Re Power

[Freesail99]

Has anyone used a Vetus engine to re power? They seem to be cheap in price compared to other brands.

[RXBOT]

But it's a mitsubishi engine.

[Freesail99]

I don't know if it being a mitsubishi engine, is a good or bad thing.

[halyardz]

I'm having my Tartan 33 repowered right now with a Beta 25. I thought the price was very reasonable.

[JohnRPollard]

Halyardz,

Would you be willing to divulge the price you paid for that Beta 25? It is hard to come by dollar figures on engines... No worries if you prefer not to.

[Rockter]

The Mitsubishi diesel will be a top-flight motor.
They have enormous know-how in motor manufacture.
With reasonable care, and regular oil-changes, it will last until you croak.

It's probably an overhead cam motor (OHC) so it will have a cam drive belt, or possibly drive chain.

Personaly I like the overhead valve (OHV) motors a little better, as they use pushrods for valve actuation, and tend to rev slower.

Rockter.

[HoffaLives]

Originally Posted by Freesail99

I don't know if it being a mitsubishi engine, is a good or bad thing.

in consumer vehicle engines, mitsubishi has a bad name. chrysler's worst products had these engines. i wouldn't touch one. the westerbeke 33 had a mitsubishi block, and many owners have had a problem with blown pistons due to metallurgy problems. there are too many manufacturers out there without going to one with a spotty record.

[Northeaster]

As it pertains to Repowering - if you decide to go with a higher horsepower engine - I have a question on hull speed, when fighting strong currents

I understand that even a much more powerful moter will not push my boat significantly beyond it's hull speed. However, how does that apply to motoring agianst a strong tidal current?
If the current is 6 kts against me, and my hull speed is approx 6 knts, does that mean that even going to a more powreful motor would not allow me to make much headway, as the water passing by the hull would be doing 6 kts?

When I am applying enough throttle to not lose headway, making 0 kts on the GPS, would I not be still doing my maximum hull speed in the water?

If I had a larger engine, and applied more throttle, could I actaully make headway?

If I am way off base, please let me know. I have not been in very strong currents yet, and my 30' boat is probably somewhat underpowered with a 13HP Yanmar 2GM. If my engine rebuilt looks too expensive, I would consider going to a 3YM20 (20 HP), but would it do any good against strong currents?

[Freesail99]

Ocean Navigator did an article on boat speed and horse power in there current issue. It does make a difference in strong tidal currents.

[jbrockpiano]

I re powered my 30' boat with a Yanmar 3ym20 replacing the Volvo MD6A (10 HP.) I also changed the prop from two to three blades. The boat does much better in the strong currents around Vancouver island where I sail. It is like having a new boat. The three cylinder engine is smoother and much quieter in addition to making better headway in strong currents.