Westerly Longbow re-engine

[DaveH]

Hi....
I am considering replacing the volvo md2b 23hp engine on my Westerly Longbow 31ft fin keel boat. The existing engine is ok but i feel is getting to an age where things can start to go wrong, and volvo parts are pretty pricey.
I have been looking at the Beta range of engines and would like to know if anyone could give any advice on what size i should be considering. (my gut feeling is either the 28hp or the 35hp).
Also could give me an idea of what difference this would make to this type of boat performance when motoring. At the moment with the existing engine, my boat is happy cruising at around 4.5 knots. Any improvement on this would be great as i cruise mostly in the Southern med and there are times when there is very little wind. Any advice on a replacement prop would also be gratefully received. Thx.

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[Guest]

Post deleted by danfoley

 

[DaveH]

Thanks for the reply Brian.....
If you can give me the new owners e-mail address that would be great.
Did you buy another boat after the Longbow?. I was considering a bigger boat but decided that i couldn't justify all the extra expense. I have now decided to keep the boat i have and spend some more money on it instead.
I know that i will never recoup the money, but i do like boat and it does everything i need....Thx again.....


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[30boat]

I fitted a Beta BD722 20HP to my Fulmar and I can get a 5.5 knts cruising speed.
Maybe 28 HP is too much for your boat IMHO.Diesel engines need to be worked hard.

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[max]

I have a Pentland (bilge keel version of the same hull). Replaced the MD2B with a volvo 2030 (28 or 29 HP) - more than enough power - 5.5 cruising with no wind. Smaller and lighter than the MD2B. Did need new prop and shaft though, and while the engine was out it made sense to replace the old galvanised ( and heavily rusting ) fuel tank. And so the cost spirals upwards.

I agree with you - you will never get the cost back but if the boat does everything you want and you are happy to stick with it, then its worth the expense.

Max

PS Was going to go for a Beta but Volvo was doing a ridiculously good trade in at the time (£1000 off!) and the yard that went on to fit it offered the new fuel tank and other 'extras' for free.

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[Seafort]

Hi Dave, I have the BD1005 in my Longbow. I find that 4.5-5.5 knots is usual at 2000 to 2500 revs, any more than that and I'm just pushing a boulder up a hill, I can manage 6 knots but generally dont rev that hard.

Gearbox is the PRM Delta 2:1.

As for prop size mines 14 inch but I cant remember the pitch, it works out on the prop programs though.

Its not a new engine but has been taken care of and from notes in the manual the previouse owners seemed quite happy with it.

I wasn't there for installation but all the manualls "boast" of the easy installation system.

Good luck

Dave.


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[billmacfarlane]

A mate of mine has just had a new engine fitted to his Westerly Berwick. He had the 28 hp Beta fitted and is delighted with it. Bear in mind that the Beta turns the other way fron the existing Volvo and you'll need a new prop.

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[DaveH]

Thanks everyone for the information.....
Will go ahead with the new engine.

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[chrisD]

I'm also looking at replacing a MD11C with a Beta 28HP in a Berwick. Is this relatively straightforward eg are the mountings similar? I know I need a new prop etc as all engines now seem to rotate clockwise.

Any recommendations on where to get the job done?

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