DIY repower

[deniseO30]

Who's done it?

Did you regret it?

What engine did you use?

[Tartan34C]

Me

No

Beta Marine BD722

[jbrockpiano]

We re powered an Islander 30 last week in about two and a half days. Removed Volvo Md6A (10 HP) with a Yanmar Y3M20 (21 HP) It is like having a new boat. It is smoother, quieter and has more power. Yes it is worth it.

[Freesail99]

Jbrockpiano, what did the repower cost you ?

[redcorvette1995]

I repowered my Ontario 32 myself.

I used a Yanmar 3YM20.

No regrets.

I saved quite a bit of money.

That being said, it is a big project.

Todd

[deniseO30]

oops! I was working on this post and posted it before I got the thing written!.

Anyway, I'm not planning on it anytime soon but thought it was a good topic to kick around. My boat has universal 5416 which is a kubota D-750 and also a westerbeke M-20. (if I did my homework right)

I've noticed that Diesel engine prices cannot be had without a phone call or some kind of action on your part. Yet auto engine pricing is all over the internet. Heck I can get online pricing for "crate" engines with a few clicks of the mouse!

More things I was going to ask were:

Did you get engine and transmission?

Did you relocate the control panel/s?

Clean fuel tank or replace it?

Rework or replace the exhaust system?

Did you consider one of those new drives that has a cv like joint that allows for level engine installation?

what did you pay for your engine? (size & make)

Did you get a quote for the whole job by a professional?

[JohnRPollard]

Denise, can I add a few more questions? I think they are germaine to your topic so hopefully I'm not hijacking.

The questions are for Robert Gainer (who went with the Beta) and the other members who repowered with the Yanmar 3YM20. Did you weigh the Beta Marine BD722 against the BD902, and or compare it with the 3YM20? If so, how did you arrive at your choice? Was it cost driven, or is that not a real factor?

Thanks for any insight you can offer in comparing these few offerings from the small diesel realm.

[Valiente]

I can't (yet) contribute to this, but my strong impression is that Betas are the dark horses of the marine diesel world...they aren't well known, but they get very good reviews and seem very sensibly designed, particularly for people with engines "under the stairs" as they have all the regularly accessed stuff at the front.

I just bought an Aquadrive CV joint coupler and new mounts as I am hauling the engine this winter for a top-end rebuild and general rehab prior to a five-year cruise. I'll let you know how that goes, given that while I'm not replacing the engine (I hope!), I will be facing many of the same issues.

[Gene T]

I did it 25 years ago, ripped out an anemic 4 and put in a Yanmar 3qm (I think, hey... it was a long time ago, 12hp I think). I installed a CV joint (Scatra drive) which was great and eliminated all vibration. I had a hatch above the engine and used a do-it-yourself boat launch crane that was in our marina (handy) to remove the old A4, but the new Yanmar was so light I just brought it down the dock when I was ready and used the boom to lower it in place. I did have to rebuild the engine bed by sistering some oak on each side. Also cleaned the tank. New shaft and prop, did it all in the water.

Huge improvement in the boat, no question if I would do it again. Did not ask for any quotes on the job. Cost me about $3000 which seemed like a lot of money at the time.

[Rockter]

Yes, the modern stuff is like half the weight of the Volvo MD17c.

If and when it blows again, it's the Beta (Kubota) motor for me, probably the 43 hp.