Replacement engine for MGC27

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Andrewkenneth

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I want to replace my fading Volvo 2001 saildrive 120s with a new, more powerful (minimum 13hp) engine. My boat is an MGC27. Vetus & Betamarine can both supply such an engine to fit the Volvo saildrive; the problem is room to install. All the new engines are longer than the 2001. Since the saildrive can't be moved backwards, the engine would protrude forwards into valuable living space. ANy ideas on a solution? Do you know anyone who has successfully updated their engine on an MGC27?

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SimonMackenzie said:
Andrew, I find myself in the same situation. What did you do? Simon
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Doubt you will hear back after 13 years!

However, not sure it is as big a problem as he suggested. Don't think the Beta or Nanni 14 is any longer than a 2001 at 424mm from front to where it attaches to the saildrive, although a 16 might well be at an additional 14mm.
 
macd said:
...during which the OP has made not a solitary post.

Beta are invariably helpful, Simon. If one of their engines is fitted to an MGC27, they'll probably know about it. Why not ask them?
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Just to add a bit of background, the MG27 (and later Contessa variation) has just about the worst engine installation for access one can imagine (and the original engine itself almost as poor!). Several locally and one owner in our club was in awe of the amount of space in the engine bay of my boat when he saw it! His boat does, however sail very well and he is very competitive in club racing.
 
Tranona said:
Just to add a bit of background, the MG27 (and later Contessa variation) has just about the worst engine installation for access one can imagine (and the original engine itself almost as poor!). Several locally and one owner in our club was in awe of the amount of space in the engine bay of my boat when he saw it! His boat does, however sail very well and he is very competitive in club racing.
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It doesn't really matter, but the MGC27 is the later version (I'm sure that's what you meant). MG bought the moulds and rights from the receivers at Contessa.
 
Thanks, the access is appalling as you say (but yes she sails well). I have found that a beta 14 will fit (and this has been done) so my choice now is that for £4200 or another 2001 which is currently having a top end overhaul by Marine Engineering who are reputed to know what they are doing. That would be £1200 and just slot in whereas no doubt something will need modified for Beta. Given that this is unanticipated spend, doesn't include fitting costs and the boat is worth circa £15000 not sure I can justify the extra. Any views on whether the beta would make life that much better??
 
Quieter, smoother, freshwater cooled, bigger alternator and a current model rather than something that has been out of production for 30 years. £4200 sounds a lot for a bobtail engine and adaptor to link to saildrive. Difficult choice, but if you intend keeping the boat a new engine starts to make sense.
 
Thanks for the replies, on case anyone wonders how the story ends. I had decided to go for the reconditioned 2001but it didn’t work so was binned, fortunately before I got it. So now a choice between beta 14 and Volvo D1-13. Will need to modify companionway steps for either so will probably come down to price. I suppose at least I have a new and better engine.
 
Thanks for sharing - glad you got sorted.

Has anyone tried retro fitting an electric option, Torqeedo 'saildrive' pod maybe, or another electric inboard if there is one? I'm keen on the idea for my 8M boat (currently powered by a trad outboard) but am unsure as to the overall gain if I have to add 100kgs of batteries & then how to charge these without continually finding shore power??
 
Phildorset said:
Thanks for sharing - glad you got sorted.

Has anyone tried retro fitting an electric option, Torqeedo 'saildrive' pod maybe, or another electric inboard if there is one? I'm keen on the idea for my 8M boat (currently powered by a trad outboard) but am unsure as to the overall gain if I have to add 100kgs of batteries & then how to charge these without continually finding shore power??
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Just not practical or economic at the present time although other types of electric power hooked up to a saildrive leg could work provided your range expectations are limited and you can hook up to mains to recharge. So OK for day sailors but not for cruising and expecting reliable power when you want it.
 
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