Public Discussion Forum

We enjoyed our Selene 5388 shangri-La, which was equipped with twin Cummins QSB-5.9 engines derated to continuous duty commercial use and producing 235 hp each, for 16 years without any major issues. Regular owner pampering and routine maintenance for the entire time, occasional heavy maintenance by a true diesel mechanic, and routine engine checks produced fuel burn comparable to a big single, the security of twins and a great experience that carried us without fail for over 29,000 NM’s. The exhaust risers were a PITA more than once, but it is a boat and Cummins was likely not the culprit. I would say we were pretty much spoiled by those gems.

With 6047, which I have a total of 3 hours on, we have twin John Deere 6068’s for power, scaled up appropriately to push the bigger vessel along with 265 hp, but about the same relative configuration considering size and weight. This was part of the baked in specs of the vessel we purchased which was already in build when we fell for her. I think the JD’s are quite comparable to the Cummins. I expect the experience will be similar to what we previously had with the Cummins diesels. At least I hope so.

Jack

Jack Burgess, Shangri-La 6047

Hi Svend

If you are looking at a Selene 53 from 2002, you may also be interested in looking at our Selene 62 from 2005, located in Denmark.
If you want more information, you can contact me at kcaabo@gmail.com.

Best regards

Claus

Trisheena 6206

-----Oprindelig meddelelse-----
Fra: forum@seleneowners.org <forum@seleneowners.org>
Sendt: 14. oktober 2026 19:21
Til: kcaabo@gmail.com
Emne: [Selene Public] Real world experience with twin Cummins 6BTA5,9 330B




Hello everyone,
My wife and I are currently considering buying a 2002 Selene 53, hull #9, and I would be very interested in hearing from owners with first-hand experience of the twin-engine setup.
This boat has twin Cummins 6BTA5.9M 330B engines and a fuel capacity of 1,400 US gallons. I’m trying to get a better understanding of how this configuration works in real-world cruising.
What kind of cruising rpm, speed and total fuel burn do owners typically see with twin 330s, and what sort of practical range does that give?
I’m also curious about long-term operation at relatively low rpm/load. Since a Selene 53 is a displacement boat, I assume the engines spend a lot of time well below their rated output. Has this caused any issues with carbon build-up, turbo/aftercooler condition or general engine health, or have the 6BTAs proven happy in this type of use?
I would also be interested in any experience with running on one engine for extended periods to improve range, provided the transmission setup allows it.
Any real-world numbers or ownership experience would be greatly appreciated.
Best regards,
Svend
Norway

Hello everyone,

My wife and I are currently considering buying a 2002 Selene 53, hull #9, and I would be very interested in hearing from owners with first-hand experience of the twin-engine setup.

This boat has twin Cummins 6BTA5.9M 330B engines and a fuel capacity of 1,400 US gallons. I’m trying to get a better understanding of how this configuration works in real-world cruising.

What kind of cruising rpm, speed and total fuel burn do owners typically see with twin 330s, and what sort of practical range does that give?

I’m also curious about long-term operation at relatively low rpm/load. Since a Selene 53 is a displacement boat, I assume the engines spend a lot of time well below their rated output. Has this caused any issues with carbon build-up, turbo/aftercooler condition or general engine health, or have the 6BTAs proven happy in this type of use?

I would also be interested in any experience with running on one engine for extended periods to improve range, provided the transmission setup allows it.

Any real-world numbers or ownership experience would be greatly appreciated.

Best regards,

Svend

Norway