Questions are:
What size? - currently have 80Hp, but probably don't need that much, so open to guidance
What gearbox? - options are either PRM or Technodrive... don't want a Hurth, as i've had problems with them in the past
Where are the ancilliaries? - can I get at the impellor when the engine is fitted?
Will it fit? - is the engine space sufficient
Is the alternator big enough?
Do the bearers angle the engine too much, and i'll therefore need a header tank?
Is the calorifier above the heat exchanger - again, will I need a header tank?
And then, do I do the install myself, or get it done professionally?... I like the idea of getting into the engine compartment and cleaning, painting etc.... so may well remove the old one myself... but installing, aligning etc would be nice to be done by a pro.... but can I justify the cost?
And what about where it is done?..... can it be done at Shotley?... or do I need to move the boat?... how, with no engine?... can I get it started long enough to get her down the river to the Beta or Nanni agents, or will Shotley supply and install at the right price?
I've asked for quotes, but quite a few decisions to work through!
what engine do you have now? Is it a Lehman? Our 80hp 4cyl Ford Lehman has 15,000 hours on it and is remarkably non-thirsty. For sure, it always feels like time for a new engine and I think maybe we're getting to the point now but remember it's better the devil you know, if you can get to the point where she's reliable. Diesels always start unless they don't, if you know what I mean, so once you find out why this time, that should be fixed for good. I'm always amazed how Ty Dewi's engine just starts whenever I press that button, even after 3 months of winter just sitting there on the mooring.
ReplyDeleteHi Nick.... sadly, it's knackered!..... not only needs attention to get it started, but water pump leaks badly and needs replacing, and everything is so rusty, that I don't think i'd actually be able to get any fittings off if I ever needed to. Compression is way down, injectors are tired and exchanger is a bit leaky.... it also drips oils steadily. I could get her healthy again, but would probably spend half the amount of a new engine.... so i'll replace her, and sell the old engine for bits!
ReplyDeleteNeil,
ReplyDeleteWise to replace the engine I think.
My Nic 39, Rose of Wight, has a 60hp Ford FSD 2.5 that I fitted. I'm probably 13 ton in fully loaded cruising mode.
I wouldn't fancy having much less hp than what I have (original Ford engine was 58hp).
With your size I would have thought 80hp was about right.
Besides if you fit any ancillaries to the engine down the line (extra alternator, perhaps an engine driven watermaker) you may be glad of the extra grunt.
Just my thoughts.
Keep up the good work!
Nigel
Neil, speaking from experience, if your engine room was anything like mine, it will definitely be nice to pull it yourself and clean the engine room. That was my plan in the beginning and as my blog shows, I ended up,spending 6 months totally rebuilding it. Was totally worth it as you will know the vessel that much better.
ReplyDeleteWe have 50 hp and although it is very adequate it would have been nice to have that extra grunt as Nigel says.
We opted to overhaul the old engine, cost was about half of repowering with a new engine, and that included a tranny rebuild. Plus we knew for sure it fit, and I used the existing bearers as a guide to fitting the new ones.
Just my thoughts, all I request is more pictures, especially the repowering process
Thanks Myron.... its mainly your fault that I want to lift it myself..... i've spent a fair bit of time looking at your blog, and the pictures of that lovely white engine bay just look SO appealing!
ReplyDeleteI'm reasonably convinced that the answer is around 60 to 65Hp.... the 80 isn't necessary, but 50, as you say, is a bit light.
I promise to post lots and lots of pictures!
Yep, sounds like you're right - and I would certainly plan to lift it yourself. When I finally have to do ours, I will do that. An installer wants to lift, prep, refit as quickly as possible and has little interest in the rest of the engine bay.
ReplyDeleteYou will want to strip out redundant wires and equipment, refresh / repaint maybe even do glass and gelcoat work and a million other things in the engine bay and they are way better done with the engine out and the luxury of time.
Of course, one job leads to another....
And find some expert advice on prop matching to engine/gearbox - from what I hear it makes all the difference to how the boat behaves once you meet a headwind and chop