Where Are The Donzi Folks?

Cat C18 acerts are 1150hp, they burn 85 gph at 80% load. I would say your Detroits on their best day are putting out 1000hp and probably even less now. That combined with some weight savings from the Cats, you'd see a 4-5 knot increase. But CAT has nothing really between the c 18 and C32. So you're either a 6 cylinder or massive 12 cylinder.

Hp is HP and it takes X amount of fuel to make X amount of HP on a modern diesel. You have enough fuel, and I forget what 10v2000's burn, I ran one set at 1400hp or somewhere around there, and I think they were 120GPH for the pair at 80% load. I didn't like the way they ran, they were in a 64' Hatteras MY, you'd get to around 1950rpms, the one turbo would cut out the boat would fall on it's face and drop to 1850rpms, then the other turbo would cut in and quickly start accelerating again, it was odd. Like being on a bucking bronco. I ran the boat from WPB,FL to St. Michaels, MD probably 5 years ago. They are not a very common engine at all and in that HP range C32's are found in most all SF in MY's till you get to the 16v2000 range, also Viking put them in a SF in the beginning and found they were way overpropped based on their initial calculations of what prop they should be running in that hull and came to the conclusion they didn't make the HP they claimed.

What HP MTU's did they use to get 30 knots?

I've not heard great things about the 8/10 V2000's, even the m-93's. Only one boat I know has the 10-2000's.
I love "my" Donzi; it's a great boat in all sea conditions and it's super roomy. It looks awesome and I get more looks at any dock than just about other boat when we travel up and down the coast.
I've been busy so I didn't see this thread until today...

When the M-93's came out there was much anticipation for the whole series- 8/10/12 and 16's. With the added HP the 10's could be used where previously the 12's were needed. Viking Yachts tried it and found the 8's and 10's did not produce as expected and they did not use them to any great extent, and other manufacturers seemed to follow suit. I say this as I used to work for Viking at the FL yard and it's what I heard while there and shortly after I left. I don't see them (8's/10's) in many other sportfish vessels. We do have a smaller Jarrett Bay in my marina with the 10's and the captain says they are "okay". I don't think MTU has sold and installed many of them, and I don't see them often. The 12's and 16's? Quite common and and industry standard in the m91, m93 and m94 versions. Remember this is just my professional opinion and info so take it with a grain of salt. The 10's may make a great engine for your boat; I think they are worth further investigation- but there is a reason why there seems to be so few compared to the popularity of the 12's and 16's.

Busy..... What's going on with the sea deuce ? That thread is in need of an update just sayin..........

Have you looked at the MAN products? They have 12 cylinder models rated at 1400, 1550 and 1800 hp. I don't to look like I'm endorsing them- but the only three companies to consider are MAN, CAT and MTU imho.

Then I'd be taking a hard look at CAT, since we both told you the exact same thing about the MTU's. However the ones I ran in the Hatteras did cruise it at 26.5 knots which is about right in the HP department.

I think the 10v2000 m94's might be 1625 hp. M93 are 1500 iirc. With that hp in your 58 you may not experience the symptoms Capt J speaks of due to the higher hp for the size of the vessel. Proper consultations are in order to determine if they are a good match. M94's would be pricey but you'd have the fastest 58 our there I'd guess.

C 18's would be your cheapest route by far. You could still utilize your existing running gear. Quite honestly I wouldn't even consider 8v2000's there are very very few of them out there for good reason, parts are hard to come by, and the C18 is a very proven and reliable motor. I ran one boat with 8v183 MTU's also a low production motor and parts were a royal pain to source at times, meanwhile you can get 12v183 parts all day every day.

If you want to go faster 10v2000's are a consideration or go with the tried and true and also bulletproof C32s. But you're going to have a huge jump in fuel consumption, engine cost, and running gear for possibly 5 knots faster. Resale would be considerably easier with the Cat option. Man's would also be a 2nd consideration for me.

You don't see SF manufacturers using 8v and 10v2000's and there are reasons for that. In a SF Cat's are the leader, then Man's in popularity (until you get into the 16v2000's).

Have you given Bob Roscioli a call and asked about his input. I'm sure he'd love to talk to you and might have more insight than we do.

If cost is a factor and everything else. It looks like C18 acerts are the way to go. If you don't mind spending $150k more (between running gear, motor price etc.) then 10v2000's seem a viable option, but I think I'd go with Man's before them. But what do you gain with the larger expense, a lot more fuel burn, 5 knots maybe, a lot more upfront and some maintanence expense.....

If I was doing it all over again I would be looking for at least 1400hp. It made a huge difference how the boat runs.

What engines did you repower with?

MTU 12v2000.. If I was to do it again I would lean towards MTU but I would certainly consider all options. That was back in 2002 I can't imagine the cost of the engines today.

It depends what you're looking for in expense versus speed and fuel burn. My experiences have been the same as bamboo's, I have not heard great things about the 10v2000's, and 1400HP seems like a lot to squeeze out of those 10 cylinders. I only ran one set. However, C32's don't make any sense in your boat either. At this time, personally, my considerations would be between C18 acerts (only motor I'd consider in the 1150hp range), then Man's or possibly the 10v2000 if you're seeking more HP. But I'd probably go Man over 10v2000 honestly.