Fitting new engines in an old boat - worth it?

MYStargazer

MYStargazer

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I've got an old Nelson. A sturdy old boat and handsome, if you like that type of craft. Having had a serious problem with one of the original (early 70's) engines, I've been looking into putting new common-rail engines in. They're so much smaller, quieter and more efficient.

The question is, assuming (large assumption right now, admittedly) I could sell it, if I wanted to, would I be adding much value by putting new units in?
 
Doubt you would get your money back on the new engines and instalation.
But how about a couple of good secondhand ones the same type or even new ones of the same type, saves a bunch on instalation costs..
Me personally, I'd go with good secondhand, in an old boat like that.
 
I think the answer is in the question - it you want your money back when you sell it, then no. If you want to keep the boat and have good use out of the engines then new would give peace of mind and all that. I faced that choice 5 years ago, ended up spending more on a new engine than the boat was worth but had a much happier boating experience since (apart from the recent problem on my other post!)
 
I think Salar has it right. We did the same thing a few years ago. It has never made financial sense but having new engines for us gave a huge boost to our confidence and has led to some very wide ranging trips.

Anway boats NEVER make financial sense!
 
My own boat came with 2 virtualy brand new engines and drives that the previous owner had fitted, there was a bill for £27K. I only paid the market value for a really good one with original engines, so the answer is you'll never enhance the value above the market, but you will make it much more desirable and saleable.
 
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Lots of options other than brand new for a lot less.

Marinise a pair of ex vehicle cummins BT5.9?

Some newer (still old) Dover block fords?

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Quite. The main attraciton of the boat originally was the Ford engines, which I knew from experience required spares with prices comparable to a mini I once had, and about 50-90% less than Volvo spares if you shopped around.

New Ford Dover bobtail engines are only about 4,000 quid and I've already got the marinisation parts. Tempting. With labour a rebuild might cost about the same, no?

If the engines were more expensive, the choice would much easier - fix it!!!
 
In a nelson does it really matter how heavy the engines are and do you really need 200 hp, thirsty engines in this day and age?

Rebuild or exchange would be my idea.
 
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In a nelson does it really matter how heavy the engines are and do you really need 200 hp, thirsty engines in this day and age?

Rebuild or exchange would be my idea.

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Fair points. I'd like to have the extra horsepower as she only makes 14 knots or so at present and never really gets out of full displacement mode. The hull (it's actually a Weymouth rather than a Nelson) max design speed is 30 knots in the original brochure, and I'd like it to do 18-20 knots maybe...
 
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In a nelson does it really matter how heavy the engines are and do you really need 200 hp, thirsty engines in this day and age?

Rebuild or exchange would be my idea.

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Fair points. I'd like to have the extra horsepower as she only makes 14 knots or so at present and never really gets out of full displacement mode. The hull (it's actually a Weymouth rather than a Nelson) max design speed is 30 knots in the original brochure, and I'd like it to do 18-20 knots maybe...

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in that case ask mermaid to turbo yours or part exchange for 212's
 
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In a nelson does it really matter how heavy the engines are and do you really need 200 hp, thirsty engines in this day and age?

Rebuild or exchange would be my idea.

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Fair points. I'd like to have the extra horsepower as she only makes 14 knots or so at present and never really gets out of full displacement mode. The hull (it's actually a Weymouth rather than a Nelson) max design speed is 30 knots in the original brochure, and I'd like it to do 18-20 knots maybe...

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in that case ask mermaid to turbo yours or part exchange for 212's

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They're turbocharged already!

What are 212s?
 
not if they are 120's, they should be giving you 150hp if turbo'd, 212's are turbo'd and intercooled and fed a bit more fuel to get it, there is also a less stressed 180 all on the same block, 5995cc. Dorsets old old, Dovers not as old but not modern.
150.jpg
these are 150's.

and these are 180's
180S.jpg
 
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Fair points. I'd like to have the extra horsepower as she only makes 14 knots or so at present and never really gets out of full displacement mode. The hull (it's actually a Weymouth rather than a Nelson) max design speed is 30 knots in the original brochure, and I'd like it to do 18-20 knots maybe...

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Please remember that if you go from the 120's (Non-Turbo's)Fords, towards 200's Ford, you probably will have to increase shaft diameter and change your props, which will increase your overall cost significantly..
 
Why don't you get your original engines rebuilt?

I just had it done for a car.
Made more sense than scrapping the car and cheaper than buying a "new" car.
 
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