Sources for reconditioned VP 2003 ?

[West Coast]

Hi folks, this is not to start a thread of new vs reconditioned engines, lots discussed on this already!

But if decide to go route of replacing a 2003 with a reconditioned direct 2003 replacement, any recommendations of best companies/people for this? Thanks

 

[Tranona]

Don't think you will find anybody offers reconditioned engines of this type. simply not economical to do it in a commercial way. Either DIY with using a machine shop for the machining or a mechanic on a time and materials basis.

Surely you can't make that decision without knowing the cost of the two alternatives.

 

[pvb]

You could ask around some VP and Beta dealers, to see if they've taken a reasonable 2003 out of something. Then, as Tranona suggests, arrange the necessary work yourself.

In view of increasing difficulties with spares availability, I'd replace it with a new engine.

 

[West Coast]

Don't think you will find anybody offers reconditioned engines of this type. simply not economical to do it in a commercial way. Either DIY with using a machine shop for the machining or a mechanic on a time and materials basis.

Surely you can't make that decision without knowing the cost of the two alternatives.

Indeed, easy enough to get prices for new units such as D1-30 plus saildrive, but looking to get costs for reconditioned or similar to make comparison as you suggest

 

[West Coast]

You could ask around some VP and Beta dealers, to see if they've taken a reasonable 2003 out of something. Then, as Tranona suggests, arrange the necessary work yourself.

In view of increasing difficulties with spares availability, I'd replace it with a new engine.

Personally, I would go with new, but looking into options for my SIL who has possibly this decision to make.

 

[Tranona]

Indeed, easy enough to get prices for new units such as D1-30 plus saildrive, but looking to get costs for reconditioned or similar to make comparison as you suggest

Suggest if money is the issue you look at getting a "better" used engine. www.marineenterprises.co.uk have a number of 2003 and 2030 listed at under £2k.

Problem with rebuilding the existing engine is that you won't know what it will cost until you do it and will almost certainly be nearer to a new engine than you imagine. And still the engine will have all the inherent drawbacks of the design and spares increasingly difficult to get.

If the saildrive is in good condition then a Beta 28 with the adaptor to fit is the most economic route for a new engine, although I might look at a used 2030 which will drop straight in and is a much better engine than a 2003.

 

[<152587>]

You could ask around some VP and Beta dealers, to see if they've taken a reasonable 2003 out of something. Then, as Tranona suggests, arrange the necessary work yourself.

In view of increasing difficulties with spares availability, I'd replace it with a new engine.[/QUOTE]

And price.

 

[West Coast]

Thanks folks, all really helpful.

Tranona, the Beta option could be a good option, the 120s saildrive seems ok. Also good idea re 2030 unit, but with this option would the existing prop be ok? Existing is a good nick flexofold 2 blade

 

[LittleSister]

You could ask around some VP and Beta dealers, to see if they've taken a reasonable 2003 out of something.

The trouble is, it is not often that anyone would take a 'good' engine of that type out for replacement. Why would they?

Curiously, though, some of the firms that sell 'reconditioned' (which could mean anything) engines, seem to have the majority of their engines advertised as being 'low hours', 'only replaced for upgrade', etc.

 

[pvb]

The trouble is, it is not often that anyone would take a 'good' engine of that type out for replacement. Why would they?

I said "reasonable", rather than "good". There are people who buy quite tidy boats with old engines, and whose first thought is to replace the old engine in case it dies. In many cases, the old engine is basically OK, just tired. However, the 2000-series VP engines are now so old that I wouldn't consider one because of the potential lack of spares availability.

 

[pvb]

And price.

All parts prices for old engines are high. If you'd kept a part on the shelf for 30 years waiting for a buyer, wouldn't you charge more for it?

 

[Tranona]

Thanks folks, all really helpful.

Tranona, the Beta option could be a good option, the 120s saildrive seems ok. Also good idea re 2030 unit, but with this option would the existing prop be ok? Existing is a good nick flexofold 2 blade

The 2030 maximum revs at 3600 and the D1 30 is 3200. Not sure what the 2003 is. The reduction ratio is the same on all 120S drives. You can check whether the existing prop is suitable for the 2030 by calling Darglow Engineering with details of the boat.