Twin engine conversion

M

MADFISH

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(Bit bored so this should get some interesting responses)

In an attempt to improve preformance under motor I have decided to install a couple of Mercruiser 340hp V8's into my Hunter Horizon 26. I would greatly apprciate any advice on doing this. Also will it effect my fuel consumption? Will I see any significant change in preformance under sail or power? What do you recon.

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I think it would work very well, but there is one thing to beware of.

The twin Mercs will cause the boat to trim down a bit by the stern. It would therefore be worthwhile building a fuel tank into the forepeak. I'd suggest a 500 gallon tank should be about right, bearing in mind that you never want it to get more than half-empty for trim reasons. In any case, 250 gals should be just about enough to get you from Marchwood to Ocean Village, with a little left in reserve for mooring.

The combined weight of the fuel tank and the Mercs will make the boat float lower in the water, but you could solve this by removing the keel. That, though, will mean that sailing might well cause a capsize, so removing the mast would be a good idea, and a further weight saving. If you are good at DIY you could route the exhaust through the stump of the mast for that authentic Peterbilt big-rig truckers look. 10-4 good buddy, comeback.

One other thing - at the speeds you'll now be capable of, the rudder will be far too large , so you could saw off the bottom two thiirds, and install a hydraulic steering system to take some of the weight out of the tiller. A hydraulic pump, would, of course, cause some power loss from the drive train, so you might want to upgrade the engines by another 100hp or so, each. I believe Nicho may be able to recommend a suitable tuning shop.

You should then have a jolly nice boat, but you might need to rename it. MAD MAX shouldn't cost much in extra vinyl letters.

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Ask JeremyF, last year he brought his raggie over to the stinkies forum and with a little assistance, turn it into quite a respectable stinkie. Twin Honda outboards and mast removal were amongst the key features

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Thanks Ken. Sounds a lot easier than I thought. To get around the steering problem I was thinking of a lifting rudder and steering on the engines. I love the exhaust idea. I hadn't tjought of that. Fuel is going to be an issue so I am looking into LPG. Prehaps I can modify the water tank.

I am a bit worried that if I motorsail I may backwind the sails.....


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Of course, you'll have to have a hinged flap on the top of the exhaust, chromium plated for proper effect.

And LPG is a good idea, you should be able to fill up from those ships that anchor near Hill Head.

PS - now would be good time to give up smoking.

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Jet engine. Great one. Need to move ensign it may self ignite if I was to use the afterburner. This could provide me with hot water and cabin heating as well. Kind of webasto style but on steroids.


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Re: Doomed

Yes I remember. Remember the joke about a year after his demise.
Hey, I hear they found one of Donald Cambel's arms.
Oh really.
Yes and his Timex was still going.

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