Re engine a 30ft sailing boat

[eebygum]

I changed the engine on my last sailing boat. Do not under estimate just how much work is involved and if you expect to pay someone else to do it I would suggest allowing whatever the engine costs (new) x 2.

I have given these tasks a difficulty score where 10 is the most difficult ...

1 Lift out D5 (subject to how much dismantling is required to get the crane or hoist over the engine.
2 Mount arrangements to suit the new engine and in line with the gearbox / or shaft central line - D10
3 Lift in D6 (it will always be harder to bring the new one in, and some further attention at 2 might be needed)
4 Exhaust arrangement D5
5 Cooling water arrangement D3
6 Electrical hook ups D5
7 Mechanical controls hook ups D4
8 Fuel supply & return pipes D3
9 Enclosure and sound proofing D4

As suggested, a 1996 engine is by no means ancient on a boat, and is likely just about run in.

I am interested in a 30ft sailing boat the problem is it has a Yanmar 30hp diesel engine (fitted 1996). This seems very old for a boat engine. I would like to have a rough idea of the total cost for a new engine complete with fitting. Thanks for any help and advice.

1996, 30 hp on a 30ft boat… eebygum, that’s not a problem !

My 50 year old, 12hp single-pot Yanmar YSE12 still runs smoothly on my SHE 32C and hand cranks easily.

You just need to keep on top of your maintenance and tidal navigation skills !

As my partner says, just because it’s old doesn’t mean it’s knackered.

 

[Poignard]

1996, 30 hp on a 30ft boat… eebygum, that’s not a problem !

My 50 year old, 12hp single-pot Yanmar YSE12 still runs smoothly on my SHE 32C and hand cranks easily.

You just need to keep on top of your maintenance and tidal navigation skills !

As my partner says, just because it’s old doesn’t mean it’s knackered.View attachment 149474

Not for much longer if you leave that pipe disconnected

Seriously though, it's pleasing to see how some people lovingly maintain their old engines.

 

[Rappey]

My engine spent the first 18 years in a j4 van and the next 40 years in my boat. Never changed the impellor as it still looks as good as the day it was fitted.



Removed the heat exchanger end cap For a look and was amazed to see how clean it was inside.
Mine pumps a large amount of water. I think that's what keeps the system clear ?

 

[AntarcticPilot]

1996, 30 hp on a 30ft boat… eebygum, that’s not a problem !

My 50 year old, 12hp single-pot Yanmar YSE12 still runs smoothly on my SHE 32C and hand cranks easily.

You just need to keep on top of your maintenance and tidal navigation skills !

As my partner says, just because it’s old doesn’t mean it’s knackered.View attachment 149474

You've got me curious - what is the chain driving? I can see the alternator and water pump using belts, so it isn't them!

 

[Geoff A]

Wow I knew I would get some good advice asking here.

 

[Tranona]

You've got me curious - what is the chain driving? I can see the alternator and water pump using belts, so it isn't them!

Think you will find it is just there for the hand start. Raises it so that you can operate it more easily. Had the same on my Stuart Turner. My then dog hated me using it!

 

[AntarcticPilot]

Think you will find it is just there for the hand start. Raises it so that you can operate it more easily. Had the same on my Stuart Turner. My then dog hated me using it!

I wondered if that might be the case.

 

[Refueler]

My engine spent the first 18 years in a j4 van and the next 40 years in my boat. Never changed the impellor as it still looks as good as the day it was fitted.



Removed the heat exchanger end cap For a look and was amazed to see how clean it was inside.
Mine pumps a large amount of water. I think that's what keeps the system clear ?

I have only once had to check my impellor in the 16 odd yrs its been in my boat. I know that it was still the old impellor in it when I had it installed in the boat.

That is the 'secret' ... make sure LOTS of water passes through whether HE or raw water cooled.

 

[superheat6k]

1996, 30 hp on a 30ft boat… eebygum, that’s not a problem !

My 50 year old, 12hp single-pot Yanmar YSE12 still runs smoothly on my SHE 32C and hand cranks easily.

You just need to keep on top of your maintenance and tidal navigation skills !

As my partner says, just because it’s old doesn’t mean it’s knackered.View attachment 149474

The engine I installed was an old Yanmar YSB8, replacing a damn right lethal petrol Albin engine. I did it all myself except the lowering in, and was astounded at just how much work was involved. Blew the thing up on the sea trial when I was selling the boat.

 

[superheat6k]

You've got me curious - what is the chain driving? I can see the alternator and water pump using belts, so it isn't them!

Its the hand start onto a ratchet similar to that on a push bike rear wheel. If they kick back it will try to throw you out of the boat !

 

[eebygum]

Not for much longer if you leave that pipe disconnected

Seriously though, it's pleasing to see how some people lovingly maintain their old engines.

Very, very well spotted ? ?

I think I took this just before the winterisation or some other job, the raw water pipe is usually connected.

 

[eebygum]

You've got me curious - what is the chain driving? I can see the alternator and water pump using belts, so it isn't them!

Yes, it’s the hand start chain for the flywheel using a cranking handle. With your left hand you raise the decompression lever on the left of the engine; then whiz the cranking handle with your right until you feel you have enough compression and the you drop the compression lever. You DO NOT grip the cranking handle but hold it loosely in your palm so if it kicks back it rolls off you hand.

I’ve never had a problem with the technique, although it can interesting in a seaway on a Lee shore, but I’ve sailed with crew who never dared to try ….. I learnt through desperation as for two years including a circumnavigation of Ireland I could never, ever get the engine to electric start once slightly warm. Would start from cold but never warm.

Tried this and many other forums for advice until I found somebody who had exactly the same issue… turned out to be the fuel Governor. It just needed reseting which is a five min job; and I’ve never had to hand crank the last two years but it’s always reassuring to know how easy it is, just in case the starter battery goes flat.

 

[Tranona]

My first sail on a Golden Hind like I have now was on a home completed one (on a right budget because of the introduction of VAT between signing the contract for purchase and delivery) which had a hand start only to save money. Always started, but remember motoring almost all the way over the channel in the fog at 4.5 knots. Pleased now mine has a Beta 30.

 

[Refueler]

My first sail on a Golden Hind like I have now was on a home completed one (on a right budget because of the introduction of VAT between signing the contract for purchase and delivery) which had a hand start only to save money. Always started, but remember motoring almost all the way over the channel in the fog at 4.5 knots. Pleased now mine has a Beta 30.

I remember years ago with my Father visiting a Boat Builder on the East Coast who was going to build a Golden HInd for us. My Father walked away in the end as the guy was delaying again and again ....

Nice boats ... my Father was rather upset about it all ....

Just commenting ... a year later - an Airline Capt my Father knew offered us a Kings Amethyst - moored in Beaulieu .... my Father declined ....... CRAZY !!! What a beautiful boat !!