I don't have any direct experience with these engines but I do know of 2 boats around here with twin John deere 250-300hp engines in them. Both boats are 36ft South Boats Catemarans and i know one of the skippers well & he's very pleased with them. No major problems to report & fuel consumption seems to be on par with any other 300 hp. (He had a Cygnus Cyclone 30 with a 320 Volvo Penta before) I think its quite a compact unit & fits nicely in the narrower twin hulls of the cat.
John Deers are supposed to be ok, and obviously plenty of parts suppliers but are a bit agricultural.I think that engine was fitted by Palmers Agricultural , Hailsham. East Sussex and certainly worth a call
That particular Lochin Lady Jane was in Newhaven for a few years around late ninties, have you seen it??? the reason i ask it was handpainted when the snow started to thaw one winter and water dripping off as the roller was applied...honest. Maybe its been sorted now .
H i all, Sundance is a 1976 33 and has a 300hp John Deere 6076afm which we fitted in 2000/01. Now nearing a thousand hours on the clock with no issues at all. We run at 2200rpm for 15.8 knot cruise and 35lph - not bad for a 7 ton boat! 1.5-1 twin disc box - 1.75inch shaft 22x20.5 four blade prop. Would recommend John Deere anytime if you want a no nonsense, no bull sh*t engine. Yep they mite be a little heavier but then a Lochin is wide enough to carry a little weight - we are lugging round 1250 litres of fuel when full too. Hope this helps regards stu
