Birchwood 22

[qmackay]

I have a Birchwood 22 motor cruiser and I plan to change the engine. The current engine is a Ford 1.4 with an OMC outdrive. I have seen several models for sale with 130hp so I presume that a Birchwood 22 will take at least 130hp. I wonder if anyone has an idea of the maximum size of engine that should be fitted to this boat.

 

[Chris_d]

I seem to remmber the 22 inteceptor which is the same boat could be bought with twin 145 petrols for 25+knts, however there are some 22's with a keel and inboard shaft drive, these were only itended for river use. I would check if yours has a keel or not as this will slow the boat anyway.

 

[oldgit]

Swiped from From 25 years of Motor cruisers available from MBM.

The Birchwood Interceptor Junior 22.Hull shape medium vee.single diesel or petrol outdrives up to 170HP.most had 130hp volvo. 23 to 25 Knots.1000 built up to 1980.
need to know more buy the book.
Ps.Prob the only decent looking Birchwood ever. /forums/images/graemlins/grin.gif

 

[peterandjeanette]

I had a Birchwood 22 for a few years in the early 80's. From what I remember she was fiited with a Volvo AQ 115 (petrol) with a 100 series outdrive. Used extensively on the Warwickshire Avon, River Severn and Gloucester and Sharpness Canal.

Only problem was that the engine was fitted with a dynamo. Not enough to run all the electrics so I refitted with an alternator. No bother. Excellent boat.