Replacement/Rebuild for Volvo MD7 ?

sailor_jon · #1 (**permalink**) 06-14-2007

The big question - I have an old -nonruning Volvo MD7 that needs either to be replaced with like-kind (impossible to find), or rebuild (ghastly exspensive), or replaced with something else, without re-engineering the entire boat to fit a differnt engine in. Any suggestions? I'm in the Florida area, boat is in North Fl just north of J'ville.

Anyone have a good rebuild shop? Does anyone know where I can find a place to buy a rebult MD7? Trust me..I have been looking and haven't had much luck. What have other folks done? Any and all suggestions are appreciated.

Jon

drynoc · #2 (**permalink**) 06-14-2007

I had an MD7 in my boat when I bought it, and it promptly gave up the ghost. I replaced it with a Yanmar 2GM20F, which is smaller, lighter, more horsepower, and fits in the same footprint. I didn't need to do a thing to the boat to make the new engine fit.

sailingdog · #3 (**permalink**) 06-14-2007

I'd second going with a Yanmar, parts and service will become much simpler.

sailor_jon · #4 (**permalink**) 06-14-2007

Excellent suggestion..I do have a lead on a rebult Yanmar, but wasnt sure about the refitting. If I hadf them all both side by side I could figure it out, its hard to do by remote control...ya know?

Thanks for your helpI think I will do just that!!

WuWei · #5 (**permalink**) 06-14-2007

Sailor Jon,

We replaced our aging Volvo MD7A with a 16 HP Beta, and couldn't be happier! Customer service has been completely awesome, the price was waaay cheaper than a Yanmar, and it was a direct replcement. The only things we had to change were the mounting brackets (it's smaller, so we had stainless ones fabricated for cheap), prop (we wanted a 3-blade), prop shaft (the old one had seen better days) and stuffing box (our old one was pretty nasty). What kind of boat do you have? We have a US 30', and posted the refit on our website: http://www.diysailor.com. The Beta is a great little engine, and we absolutely love it. Also, since you are nearby, if you need to order anything (the above mentioned items), we got ours local (we are in Tampa) and can forward e-mail addresses and phone #s your way should you need anything. Hell, we even still have parts from the MD7A that we will glady send you for free if you try to keep her alive!

Chris
US 30' Wu-Wei
http://www.diysailor.com
e-mail: vhfchannel16@yahoo.com