High-Horsepower Diesel Head-to-Head

Volume 16
•
Number 2
•
February 2003

Many of the charts & tables found on this site are PDFs.

High-Horsepower Diesel Head-to-Head

With identical boats as test platforms, twin Cummins diesels face off against a pair of Caterpillars. The winner’s more efficient fuel system proves to be the difference.

Technical advisor Erik Klockars
ûhooked up our DZL fuel-flow meter
ûto the starboard engine on each
ûtest boat.

Tiara’s consumer-friendly website lets you spec your dream boat (and it may indeed be a dream). Choose the fishing equipment, the helm controls, the upholstery, etc. The Holland, MI, boatbuilder even gives you several propulsion options.

For instance, you can buy the Tiara 3800 with twin Cummins 6CTA 8.3 diesels (450 hp) for $379, 500. The same boat with twin Caterpillar 3126B diesels (450 hp) goes for $381,400. Cummins or Caterpillar—which is best for this boat?

Well, we just happen to have speed, fuel usage and noise data on two Tiara 3800s—one with said Cats, the other with said Cummins. Our same-day tests and additional research provide you with a body of…

Subscriber login
Purchase selection, or begin your FREE 14-day trial subscription to powerboat-reports.com.
Click Here to download Adobe Acrobat