Engine Repowering

Repowering boats and yachts requires the right decisions. Make the right one when re-powering or fitting a replacement gearbox to your boat. Here is some information designed to help you save time, money and the heart ache and ensure you get the very best out of your boat.

1. The cost of the engine is only 60-70% of the total re-powering cost.

So many people concentrate on the inital price of an engine and make major decisions on cost differences of $1000-$2000, when in actual fact purchasing the 'more expensive' option may save larger amounts in the long run.

It is important to look closely at: parts supply, agent back-up and the quality of engine.

How well known is the engine?

Some cheaper brands do not include anywhere near the options and accessories of  high priced, more well known engines, and before you know it you are having to purchase extra flexible engine mounts, a panel and loom, alarms, flexible couplings, exhaust risers, replacement marine drive plates etc.

2. Installation costs new versus reconditioned?

Installation costs is a major part of a re-power. Reconditioning your existing engine may save up to 60% on the final cost.

Reconditioning your current engine set-up means that the engine will 'drop back onto the engine beds' with very little or no trouble and added costs.

Older well used engines very rarely produce there rated hp so reconditioning the engine will most likely also add hp which in turn can add speed, fuel economy and ultimately add value to your boat at less cost.

3. Performance? It all comes down to the propeller.

More often than not the propeller and gearbox reduction are carelessly over looked. Think of it like this; You can put a 400hp, fuel injected, big block V8 in a mini but unless you have the correct tires and wheels the poor old standard mini wheels will only spin and deem the whole exercise a waste of time and money.

Here is an example: I had a customer with an old classic boat who wanted to 'Go faster'. The vessel had an 80hp Ford on a 2-1 gearbox with a 20x16 inch propeller. The vessel had no more room to fit a larger propeller, we priced up an  engine, gearbox and installation for it all to operate efficiently and successfully. He opted for another cheaper option.

1 year later the customer returned inquiring about different gearbox options. I worked it all out and it turned out that the correct gearbox/propeller could simply never fit. Unfortunately he was recommended the wrong engine option and even though it was more hp and cheaper at all ended up a total waste of time.

4. Smaller lighter weight engines are not always best

A common statement we often hear is: "surely we can get a newer, smaller engine with the same hp or more?" "We really want more room in the salon"

Some boats-(not all but some) actually require a heavy large capacity engine to produce a large amount of torque to effectively drive the boat. By changing to a smaller higher revving engine you may have to increase the power by 30% just to get similar performance and up to 80% power increase to gain performance!