Engine for new steel cruiser

M

mby1105

New Member
Joined
10 Nov 2005
Messages
9
Visit site
I am about to commit to a Dutch 12 meter Succes displacement cruiser, to be used mainly on the Thames. Standard engine is Vetus Deutz Turbo DTA44 (140 HP). Also offered is:- Vetus Deutz DT44 (114HP); Iveco 100HP (I do not know the exact model); Nanni 4.330 TDI (115HP); and Perkins M92B (86HP). The Perkins 135 is no longer available. I am not keen on a turbo engine for Thames use which limits me to the Perkins and Iveco, or am I being too picky? Anyone with experience of these engines please? What do you experts advise. Thanks in advance.
 
I think you are right to go for the non-turbo option in view of your intended use and in these circumstances the value-for-money choice must be the Iveco. I fitted a pair of these as replacements in my previous boat (based on the Thames but also used at sea) and had excellent service from them. They are a relatively simple, unstressed engine which makes for reliability and lower service costs. Go for it!
 
For river use your inclination to non-turbo is good.

I don't have experience of the particular engines you mention but I can say that the old Perkins in my last boat were great...go on forever and parts were cheap. Don't know if this applies to their current offerings. I see that the Perkins is the lowest HP - will it have enough 'grunt' to punch a tide? May not be crucial on the Thames but may help with re-sale in the future.

Iveco not so popular as marine engines in the UK but I understand are widely used in Holland, as are many other makes which are derivatives oif truck engines. I once considered a Dutch steel boat and the advice from my engineer was that parts may not be so readily available here but could easliy be obtained cheaply from Holland.

Not sure this directly answers your question but hope it helps.
 
[ QUOTE ]
Iveco not so popular as marine engines in the UK..........

[/ QUOTE ]Might have been true once but now widely used in smaller commercial vessels and offered as an option on increasing numbers of leisure craft, up to 300+bhp. Spares (should you ever need them) easily available and cheap as are routine service parts. For anything more substantial, Golden Arrow Marine in Newhaven offer an excellent service.
 
[ QUOTE ]
Might have been true once but now widely used in smaller commercial vessels and offered as an option on increasing numbers of leisure craft, up to 300+bhp. Spares (should you ever need them) easily available and cheap as are routine service parts. For anything more substantial, Golden Arrow Marine in Newhaven offer an excellent service.

[/ QUOTE ]

Interesting. I wouldn't have any hesitation in going for the Iveco's. I am no fan of some,of the mainstream engines, particulalry v***o, despite having a pair in my boat. The expense invoved for everything from service items to spares just isn't justified imho.
 
I'm now a V*l*o victim too. I've heard their prices for routine spares like filters defended by agents in the UK with 'well, all the prices are set by V*l*o HQ in Sweden you know'. But strangely, I can buy such bits and pieces for much less in Holland!
 
John,

[ QUOTE ]
The Perkins 135 is no longer available. I am not keen on a turbo engine for Thames use.

[/ QUOTE ]

Are you sourceing the engine yourself, or is this down to the builder of your boat?

Regarding the Perkins 130hp/135hp engine....

M130C
Can be sold into all EU countries for commercial applications only, except on the Rhine River where CCNR rules apply.

M135
Cannot be sold in EU unless in Dealer stock prior to 01 January 2006.

If you were to consider the M135, you can still buy this engine.
 
The builder will source the engine, and it looks like he cannot fit a 6 cylinder anyhow. I note that Vetus Deutz are growing in use (perhaps as a result of the demise of Perkins 135?) Linssen today anounced they will fit VD as standard.
I do not understand Turbo and Turbo aftercooled engines hence my preference for non turbo. I may be being too picky although I note that some replies agree with me. However the point about punching the tide below Teddington is a serious one. What is the negative about turbo engines when normally used at low revs in non tidal river? Thanks to you and everyone else for the valuable contribution - please keep it up.
 
I find it a bit surprising that they wont be able to fit a 6-cylinder engine in a 12 metre boat. Most Dutch steel hulls have room for a dance hall under the floor!
Anyway, the main argument against turbos for persistant low-speed work is that things tend to get gunged up, particularly the turbo itself with a hard carbon deposit, because it is never going fast enough or getting to a proper working temperature. Although cylinder-bore glazing is nowadays less of an issue with modern lubricating oils, it can also still happen, not only with turbos but also with normally aspirated engines. This is an argument for going for a smaller engine and working it harder. Diesels do in fact, 'like' to be worked and the fuel consumption is unlikely to be much different either way. I wouldn't have thought having 'only' 100hp would cause you too much of a problem on the Tideway. I know a chap who regularly takes his 48hp, 37 foot, ex-Thames hire boat up and down the Tideway - on his way cross-channel.........to France!!!
 
You must log in or register to reply here.

Share this page

Top