Cummins 250

[Matthew]

I continue my search for a 28 and have found several older models with this engine and all have three bladed props. Does anybody on this site actually own a Cummins 250 that could comment on it.

[whwells]

Well Cummins is the engine of choice. Sure 250 will get it done but i would want something closer to 300 plus for getting up on top. There are lots of dependable 315 Yanmar's out there as an alternative.
Howard

[thomaslong]

My Cummins 250 is certainly not overpowered, but we can cruise at 16 knots all day long and burn 10 gallons an hour or less, depending on sea state, wind, etc. This is the same Cummins engine that powered Dodge Ram pickup trucks and is in service all over the world. Cummins engines installed in the Albin 28 have a design problem in their exhaust systems, so that should be checked carefully. But overall, I would recommend a Cummins over any other engine.

[Matthew]

Thank you Thomas. I have read and am aware of the exhaust issue. What is the WOT and cruise on the 250? Are you running a 4 bladed prop?

[thomaslong]

My prop is three-bladed. We can hit 20 knots WOT at 2600 rpm, but rarely run that high.Cruise is 2250-2300 at 16 knots.

[Nancy]

Matthew,

We have a 1995 with a 250 and 4-bladed prop. We cruise around 2300 at 19 knots. WOT is 2750 and 23 knots. Our prop is 18x21 with #5 cup.

[Matthew]

Thanks for your thoughts. Do you guys seem to suffer greatly when the boat is fully loaded with fuel,water,coolers,extra people?

[Sisu22]

I have a 250, but haven't taken possession of it yet.

[Nancy]

Thanks for your thoughts. Do you guys seem to suffer greatly when the boat is fully loaded with fuel,water,coolers,extra people?

The numbers I gave are for two people with full water, fuel, and beer. We can add two people without taking much of a hit. More than that, she does tend to bog down some, and the difference in handling becomes noticeable.

[RobS]

We have a 1995 with a 250 and 4-bladed prop. We cruise around 2300 at 19 knots. WOT is 2750 and 23 knots. Our prop is 18x21 with #5 cup.

That's good stuff - nice job on the propping.

[Matthew]

Thanks so much guys. Can you comment on the modifications to the exhaust.

[thomaslong]

Two summers ago, I noticed my boat ran about 2-4 knots slow, the engine would not get more than 2000 rpm and I was blowing a lot of black smoke out of the exhaust. After most of a year tinkering around the edges trying to find the cause, I finally found an independent mechanic who had worked for Cummins for years before he went out on his own.
He quickly diagnosed the problem as a lack of boost in the exhaust caused by a corroded turbo, which itself was caused by long-term leakage in the exhaust mixing elbow. I knew that the previous owner had replaced the turbo about two years before I bought the boat, so corrosion that quickly was suspicious. The exhaust elbow had taken water up over a period of years and eventually corroded out on the bottom where no one could see without removing it from the engine.
Bottom line was rebuilding the turbo and replacing the exhaust elbow. My genius mechanic found two sources in South Florida, one to rebuild the turbo and the other to craft a brand new custom exhaust elbow out of stainless steel. It is a work of art. the total cost of those two jobs was less than the cost of a cast iron exhaust elbow from Cummins.
There is a lot more drama to the story, but the result is my engine runs smooth and cool, no visible exhaust, cruises all day at 2200-2300, gets up to WOT without issue, and I have a gorgeous stainless steel exhaust elbow to show off to my friends.
After all that, I did not modify the exhaust system, because my mechanic doesn't feel it's really necessary. But if you go on boatdiesel.com and this forum, there are extensive discussions specifically about Albin 28 Cummins exhaust design and several examples of major modifications.

[gerber30]

Can you please pass on the information on the two company's in South Florida.... Thanks

[Sisu22]

Yes would be nice to know. There has been a lot written on this forum about modifying the exhaust or doing a 'hi mount' turbo to keep sea water out of the Cummins on these Albins.

[thomaslong]

The name of the company that fabricated the exhaust elbow is U.S. Marine Exhaust from Miami, FL. They tack welded their seal to their work of art. I don't know the name of the company that rebuilt my turbo, but I do know they are in Fort Lauderdale.