Power

[PabloPicasso]

I have a volvo penta 2001 rated at maybe 9hp?

Is it possible to increase the power output for a bit more oomph?

I know, its an old engine and this maybe a silly idea for all sorts of reasons.

I just wondered if it were possible by changing some parts

 

[Dellquay13]

Lots of basic diesels seem to be rated at about 9hp per cylinder. There may be a reason based on basic injectors, natural aspiration etc why not many get much above that rating.
Would you notice if you tweaked it up to 10.5hp? Would you need to be doubling the power to notice anything day to day?
AIUI better to be able to run an engine at 70% rather than a larger one at 25%

 

[johnalison]

I don't know enough about engines to comment specifically, but whatever else, attention to getting the right prop and keeping it and the bottom clean are likely to have as much effect as a small power increase, or more.

 

[PabloPicasso]

A more mpdeen 26ft yacht would have a More powerful engine. Don't really want to go to the exspense of re-engining.

But yes, a scrub wouldnt hurt

 

[johnalison]

A late friend had a Trapper 501, 28', with a 10hp engine that chugged along a bit slowly. He re-engined it with a 15hp Yamaha. This suited the boat fine but severely reduced access within the engine compartment. Your 2001 is very different to a modern engine in layout, and although you don't want to re-engine it might be that a modern one of around 15hp would fit it OK, but most of the filters etc would be on the side rather than the front.

 

[Snowgoose-1]

A more mpdeen 26ft yacht would have a More powerful engine. Don't really want to go to the exspense of re-engining.

But yes, a scrub wouldnt hurt

Couldn't you just add a lifting outboard and bracket on the transom as an after burner ?

Would also be a nice back up if needed.

 

[Tranona]

A more mpdeen 26ft yacht would have a More powerful engine. Don't really want to go to the exspense of re-engining.

But yes, a scrub wouldnt hurt

You are then probably stuck with it. There is no practical way of increasing the power - and the horses were really only ponies in the first place. It is worth checking that your propeller is well matched. It should allow between 3-3200rpm in flat water. As you say it was commonly used in boats that size 40 years ago because the next size up was double the power with attendant increase in size and cost. Now there are several engines in the 15hp range that would be suitable replacements.

 

[dunedin]

Is it worth seeing if the throttle cables are adjusted to give absolute maximum? Perhaps (if safe to access) manually controlling to see if can squeeze a few extra revs, then adjusting / replacing cables if any more available.

 

[Sea Change]

Stick a turbo on it... you know it makes sense.

 

[PabloPicasso]

Stick a turbo on it... you know it makes sense.

 

[Seashoreman]

Lots of basic diesels seem to be rated at about 9hp per cylinder. There may be a reason based on basic injectors, natural aspiration etc why not many get much above that rating.
Would you notice if you tweaked it up to 10.5hp? Would you need to be doubling the power to notice anything day to day?
AIUI better to be able to run an engine at 70% rather than a larger one at 25%

AIUI is an abbreviation of 'as I understand it' BTW. New one on me.

 

[Neeves]

The engine is an auxiliary source of power, it was never intended to offer oomph.

if you want more oomph (outside the marina) instal a taller rig.

OR

Buy a MoBo.

Jonathan