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Cabo 40 with CAT C12’s- Good or??

Discussion in 'Cabo Yacht' started by DOCKMASTER, Dec 20, 2021.

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  1. DOCKMASTER, Dec 20, 2021
    #1
    DOCKMASTER

    DOCKMASTER Senior Member

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    I have a friend looking at a 2005 40’ Cabo convertible with 700hp CAT C12s. Only has like 1100 hrs on them. One aftercooler has been replaced, the other one is in a crate ready to be installed. I don’t know the story why only one was done. Yes, the easy side was the one that was done. Yes, full surveys will be done.

    What say those with knowledge of this boat and engines?
  2. Capt J, Dec 20, 2021
    #2
    Capt J

    Capt J Senior Member

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    They're good engines, the express did 30.5 knots at cruise, figure 28.5 knots for the flybridge. A little noisier and slower than the man 800's or cummins zues that were options then.
    boatpoor likes this.
  3. DOCKMASTER, Dec 20, 2021
    #3
    DOCKMASTER

    DOCKMASTER Senior Member

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    Thanks J. How about the boat? Any gremlins?
  4. Capt J, Dec 20, 2021
    #4
    Capt J

    Capt J Senior Member

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    No, Cabo's are great boats. The 40' is a very respected boat and many consider one of Cabo's best riding boats.
  5. CaboFly, Dec 21, 2021
    #5
    CaboFly

    CaboFly Member

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    Great hull and boat. I would look over gelcoat carefully to see how much crazing it has. Crazing bothers some more than others.
  6. mapism, Dec 21, 2021
    #6
    mapism

    mapism Senior Member

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    You might have already seen these Cabo seatrials sheets, but just in case...

    Ref. the hours, if anything they sound unusually low, for a 16 years old boat.
    What does your friend know of the boat history (if anything)?

    Attached Files:

    • C40.pdf
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  7. BigChief, Dec 21, 2021
    #7
    BigChief

    BigChief Member

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    I have a pair of 2008 C12 With similar hours no major issues just a few annoying oil leaks and antifreeze leaks. The after cooler cores are the big issue Due to their cost and 6 year replacement Requirement because they are aluminum. If you have the other core that just needs to be replaced and your oil samples come back good your all set.
    I have twin disk transmissions with the hydraulic shifters, The straight straight 6 design of the C12 makes them a torque monster I usually have to switch it into the low idle mode when docking because it bites so hard it moves the boat instantly.

    You have to go through the local cat dealership to get parts but they usually have everything in stock
  8. mapism, Dec 21, 2021
    #8
    mapism

    mapism Senior Member

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    Are they, really? The CORES?!?
    I thought that only the external box was aluminum - which is an already debatable choice - but using it for the tube bundles is beyond a joke! o_O
  9. BigChief, Dec 21, 2021
    #9
    BigChief

    BigChief Member

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    Mapism that is correct the housing is aluminium and the core has a mixture. the corrosion is the issue in salt water maybe due to thin material. Mine tested good after 6 yrs but had visible metal flaking and thin spots. Mine were replaced.
    All the big Diesels have after cooler maintenance some better than others pick your poison if you will.
  10. DOCKMASTER, Dec 21, 2021
    #10
    DOCKMASTER

    DOCKMASTER Senior Member

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    Thanks all! I will pass on the info.
  11. mapism, Dec 21, 2021
    #11
    mapism

    mapism Senior Member

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    Well, I agree as a general principle, but one has to wonder what were they thinking at Cat, in this particular case.
    I happen to know intimately the MAN aftercoolers, and they are all made in bronze.
    They do use aluminum for the heat exchanger, but only for the external case. The tubes bundle inside is bronze also there.
    FWIW, they (I mean CACs+HEs, and on both engines) are by now 17 years old on my boat, and while I'm writing this with my fingers firmly crossed, I do hope they will still last for a very long time...
  12. BigChief, Dec 21, 2021
    #12
    BigChief

    BigChief Member

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    Not to get off topic, myself and a friend here on this forum did the salt water service on his 50 post with MANS I liked the simplicity of the German design and the solid bronze after cooler and HE bundle. They should last more than the life of the engines.
    As far as my C12s I knew the AC situation before I bought it and it's part of cost of ownership.
    Best off luck with your purchase keep us updated...
  13. Ben Cooksey, Jan 17, 2022
    #13
    Ben Cooksey

    Ben Cooksey Member

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    We sea trialed a 09’ 40FB with the C-12’s about year half ago in a nasty sea. Did real well 24kts in 3 foot stacked gulf chop, liked it alot but wanted a bit extra room so went with a 05’ 43FB that had been completely painted. That 09 didn’t have the crazing issues either.