repowering engines

[kennyarmes]

have a volvo 27 hp i think wish to up to 50 hp any advise on which ones
yanmar, perkins, or what?

[sailingdog]

Ken-

Why are you looking to replace the 27 hp volvo? Also, it would help if you said what kind of boat it was. I seriously doubt that your boat will really need a 50 HP diesel, if it was originally equipped with a 27 HP engine.

Changing from a 27 hp to a 50 hp, you'll need a new transmission, new engine mounts, new prop shaft, new propellor, and a new cutlass bearing. You may also need a new water lift muffler, to accommodate the larger engine's higher exhaust output.

I would highly recommend you read this post.

[tonic]

That's a loaded question. Do you need it? I'm partial to Yanmar just because I've had a 1GM10 and currently have a 3GM30. They have been good to me and well maintained. I'm sure there are other's who haven't had the same experience, but that goes with any manufacture. Personally don't think it really matters as long as you keep up the maintainence. Customer service too is important can't help you there haven't needed it yet.

[artbyjody]

27 HP to 50 HP seems like a bit of a jump. Besides engine weight - make sure doing so doesn't exceed the boats design. This resource is one that boat builders use to calculate the actual HP one can install on a boat. But without knowing what your boat is etc... you are probably best keeping with what was originally spec'd for your boat...

[Maine Sail]

50hp in a 33 foot Morgan is certainly a ton of power. I have a 44hp Westerbeke in a 17,000lb 36 footer and it's quite over powered and most of the power is totally unusable.

That being said all engines are good as long as they are Japanese blocks. Beta, Yanmar, Westerbeke, Universal & Nani to name a few. Seeing as you are a Volvo owner I know I don't need to say any more about them or why you don't want one anymore...

A complete engine swap to a 50hp will most likely run close to the value of the boat, perhaps more depending on condition, because it will most likely require engine bed modification, new shaft, prop on and on and on. I know some of the later OI 33's came with a 50hp Perkins but a 35-40hp should push your 15,000lb boat along just fine.

The most expensive asking price for a Morgan 33 on YachtWorld is currently 29,900.00 & the least is $8500.00 so be careful putting too much engine into your boat because you'll never recover any of it if you are somehow forced to sell or get "two-foot-itus"...

My guess is that the Volvo has some prop/fuel/tranny issues if it doesn't have adequate power..

[Gramp34]

The rule of thumb is 2 hp per 1000 lbs, or 28 hp on a 14000 lb boat. That will get you to hull speed in adverse conditions. More than that will just waste fuel.

Are getting poor performance now? Is the prop fouled? Is the prop pitched right for the boat? Is the engine running well? Might be worth checking the cheaper and easier things before paying for an engine swap.

Good luck,

Tim

[seabreeze_97]

As a Bukh owner, I take exception to the..."as long as they are Japanese blocks" comment. While seemingly the most numerous, they're not the only ones.

[kennyarmes]

i live in portland or and as you all know the waves get bigger and storms are more than the east coast. plus i plan on a round the world cruise one day. i was have seen them on other 33 morgan outislands and i know one that gets alot better fuel mileage than mine. and i assume that it is because the engine is not working to the max or bumping the govenor all the time.

[seabreeze_97]

If it's bumping the governor it probably needs more prop.

[Rockter]

You will regret 50 hp in a 33 ft boat.

It is simply too big.