Powerplant question from a future Carver owner

[allhanzondeck]

We are looking at a couple of 444 ES motor yachts. Powerplants are either the VOLVO TAMD or VOLVO D6 (both are 370HP). Your comments on performance and/or maintenance concerns pertaining to this size boat would be most appreciated.

[Lyndon670]

I have the bigger 485hp TAMD VOLVOS and they are fantastic. Fuel economy is superb, and they move along nicely. I was a Cummins guy before, but now I'm with Volvo all the way. Only downside(s) is that the maintenance is more costly (filters are more expensive), and you won't typically find a marine tech that has the tools/experience to cover all the diesel units. In other words, the Volvo tech will be able to do pretty much all the other brands, but all the other brands can't do Volvo. Reason being is that the other brands (CAT/Cummings) in the price point have simpler electronics that can be accessed with marine diagnostic tools that can be used from engine to engine. Volvo is specific and have a very expensive scanner setup that the the typical code reader won't/can't access. That causes your price per hour to be more. Don't let that scare you away however.

At the end the day, get a full engine survey with oil analysis. That is paramount.

[Hugo]

We are looking at a couple of 444 ES motor yachts. Powerplants are either the VOLVO TAMD or VOLVO D6 (both are 370HP). Your comments on performance and/or maintenance concerns pertaining to this size boat would be most appreciated.

Hi,

I have this boat with the TAMD63p Engines. Great boat, great engines. Make sure you are making at minimum 2800rpm WOT, best to be 2850 or so to not overload engines. Expect cruise speed to be 16-18 knots (closer to 16) depending on wind/current. Install Boost and EGT gauges if you get the 63Ps so you can monitor load. You will most likely have to take pitch out of props. I had to pitch down one inch when I bought it because it was barely making rpm the way Carver props them. By the time you load up fuel, water and put your gear on it you are over propped.

Good luck!