Volvo Penta MD2020 19hp

[Waughey]

Hi There,
I am looking at buying a Bavaria 36 (1999) which has a MD2020 19hp Sail Drive. Most other boats of a similar size and smaller that I have looked at tend to have 28hp engines. Should I have a concern about being under powered? Views much appreciated.
Thanks

 

[pvb]

It was the standard engine, often favoured by charter operators. I'd prefer the larger engine.

 

[Baggywrinkle]

I have a Bavaria 36, 1999. Great boat IMO.

Originally it had the MD2030 29hp engine. It really needs all 29hp.

Mine was an ex-charter, the engine was OK but getting old - 4500hrs, I ran it for a further 5 years before re-powering in 2016 with a VP D1-30 ... 29hp again and this is spot on for the boat. I sometimes feel like I need a bit more power when the weather is really nasty, but the slowest I've seen is about 5 knots SOG on full power - bad day, into big cresting waves and F7/8 headwind .

If you are the type of sailor who tends to use the engine only as an auxiliary and puts the sails up as soon as you're clear of the harbour, regardless of wind strength, then maybe the MD2020 will do. The MD2030 would be a better bet if you are in a tidal area though, or if you have a family who want to bug out and just run for shelter.

Resale will also be harder with the smaller engine.

 

[Waughey]

I have a Bavaria 36, 1999. Great boat IMO.

Originally it had the MD2030 29hp engine. It really needs all 29hp.

Mine was an ex-charter, the engine was OK but getting old - 4500hrs, I ran it for a further 5 years before re-powering in 2016 with a VP D1-30 ... 29hp again and this is spot on for the boat. I sometimes feel like I need a bit more power when the weather is really nasty, but the slowest I've seen is about 5 knots SOG on full power - bad day, into big cresting waves and F7/8 headwind .

If you are the type of sailor who tends to use the engine only as an auxiliary and puts the sails up as soon as you're clear of the harbour, regardless of wind strength, then maybe the MD2020 will do. The MD2030 would be a better bet if you are in a tidal area though, or if you have a family who want to bug out and just run for shelter.

Resale will also be harder with the smaller engine.

That's was my worry. Many thanks

 

[Quandary]

I have a Moody S31 with a VP 2020, a saildrive and a folding prop. In zero wind with flat water and no tide( Loch Lochy) it could only manage 5.1 kts at 2250 revs and 6.2 at 3000 using the original VP 2 blade folder. In adverse wind with waves she would drop to 4.5. It is quite a heavy boat with a bulky form. (broad bum)
In 2018 I fitted a three blade folder and in similar conditions managed 6.25 at 2250 and 7.3 at 3000 and expect to maintain 5-5.5 against a moderate wind and chop. so a good prop can make quite a difference.
However I agree you would probably get an extra knot with the bigger engine.

 

[Waughey]

I have a Moody S31 with a VP 2020, a saildrive and a folding prop. In zero wind with flat water and no tide( Loch Lochy) it could only manage 5.1 kts at 2250 revs and 6.2 at 3000 using the original VP 2 blade folder. In adverse wind with waves she would drop to 4.5. It is quite a heavy boat with a bulky form. (broad bum)
In 2018 I fitted a three blade folder and in similar conditions managed 6.25 at 2250 and 7.3 at 3000 and expect to maintain 5-5.5 against a moderate wind and chop. so a good prop can make quite a difference.
However I agree you would probably get an extra knot with the bigger engine.

Thats a huge difference with the 3 blade folder. I hadnt realised the big effect. I will try to find something with 28hp

 

[johnphilip]

Thats a huge difference with the 3 blade folder. I hadnt realised the big effect. I will try to find something with 28hp

We also changed the prop on our MD2020 with dramatic improvement in push, particularly in adverse conditions which is actually the only time it matters. The boat was sold as having a Flex o Fold prop but after about 5 years I started researching the matter and found that we actually had a rubbish Volvo prop. Fitting a real Flex o Fold two blade folder was the best improvement we have made on the boat.
A German magazine did a test comparing props and the Flex o Fold gave 30% more bollard pull than the Volvo and our experience endorses that result.
Don't rule out the boat just on the engine size if everything else is right, but be prepared to change the prop if it isn't a good one at the moment.