I was wondering if there has ever been a comparison between the 3 main manufactures of motors for towboats. I have seen the Boardco videos comparing Malibu and Centurion but nothing comparing all three. I would be curious to know fuel mileage, noise, power, and transmission differences. For example, our neighbor has an Mastercraft NXT. I noticed the transmission is ultra quiet when you shift it into gear. We have an Indmar that clunks when it goes into gear. The ilmore however can be loud and sometimes smells like sulfur. I would love to have all three to test drive and compare. Has anyone had the chance to do this? What did you notice?
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Ilmor uses a completely different gearbox than the rest. Indmar used to use in the engines the sold MC back in the day as well so I'm guessing it's how MC specs their boats for engineering. It's a ZF unit and it's all one piece/one case for that is a trans and v drive in one. It's a lot shorter in length but makes the entire engine package a lot taller. Pic is an Ilmor 7.4 but same trans.
Ilmor does a pretty awesome job but IMO they have too many engine options and they are really pushing towards DI engines and I'm not a fan personally.
Indmar has put all the eggs into the Raptor basket which has some advantage to me, mostly from a parts/inventory perspective. The warranty situation with Indmar isn't so great after a couple of issues they've had in previous summers (alternators and cats mostly). It just my GUESS but they got crushed on warranty for those issues and since then have really made an effort to pay out as little as possible on issues. Also just my opinion.
After Tige quit using PCM in 14ish I haven't spent as much time on PCMs besides some occasional newer Centurions. I'm starting at a Nautique and Centurion dealer shortly so should get more hands on with them soon. They are also based on GM platform like Ilmor so similar but use a split trans/vdrive (2 separate gear cases).
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Very interesting... What was the CAT issue with Indmar? The reason I ask is I am constantly getting CAT MISFIRE engine fault messages on my 2018. Is this part of that issue?Comment
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I’ve pretty much been on all of them pretty regularly. The direct injection GM from PCM has been absolutely bullet proof and nearly indestructible with high usage and crazy high hours. Also have been really impressed with the quietness of the motor and the ability to run regular fuel with great gph. 1500 hours one with no issues besides the odd belt and impeller. Another friend has over 2000 hours spread across 6 or so different boats with little to no issues.
The GM’s that Malibu are now doing are very similar to what Nautique and centurion are running but not quite as good. Rpm
The raptors from indmar are a good engine. Have had a few simple issues but everything has been takin care of really well from the dealer. Depending on the boat, trans and prop setup they can be a bit louder compared to GM. The need to run premium fuel can be troublesome at times but quite often you’re getting that at the marina anyways.
Haven’t had an ilmor to deal with maintenance or reliability but have driven one a bit. Drive train is very smooth and refined. The motor itself can be a bit noisier, you really hear that v8. Mostly because MC doesn’t come with FAE or surf pipe.Comment
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18 should have been past the issue. They had a whole batch of cats made for them where a retaining ring wasn't put in place and the cat would bounce around, fall apart, and flush itself out the exhaust. Just need to pull the post cat 02s and inspect the bricks for this issue. Borescope helpsComment
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I've noticed on my buddies ATX, that much of the noise was really from the V-drive. I believe he has the Raptor 440. We installed a FAE a few weekends ago for him and he has been singing praises about the FAE ever since. This fall we are planning on putting in some noise reducing mat on his engine, trans /v drive compartment walls. We think a lack of carpeting in these newer boats really adds to the overall noise level as well.
Overall I've been super impressed with the performance of his Indmar Raptor 440 engine in his ATX and I'm extremely jealous of all the room for maintenance and service he has in the engine compartment compared to my 22ve.
Here's to hoping that Indmar and Ford do the boating industry a favor and give us a Godzilla marine engine. That 7.3 would be a champ in these ever increasing in weight boats!Comment
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I have limited time in my 440 but at this point I would gladly swap for my old PCM 409Comment
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Why is that? My 440 has been solid for the 50hrs I have on it.Originally posted by jmoore15 View PostComment
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Seems very underpowered and loud. Going to change props to see if that helps with the power. Dealer says noise is actually the v drive. Going to check decibel levels this weekend. I have a hard time getting it on plane.Comment
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Bone dryComment
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Suhweet. Just wanted to make sure. #1 issue I've seen when Raptors are down on power is dragging a bunch of extra bilge water aroundComment
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BrentP it does make a meaty wave lol....until it sloshes back and gets flung by the belt into the air intake and milkshakes your oil.
Pic is the backside of the oil fill cap on a 460....Comment
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Why do you post such nasty pictures man. I can’t Unsee that!!Originally posted by freeheel4life View Post
But yes, to the masses, don’t leave water in the bilge.
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