choice of engine for 26 ft bilge keeler

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gordon029

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I think I will have to bite the bullet and consider a change of engine.Currently I have a 2001 volvo which in 1986 was a 9 hp but over time has slowed down considerably and won't get the boat up to 5 knots.The choices are a beta ,yanmar ,or a lombardini.What I would really like to know which would be the most direct replacement taking into account the difference in size ,shaft and prop implications etc.I would really like to hear from someone who has done a similiar replacement.Thanks a lot
 
You will have to measure up and consult the various manufacturers' installation drawings, mostly available on-line, You will need a new prop and almost certainly a shaft. Exhaust position and service point access etc. might be important.
The main tip I'd offer is to buy during the SBS or LIBS(?). Manufacturers offer best discounts during shows. That's when I bought my new Beta. Didn't need to travel to the show though.
Most modern engines will likely specify larger water inlet and exhaust connection sizes to your Volvo.
 
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I appreciate that you are looking for a new engine, however, have you considered overhauling your existing Volvo?; I presume it is the single cylinder engine and therefore not too expensive to overhaul and it may only need new piston rings and overhauling the cylinder head; engine replacement will most certainly require new engine mounts, perhaps shaft etc. all of which are very costly and time consuming .
 
earlybird said:
You will have to measure up and consult the various manufacturers' installation drawings, mostly available on-line, You will need a new prop and almost certainly a shaft. Exhaust position and service point access etc. might be important.
The main tip I'd offer is to buy during the SBS or LIBS(?). Manufacturers offer best discounts during shows. That's when I bought my new Beta. Didn't need to travel to the show though.
Most modern engines will likely specify larger water inlet and exhaust connection sizes to your Volvo.
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Depends to an extent on how heavy your boat is. All of the 2 cylinder 15-20hp engines will physically fit in the space of the 2001, but you will have to modify the engine beds as the spacing of the mounts is different - not a big deal. Beta or Nanni 16 (both Kubota based, one painted red and the other blue and with slightly different heat exchangers) would be a good choice, as would the Yanmar 15. Be wary of Lombardini. They have a chequered history and technically offer no advantage over the others. You could also stay with Volvo and fit a D1. Choice depends on the detail spec, installation issues such as where the exhaust is and how much of your existing ancilliaries you can re-use. Generally Beta and Nanni are the most competitively priced and will do "packages" to help installation. Be aware you will probably need to buy a new prop and the shaft and exhaust may also need renewing.

However the market is very competitive so you will probably be able to get a good deal on any - Southampton Boat Show is a good place to shop. You will also be able to see some of the lesser known brands there as well and make direct comparisons.
 
I have just done the same on my 25 footer. Saved quite a bit by buying the engine direct and arranging installation myself. Beta were very helpful.

In my case the engine bed fell apart when we took the old engine out. Also found some rot and the sea cocks needed replacing. The exhaust pipes and cooler were shot, the anode bed needed work, the wiring needed replacing, etc, etc. Also took the chance to inspect and check the aft keel bolts when the engine was out - as it made access easier.

What I am saying is that before you embark on the job think through the scope of the whole project. In my case the engine cost around £3.2K from Beta and about £2k to fit including new prop, shaft, water strainer, exhaust system, etc and then I spent about another £6K on the other jobs that because necessary post engine removal. It all mounts up!
 
I'm asking this just out of idle curiosity as I've no plans to re-engine. Are the engines based on Kubota idustrial engines in any way inferior to Yanmar and Volvo which seem to have a more "marine" pedigree?
 
JimC said:
I'm asking this just out of idle curiosity as I've no plans to re-engine. Are the engines based on Kubota idustrial engines in any way inferior to Yanmar and Volvo which seem to have a more "marine" pedigree?
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No. Volvo are marinised Industrial Perkins engines, mainly made in Japan. Yanmar also use their engines in industrial equipment - diggers etc. although their main market is probably marine. Very few engines are marine only because the market is far too small. Freshwater cooling with heat exchangers revolutionised small diesel engines as the "marine" tag of older engines indicated that they were capable of running with corrosive seawater as the only cooling medium, so were big and heavy plus ran at much lower temperatures to minimise the levels of corrosion. Isolating seawater from the engine allows higher operating temperatures and generally lighter construction. Industrial engines are lifed to 8000+ hours, or 50 years+ of typical sailboat auxilliary use.
 
Thank you all very much for this info. I found the reply from alahol2 helpful as I am planning to do a very similiar job. Thanks again
 
Check that the engines you are considering turn the same way as your existing Volvo otherwise you will be adding a new propeller to the cost.When I last upgraded I had to do this even though changing a Yanmar for a Yanmar.
 
If the old engine's using a lot of oil, I reckon it's at death's door and a rebuild or replacement is probably in order. If not, get the injector and high pressure pump serviced. It won't break the bank and may just tranform the beast. If you're anywhere near Farham, try Panda Diesels. Lucas did my 2003 a few years ago and made a complete horlicks of it. Panda figured out what they'd done wrong and put it right and were generally very helpful.

If you do decide to renew your engine, I'd consider whether a bit more power would help. I had a very tired MD1 7HP in my Snapdragon 24. When it died, I was given a 28HP VP2003 and, while it's well over the top for a 24 footer, it transformed the boat. Being able to punch the spring ebb in Portsmouth has definite advantages! If budgets and space allow, I'd be looking in the 18-20HP region for a 26ft Bilge keeler.

FWIW, I was able to get away with the same 25mm shaft. I built my own engine bearers, which have stood up to 8-9 years use. I needed a new prop (second hand - if I was buying new, and the budget allowed, I'd be thinking Kiwi) and flexible coupling, 'cos the old one had been quite happy dealing with a theoretical 7, more like 3 real, HP and quickly got the hump when asked to handle 20+.

Finally, one engine suppler, can't remember which, but it's been mentioned here several times in the past, will provide mounts to fit existing bearers, which may reduce the amount of grief involved.
 
When we replaced an old petrol engine on a Snappie 26 with a Beta 10 the new engine was taller and I had to modify the step. Watch out also for access to filters etc as they may not be easily accessible.

A new shaft and prop will be required as mmodern engines usually turn the other way. This will change the prop kick too of course.

My 1988 Volvo 2003 still has plenty of life in it after a top end service. Worth discussing with an engineer IMO.
 
Choice of engine for colvic 25 bilge keel sailer.

Hi
There is a lot of thought provoking stuff here,
I am refitting a 25 ft Colvic bilge keel sailer .
The engine fitted is an early 2 cylinder petrol Volvo 10hp.
When shown to an old Volvo marine mech he commented, I heard of these but never seen on before!
Parts are basically not available.
Any suggestions as to a suitable (I prefer diesel) engines?- NANNI has been suggested.
Also why should I expect to have to replace the propshaft and propeller?
 
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