Dick, I have some experience with a pair of the 210 bhp, non-turbocharged version 3208 Caterpillars that may be of some help. I have been exposed to several different opinions on the overhaul life. Some say the overhaul life is 6000 to 8000 hours. Our local Cat dealer held a seminar for 3208 owners a couple of years ago. During the question and answer session the 3208's life was discussed in terms of total fuel burned by the engine. Numbers quoted ranged from 30,000 gallons to 100,000 gallons total fuel burn before overhaul. This approach of estimating life treats the engine as an energy conversion device( which it is) and that it can convert just so much energy in it's life. When life is estimated this way it is dependent on the power level at which you operate the engine. This is especially important relative to the 3208 because it's various versions carry maximum bhp ratings from 150 up to 435. Naturally you'll be cruising at less than maximum bhp. If you go to our website, http://members.tripod.com/~Nereid_V/ and look at our equipment page, there are two links you may find of interest, one is to Cat's site. Once there you'll have to further surf to get to their marine engine rating sheets, look for sheet LEHM 5037. There you can find fuel burn figures for all versions of the 3208 at various engine speeds. The other link just above it will take you to our engine/ propeller performance estimates for our vessel. We get 9 to 10 knots at about 1600 rpm (39 bhp) at a fuel burn of 2 to 3 gph/engine. My major concern with the boat you are looking is that you will turn the engines too slowly if you want to operate at displacement boat speed. I would contact Caterpillar relative to their minimum recommended cruise engine speed. Cruise on a single engine could be a alternative In so far as engine weaknesses, the Jabsco raw water pump is the most troublesome item. Our only other significant problem has been failure of both engine's throttle input shaft seals. I understand these are only good for 15 years or so service. $20 in parts but 10 hours labor to replace per engine. We have only about 1500 hours on our 18 year old 3208's. I have no idea about the maintenance implications of the turbochargers and intercoolers. My only relationship with Cat and it's dealer is being a very satisfied customer. Regards, George Brooks Nereid V LaConner, WA -------------------------------------------snip----------------------------- -------------- Subject: 375 CATS/88 46 GRAND BANKS >I'm toyiing with the purchase of a 88 46 Grandbanks classic with 375 Cats. Can >anybody give me there ideas what I should be thinking about as far as concerns >in regards to either of these specs. Insofar as the Cats what kind of annual >cost am I looking at with aprox 300 hrs of use per year, the boat now has 1200 >hrs.At what hours do the big cost come rolling in on these engines? Anything >to look out for during survey? Also is there any quirks about a 46 that I ---------------------------------------------snip--------------------------- --------------- >Thanks >Dick von Roth