The Caterpillar 3208 is a 10.4L V8 diesel produced from 1975 to the early 1990s, and a very common marine engine in that era. This is the naturally aspirated 3208N (about 211 hp and 600 lb-ft), with heat-exchanger cooling, direct injection, and a simple, durable overhead-valve design that earned a strong reputation on the water. This is a used engine, inspected before it ships.
Two practical notes. First, this is a heavy marine engine, so it ships by freight and needs marine-grade installation (engine arrangement, marine gear/transmission, shaft, and cooling). Second, a marine repower is matched to the vessel by the engine's arrangement and serial number rather than a simple bolt-in list. The 3208 powered many era sportfishing boats and cruisers (such as the Bertram 31, Hatteras 41, and Tiara 3100); confirm your vessel and gear with us. (A garbled compression figure on the live page, '16:01', is 16:1.)
| Item | Details |
|---|---|
| Identity | Arrangement and serial number. |
| Vessel | Your boat and marine gear. |
| Rating | Naturally aspirated 3208N. |
The engine's arrangement and serial number
Your vessel and marine gear (transmission)
Rating (naturally aspirated 3208N vs turbo variants)
Freight delivery and rigging at your location
| Item | Details |
|---|---|
| INCLUDED | The used Cat 3208 marine engine as confirmed by arrangement/serial number. |
| NOT INCLUDED | Marine gear/transmission, controls, and cooling accessories unless confirmed at order. |
| Tools You Need | A marine installer; freight handling and rigging at delivery. |
This Cat 3208 is a marine diesel; fitment is confirmed by arrangement/serial number:
| Vehicle | Compatibility |
|---|---|
| Use | Marine propulsion, era boats and cruisers |
| Representative vessels | Bertram 31, Hatteras 41, Tiara 3100 and similar |
| Fitment | Confirmed by arrangement/serial number and marine gear |
The 3208 was commonly installed (often in pairs) in era sportfishing boats and cruisers such as the Bertram 31, Hatteras 41, and Tiara 3100. These are representative; a marine repower is matched by the engine's arrangement/serial number, the vessel, and the marine gear. We disclose the donor details before shipping.
Not sure the 3208 suits your boat? Call (240) 301-0095 with your vessel details and the engine's arrangement/serial number. Our team confirms the match before your order ships.
Quality control for this part includes:
This is a used marine diesel. We document the arrangement and serial number, inspect the block, heads, and injection, and disclose the donor details. It is a freight item needing marine-grade installation; fitment is confirmed by arrangement/serial number.
| Engine Type | V8 diesel | naturally aspirated (3208N) |
|---|---|
| Displacement | 10.4 liters |
| Horsepower | About 211 hp |
| Torque | About 600 lb-ft |
| Bore X Stroke | 114.3 mm x 127 mm |
| Compression Ratio | About 16:1 |
| Cooling System | Heat exchanger cooled |
| Electrical System | 12V |
| Fuel System | Direct injection |
| Production | 1975 to the early 1990s |
| Use | Marine (freight item | marine-grade install) |
| Condition | Used |
| Sku | vaz230 |
Contact (240) 301-0095 within 15 days of delivery.
