a worst case scenario if both engines required the replacement of seawater pump, fuel/oil cooler, aftercooler, and heat exchanger. I agree, this may need to be factored into the purchase price. I am having the oil analysis done but wonder how worthwhile it will be since the oil was changed in November prior to layup. If there was salt water that got past the aftercoolers what other signs would there be? Also, would you be able to provide the RPM and Fuel burn info you had mentioned earlier?
Thank you very much for your thoughts. I am very grateful for the help.

[Author]

Replies