salt water cooled universal diesel

[Rick D]

I was just about to make an offer on a 1983 catalina 27 with a 11 hp universal diesel then found out it was salt water cooled and backed out. I did a little research and found that most are salt water cooled.I am going to have a diesel mec. check it out. Any imput would be helpful. Thanks

 

[Bob Camarena]

Not necessarily bad

Definitely have it checked out, but it's not necessarily a red flag. I have a 1981 that's still going strong however my boat spends most of its time in freshwater with occasional forays into SF Bay. Even if it's a bit clogged, it could just be deposits that can be cleaned out.

 

[mjbliemel]

Salt water cooled Petter

I have the original Petter AC1W diesel in my 1978 C27. It is salt water cooled. I wouldn't consider that a real drawback, mine still runs fine. Fresh water cooled would be preferable I suppose, but it shouldn't be a determining factor in my opinion on making a purchase. Lots of diesels have this kind of cooling system. Have a diesel mechanic look at it if you are in doubt as to its condition.

 

[steve brass]

it's the 11 horsepower

Never had a problem or clog with the salt water cooled system. But a minor drawback is the horsepower in some situations. If you keep aware of the max power available with this engine, you should be able to stay out of trouble. Trouble can be with strong wind or current where river meets ocean, trying to go through the Cape Cod Canal against the flow, making much headwind when a storm comes through, or even getting into a tight inner slip with tide and wind kicking up. Great boat for coastal cruising in Northeast.