New engine...

[ChrisE]

FWIW, we hummed and harred over replacing our 30 yr old engine, had one rebuild which was so-so then eventually bit the bullet and were extremely glad that we did. We have a Beta which is fab, no more black smoke or leaky bits, just a pleasing chugging and a spotless engine bay, oh and better mpg as well. Other engines may also be fab but have no experience of those.

As I'm sure other have said assume that the cost of fitting replacement will be approximately twice the cost of the engine alone.

 

[bedouin]

Ah - I guessed that might be the way to do it but it must require a bit of man-handling to swing it round the bar then back through the companionway.

I would be grateful if you would save the parts from the old engine - courier charges for the pump should be reasonable (certainly cheaper than any other alternative). The starter motor is also of interest since mine is due an overhaul - but that is also considerably heavier - hence more expensive.

Did you consider the Bukh as a replacement? They seem to be a highly regarded, and it comes in a 24HP version, so it is still on my shortlist of possibilities if I have to go that way

 

[Metabarca]

ok, I'll talk to the mechanic about usable parts and let you know. As for the Bukh, I had a look but was put off by two things: cost and the fact there's few of them about here.

 

[Sailfree]

I have had 3 new boats. First two had Volvos had nothing but trouble and Volvo could not care less! Choose the 3rd as it had NO Volvo parts.

Although now sold 2nd boat continued troubles encouraged the new owner to completely re-engine with a Yanmar - No probs since!

Yanmar engine now done nearly 700 hrs and no probs and service intervals at 250hrs.

With a bit of luck more extensive use of the internet will force the crap manufacturers under!!

Needless to say I have no connection with Volvo!

 

[Koeketiene]

Volvo

Similar experience -

Previous boat came with a Volvo 2003 Penta - problems from day 1.
Spent over two years throwing good money after bad - faced with a complete rebuild I decided that enough was enough: re-engined with a Yanmar.
No problem whatsoever - quiet, economical, reliable...

Current boat has a 22 year old Vetus (Peugeot based) engine. It still does the business, but is starting to show it's age. A couple of years down the road it's being replaced by a Yanmar.

 

[bedouin]

Those of us who are used to the older generation of Volvo perhaps have a different view. My engine is 34 years old and has been totally reliable. Even though the engine has been out of production for 30 years I can still get the spares to rebuild the oil-pump, but at a price.

I would be surprised if the modern engines from any of the manufacturers will prove to be as reliable.