Engine for a Challenger 35

[NaviGator]

we have just purchased a Challenger 35, this has a 23HP Volvo Penta engine. it has been suggested to me that i may need to replace this with a new, more powerful unit.
however others have suggested that i simply have the engine removed, totally rebuild and re-installed.

any suggestions???????

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[vyv_cox]

By modern standards 23 HP might be considered a little underpowered for a moderate displacement 35 footer, although all the original Sadler 34s (actually nearer 35 than 34 ft) were fitted with the Bukh 20. There's no doubt that fitting a Yanmar 30 has made mine a lot more of an engine performer but this is not really essential.

In the end it comes down to economics. I guess that a total rebuild of a Volvo would be a horrendously expensive job, whereas you can probably get a good deal on a new engine and trade the Volvo in against it. Have a look at <A target="_blank" HREF=http://www.abcpm.co.uk/pages/engines_pages/vetus.html>http://www.abcpm.co.uk/pages/engines_pages/vetus.html</A> for some idea of prices. If your Volvo is in good condition I would leave it as it is.

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[poggy]

If it were me and it wasn't too much more I would opt for a new engine, you will get more power, a warranty, easy long term spare parts availability, probably less maintenance and I would imagine lower emissions and noise.

You can never be sure how much of a rebuild has actually been done and if something hasn't been missed. If it all has to come out again, it will be a lot of lost sailing time and expense.

It comes down to money of course.

Poggy

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[jimboaw]

If it aint broke don't fix it!!! Save your pennies until it really has to be done.

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[Lofty]

I had my MD2B changed for a recon by a Volvo dealership in Holland last year and found the price very reasonable. The whole job was cheaper than I could have bought the parts to do the job myself in UK. If you fancy a trip to Hornn on the Iselmeer PM me and I'll give you the details.

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