Replacement engine for Contessa 28?

[AndyPandy]

Hiya folks,
my mate at Hartlepool has a Contessa 28 with the origonal Peta twin which is goosed and it's time for a new one.
Has anyone replaced one and which engine did you use?
Any advice will be valuable to him,
many thanks in advance,
Andy

 

[stevebirch2002]

Try Beta 20 or Beta 25. Both fit easily in the Vega so will be ideal for the Contessa 28.

 

[KINGFISHER 9]

Beta.

 

[cindersailor]

I replaced a Petter mini twin with a Beta 16 in my Varne 27 in 2007, a boat very similar to the Contessa 28. Very pleased with it, plenty of power - hull speed at about 2800 rpm so plenty in reserve (max 3600), average 1.5 l/hr. IMHO 20 or 25 hp is a bit over the top for this size boat, you will end up at less than 50% rpm under most conditions if the prop is matched correctly, and if it is not why bother with the bigger engine with its extra cost/fuel consumption. The 16 is about 5 hp/ton which used to be considered motorsailor territory. You will find that the Beta engine mounts are narrower than the Petter (by 60mm or so), but Beta will make them to fit your bearers for extra cost. A PM to Steve Birch might be worth while if you go the Beta route.

 

[cindersailor]

I meant to add that it is worth trying to sell any servicable bits from the Petter. I ended up getting decent money for the various parts, manifold, gearbox, bellhousing, heads, alternator, starter and even the remaining short engine. There are still lots of these engines around and the heads fit on the mini-six - or at least they must do since the bloke I sold one to wanted to use it for his and I never heard from him again!

 

[doug748]

I changed my Contessa 32 Petter for a Beta 20hp. I would have thought the Beta 16hp would be perfectly adequate for the 28 but the 3 cylinder 20 is, of course, smoother running. He might consider the extra few hundred quid worth paying. Size should not be an issue. However the 20 is more weighty and, at full chat, will consume more fuel.
The Petter is wider than the new engine. Beta will supply special feet to suit the Petter engine bed but I found that bolting down simple plates to the existing beds allowed me to sit the new unit comfortably in place. It is a fair bet that Rogers used the same type of engine bed on the 28. Measure carefully to ensure the new engine will not sit too high and away you go.

 

[benlui]

I put a nanni 21hp diesel in my shipman 28, i mainly went for this as it has a year longer warranty then some of its rivals. It was a good choice and I am happy with it so far. 21hp seems about right for 28ft.