Engine Size

[stownsend]

Hi

Just looking at several yachts on the wish list, for one from 29 to 32 ft in size, what would you recommend as the minimum sized engine for use out of Cardiff, I've seen a few with 10 hp or 18 hp ?

Cheers

Sti

 

[Icarus39]

Hi Sti,

My experience with this size yacht is that a 31ft yacht should usually have a 2 cylinder diesel - my last UFO31 had a Vetus M2.06 at approx 16hp which was spot on.
Prior to that I had a UFO27 engined with a Yanmar 1GM10 which was adequate .. just. I would say you need to be looking for a 2 cylinder diesel on a 29 to 32ft boat for sure - giving you 16+ hp

 

[bert49uk]

i have a Moody S31 (for sale) fitted with a volvo 18hp engine never had a problem or felt i needed more power in Bristol Channel

 

[trapezeartist]

I think I would be dubious about a 10 hp. I have a Volvo D1-20 (about 18-19 hp) in a 31 foot boat weighing 4.5 tonnes. There have been times when I have been happily burbling along at 5-6 knots and then been knocked back to 3 knots by waves and rough water. I was then pleased to have something in hand to be able to get back up to a reasonable cruising speed. I've never run out of power but just occasionally been glad that I had what I had.

By the way, the D1-20 is a three cylinder, 750cc diesel and it's a little gem: quiet and smooth.

 

[Csail]

Suppose its hull design but ours 31 ft has 39 hp whiich is quite handy seeing as we have the strongest currents in the world except canada.

 

[chrishelen]

Hi

Just looking at several yachts on the wish list, for one from 29 to 32 ft in size, what would you recommend as the minimum sized engine for use out of Cardiff, I've seen a few with 10 hp or 18 hp ?

Cheers

Sti

Dont forget that the rated HP is at max revs.

 

[Bosun Higgs]

Hi

Just looking at several yachts on the wish list, for one from 29 to 32 ft in size, what would you recommend as the minimum sized engine for use out of Cardiff, I've seen a few with 10 hp or 18 hp ?

Cheers

Sti

You should be OK with a 19hp engine on a small boat like that.

I have never owned a boat which was as fast under engine as under sail so generally speaking most standard sized engines are a bit small. But OK as auxiliaries.

 

[Allan]

I agree with the Bosun, something around 20hp should be plenty. If there are waves to push into there is normally some wind to help the engine. If there is no wind, there is not much to push you back.
My engine is 50hp at 3000rpm and, even when towing, I rarely use more than 1800 rpm. It is nice to know I have something in hand if required.
My boat is 33 feet and a bit of a heavyweight.
Allan

 

[stownsend]

Thanks all for the replies, I agree 18 or above, I've seen several nice ones with 10 which are fine elsewhere but not the Bristol Channel.

Cheers

Stu

 

[trapezeartist]

Do also remember that a bigger engine means a bigger prop, which means more drage when sailing. Unless you have a folding or feathering prop.