Re-engining

[Altair]

I have a 32' steel cutter, displacement 6 tonnes, which I am planning to sail to the Eastern Med, next summer, for about 3 years. The original 25hp Volvo MD2B. rebuilt seven years ago, is still going strong and very reliable.

In view of the fact that I will be covering large distances, much of it, I imagine, under power and generally single handed, and possessing only basic mechanical skills, I have decided to get a new engine before leaving.

There is a reasonable amount of space available and my preference would be for something about 20hp that would deliver decent torque to my existing 18" twin bladed prop.

I would appreciate any advice or comments on the make of engine that I should go for, with cost, easy availability of parts and maintenance being a major factor.

 

[Guest]

Post deleted by danfoley

 

[snowleopard]

query prop size

if you go for a modern 20hp engine you will likely need to re-prop. for example my 27 hp yanmars drive 17" props which are, if anything, a little on the large side. alternatively you'll need to change gearbox ratio.

 

[stevebirch2002]

Having had Volvo engines for many years I have become very upset at the price of spares on the old ones. MD6A for instance cost £1700 just to buy the spares for a rebuild and all this just for a 10HP engine! Since I have changed to a Betqa I have no problem in recomending them too all and sundry. They use a basic Kubota block and try to help any customer. The Albin Vega club have now bought over seventy of these engines in the last thee years and nevr a problem. I would suggest the 3 cylinder at 20HP which will cost about £3000 inc VAT or perhaps go up to the 4 cylinder at about 27HP about £3700 inc VAT. If you need any help then please do not hesitate to email me at steve@albinvega.com

Albin Vega "Southern Comfort" V1703

 

[jonjo]

I am genuinely puzzled as to how an engineer would quantify corrosion in the complex cooling channels of an engine block?

 

[mtb]

By having a look at what he or she could see !!.

I agree keep the engine you have , but buy and carry spares re head /engine gasket sets x 2. valves and enough servicing parts to. Keep the metal spares in grease and inside Tupperware tubs . Make sure you have a reasonable tool kit and manual.
Next buy a second hand engine and take it apart , then rebuild it any engine will do , after this don't talk about not being able to fix your own engine !!!!!!!!!!!!

cheers
Mick

<A target="_blank" HREF=http://homepage.ntlworld.com/boats/>http://homepage.ntlworld.com/boats/</A>

 

[colvic]

We motored most of the way to the western Med three years ago, and have since found that we motor sail at least 90% of the time is we want to get somewhere in a reasonable length of time.

Our BMC 1500 has just been submerged then left through sheer incompetance on the part of the surveyor, but if I can get her going again I would even though she's 20 years old she just keeps going. Did almost 2000 miles this year April to August and never missed a beat....but we can't get spares in Spain!! Local surveyors and mechanics,English ones, agree about Volvo reliability and have recomended a Spanish Soleil as it is light, powerful and sensibly priced at £3000 for 27hp with spares available across Europe which has to be a serious consideration if doing the distances you are considering.

Sometimes old and reliable is the best...thats how the WIFE has turned out to be.


Phil

 

[mtb]

It just so happens that I have an excelent 1.5 for sale ,,

<A target="_blank" HREF=http://homepage.ntlworld.com/boats/>http://homepage.ntlworld.com/boats/</A>

 

[lauradee]

all us old farts that have worked on these beasts can look at the bits and can say with pretty good authority what is good and what isnt, experience is what it is called and seeing causes and effects over the years
stu

 

[chippie]

Re: WIFE

What does she say about you though?;-}