What to do?(engines)

[Nauti Fox]

I've come across a pair of engines the same as mine out of a Laguna,now do I buy these at a very cheap price and get them fitted (much lower hours than mine)or wait and fit some something newer (used) when I can find them.My dilemma is that these come complete including all ancillaries (heat exchangers,gearboxes,instrument panel etc) so I'd have a ready supply of parts.I know the GMC's are'nt great but at the price they're going for I am tempted.
Oh dear, save me someone.
Al.

<hr width=100% size=1>No dear,the water goes in the other one.

 

[omega2]

With your experience as posted on your profile why ask us?

<hr width=100% size=1>J HAMER

 

[Divemaster1]

I guess that this all depends upon what you want.....

Installing replacement (like for like, but newer), you have to ask yourself if you are inviting the same problems you have had with yours (if any), but starting from fresh.

Cannot be that many Laguna's over here, so must be a reason why the previous owner removed them.. (the guy in Grimsby had installed new Yanmars, and new tanks..and my friend in Norway have Cummins..). I believe I have read that the GMC's are OK if not pushed too hard, so depending on your cruising this may be perfectly OK..., but if you wish for more speed, then you may be better off waiting until you find something with a bit more power. (as a benchmark, my friend in Norway cruises comfortably at 18 - 19 knot with the 2x 300 Cummins)

<hr width=100% size=1>Alf

 

[Nauti Fox]

Because John when its your own boat its hard to have a balanced opinion, thats why I'm asking.
Thanks Alf, it is the guy in Grimsby,he says they run well,but he would,would'nt he.

<hr width=100% size=1>No dear,the water goes in the other one.

 

[omega2]

I am not being facecious, only trying to convince you that your decision is the one you have to live with, if you are not happy with the GMC'S then throw them out and start afresh, but if they run well and do what you want of them keep them, if you are not happy with them then the newer ones will probably be the same, in which case start looking for alternatives. Sorry if I got the wrong side of you.

<hr width=100% size=1>J HAMER

 

[longjohnsilver]

But do you intend keeping the boat for a long time? If so how old are theses engines likely to be when you fit them. At that stage there could well be much newer and maybe greater HP ones available. Unless you actually need them now I wouldn't bother.

<hr width=100% size=1>

 

[Nauti Fox]

None taken,basically the engines are'nt any good for planing,but will probably go on forever at low revs(spares are no longer available hence my interest in the other ones).We now live aboard so the extra weight means to plane we have to push these harder than is acceptable (they are 32 years old).We do intend to keep the boat for a long time,you are right it is my decision but I am dithering because while I would like it to do 15 knots plus it worries me that if the red diesel does go up to road prices will I be able to afford to plane the boat with my new engines or be back to the 10 knots I do now,but it would be nice to go that bit quicker
Orrr, oh god I'm going round in circles now!
Al.

<hr width=100% size=1>No dear,the water goes in the other one.

 

[Divemaster1]

Of course he would say thay run fine ... which they may do, but of similar age to yours, so will probably develop or have same issues, whilst not giving you any performance / fuel economy benefits.

Also would the family be happier onboard with similar "lumps" installed ... and if problems develop, what would the reaction be ? ...

If I was in your position, I'd look at something else... bound to be some reasonable DD 6V & 8V 71 & 92's around (Guess you won't have space for 6/71's), which may be of similar size and weight to the GMC's, bit with higher outputs.... also would look at Sabre and the other makes of re-conditioned engines out there... Definetly if you go stateside, you could find some nice ones ... like this Cummins 6BTA5.9M1 ..

or CAT's 3116 RBLT

as well as loads do DD's and even some TMD 70's around..

...then sell off your GMC's to recover some cost....



<hr width=100% size=1>Alf

 

[Nauti Fox]

You swine sir! You know how to hurt.I think you're right Alf,its difficult to turn them down as they are cheap, but what fool would buy mine off me?(me probably)The only problem I've got is with the height of replacement engines,as while ours are big,they are V's and only just fit under the floor.I did drool over the Cummins at the SIBS,£18500 incl gearbox each,but can't justify spending more than the boats worth!
Al.

<hr width=100% size=1>No dear,the water goes in the other one.

 

[Divemaster1]

Hey ! Not intending to hurt you in any way ..... just trying to save you being hurt (by your partner)... been there and got the bruises you see....

The images are from Gold Coast Power, <A target="_blank" HREF=http://www.goldcoastpower.com>http://www.goldcoastpower.com</A>, who specialise in re-sale of engines... loads of complete re-conditioned ones out there removed from "Fast Fishermens" like Hatteras etc., who want to upgrade for more speed...... also it is worth remembering that there probably is a reason why the GMC's offered are cheap .... (did I hear something about 32 years old..??). The cheap option is not always a cheap option in the long run ... as you intend to keep the boat for the long run .... If you only need 10 knot, then put in two Fords, naturally aspirated 6.2L, 120 HP's which should come cheap, smoke when cold, but will run foerver with minimum hassle....

<hr width=100% size=1>Alf

 

[Nauti Fox]

Thanks Alf,she is indeed a fine marksman(woman) and I'm grateful for the advice and believe I've now recovered enough to pass up the bargain!
Is it a full moon?
Al.

<hr width=100% size=1>No dear,the water goes in the other one.

 

[Divemaster1]

Height problem...

You may be able of fitting in a couple of DD 8V 71's in there as replacements ... for the V8 GMC's....should be about 2 x 330 - 450's... definetly space if you find the Low Profile version ...

Low profile version ....

My guess is that these should be relatively low priced as they have been around for quite some time and manufactured in the 1000's.... items from the website above....

<hr width=100% size=1>Alf

 

[Nauti Fox]

Re: Height problem...

Great site, thanks for the help guys.Do you know anyone thats bought from there.Presume I'd need to go over there and get a local shop to check them over.
Al.

<hr width=100% size=1>No dear,the water goes in the other one.

 

[Divemaster1]

Re: Height problem...

I don't know anyone personally, but is a dealer which does have some positive feedback on a couple of the US based forums. If i were in your position, I would have sent them an e-mail to start and asked a couple of questions about the machines I was interested in ... The outfit themself should be qualified to give a condition report of the particular engines, or should be in the position to point you to a local independent, qualified shop, who could give you the highs & lows on the engines in question.

<hr width=100% size=1>Alf

 

[Nauti Fox]

Re: Height problem...

Cheers Alf, I'll keep you posted.
Al

<hr width=100% size=1>No dear,the water goes in the other one.