Recommendations for a yard to change an engine

[Niffler]

Sadly the old Volvo has reached the point where raw water cooled hot salt water has done it in. I'm looking for a yard on the East Coast for a straightforward engine change - drop down through the cockpit floor, all the stern gear is sorted. There seems to be few full service yards that can do the engine in their own site and sort out the necessary electrics, engineering, bearer remodelling and so on. Ideally somewhere that has a high throughput, keeps to deadlines and doesn't quote small then charge big - "use a sprat to catch a mackerel" is an old boatyard game

 

[ianc1200]

I've just had Jerry Blake take out a Kelvin, and install a Beta 20. He works out of Frank Halls at Walton, also spends much time at Titchmarsh Marina. Perhaps at the right time of year, but done in a two week slot & very much to the verbal quote he gave me.

 

[Koeketiene]

somewhere that has a high throughput, keeps to deadlines and doesn't quote small then charge big -

When you find such a place, please let us know. :encouragement:

 

[Niffler]

Am I being unrealistic? I have a choice a two independent garages within five miles who would easily fit that description, why do boat yards behave so differently?

 

[ex-Gladys]

Am I being unrealistic? I have a choice a two independent garages within five miles who would easily fit that description, why do boat yards behave so differently?

I have some sympathy with reference to boats, because a lot of major work can occur through their life. It's not like a motor vehicle, where all you do is estimate on the parts you will need, and you might need one or two more or one or two less, but on a boat...????

However, that doesn't mean I agree with the "minimum quote to get the work then load it with extras" approach that some yards take

 

[Baggy]

Give Melton Boat Yard a call

Simon did an excellent job on my engine refit,

http://www.meltonboatyard.co.uk/

 

[Aurai]

The team at Gillingham Marina

Are simply excellent and have the facilities and skills to cover all aspects of your engine change. My own engine change was fixed price and came with no add ons. In fact they tidied up some scuffs in the paintwork as well, just because they could!

 

[pvb]

Sadly the old Volvo has reached the point where raw water cooled hot salt water has done it in. I'm looking for a yard on the East Coast for a straightforward engine change - drop down through the cockpit floor, all the stern gear is sorted.

Do you know what make of engine you're going to buy?

 

[pioneer]

I used Fowey Harbour Marine Engineers to fit my new Beta14 to Pioneer (Macwester 22) a couple of years ago. Speak to Nick, he's a down to earth guy, travels almost anywhere to fit engines and costed mine honestly. Gave me a fixed quote for the knowns and a very accurate estimate of the likely unknowns and consumables. At the end of the job I got a very detailed itemised invoice for all the materials. He also did a friend's Westerly Fulmar (Beta 25). Quite like Beta for their aftersales help, they keep a photographic record of your specific engine (both ex works and as installed) so they can look at what you're looking at.

 

[Concerto]

Decide which engine you want to fit and have a word with the supplier as they will have a fitter nearby who will be able to do the engine change at a keen price.

 

[omega2]

Try John Rook 07939100822, he has a permanent base in Bradwell Marina 01621776235

 

[oldvarnish]

Harbour Marine Services Southwold?
They whipped my old Volvo out without and trouble and I've every reason to believe they'll easily drop a new one in.

 

[Andy61]

+1 for Jerry Blake based at Frank Halls and Son, Walton. Last year he removed my newish Beta Marine engine (installed by a so called Beta approved engineer - when I tackled Beta at the Southampton Boat Show he was found not to be on their list of approved engineers) which was very poorly installed using incompatible (Volvo Penta) parts and re-installed it "properly". It is now running smoothly and is vibration free. Jerry is always busy, not surprising because he is very good. No connections other than a satisfied customer.

Andy - Islander