looking at a 1978 Hunter 30

[Royce]

Get a survey

I just installed a Vetus 3cyclinder diesel in my 76 h30. Did not have to make any modifications to the engine bed. I had a old Yanmar 12hp yse 12 in there before. Some parts are no longer available for that engine, (like the part I needed) and thus the search began. I think a 2 cyclinder diesel will be just fine for the boat, I just got a good deal on the old but new and never ran 3 cyclinder engine.On the sails, if they are that old, buy new ones, you won't be happy with tring to patch up the old ones.Good luckRoyce

 

[Ken Cross]

This boat has a small (12.5 HP) Yanmar diesel. I read about someone installing a more powerful engine. Does anyone have more details? Did it fit in the original housing? I think I need to replace the sails (originals still on board) and bottom paint. Other comments for a prospective buyer are welcome.

 

[Jim Arthur]

Check out Betamarine

I am in the process of installing a BetaMarine BD722 in my 79 hunter 30. I had to make small modifications to the engine bed, but it fit beautifully, and considerably smaller and lighter than the YSM. It's a 20 HP 3 cylinder, so it should run a lot more smoothly than the 2 cylinder. It's based on the Kubota tractor engine and marinized by a British company. Check out the US website.Jim

 

[Steve Dion]

Several Options

Ken:You do realize that this is a $5000-7000 (or more) upgrade for an engine swap. I may be worth checking out a boat that already had this done. Between sails, engine, props etc. You may exceed the purchase price for this vessel.There are several engines that will probably fit (Beta, Yanmar, Bukh). Your current engine has a left hand prop. Several of the alternate engines are right hand.

 

[Eric C Lindstrom]

Ours has the 18hp Yanmar

Our 1978 Hunter 30 had the 18 hp Yanmar installed. From what I've heard the 12 was always a bit underpowered for this boat. The 18 pushes her along nicely. In flat water we can hit about 7 knots without stressing the engine.

 

[David]

replacement engine

I am investigating the replacement of my older Yanmar and after researching all the models available horsepower for horsepower the Vetus is the least expensive by a large margin. The Bukh is very good but much heavier. The Beta is based on the Kubota and is also good but about $2000. dollars more. The Vetus is based on the Mitsubishi engine and I spoke with a number of owners of older models and they are still running strong.

 

[Brian]

If it runs good, leave it alone

I have an 81 H30 with the yanmar 2qm15 motor. It pushes the boat well enough for my needs. If the engine is in good running order, chances are it will serve your purposes. If you plan on doing a lot of cruising that requires motoring, then a bigger engine is something to consider. But if you don't plan on motoring all day, the knot or knot and a half you gain with a bigger motor isn't worth the expense.

 

[Pat McCartin]

Yanmar YSM12

Ken,If you are not fighting strong currents, leave it in there. Up to a 3cyl. Will fit.Pat McCartin1979/80 H30 "Therapy"Lake Lanier, GA

 

[Eric]

Buy the boat ...

The one thing none of us mentioned is that you're potentially buying a classic Hunter. Go for it! We love our H30 and would be hard pressed to consider another sailboat. Whether it be the engine or the sails, you've made agreat decision.

 

[John Thomas]

Great Boat, except for the YSM12!

I have a 79 H30 with the 1 cylinder ysm12. This is a ridiculous engine that should never have been built. The horizontal cylinder arrangement guarantees that it will shake from side to side on its mounts, instead of delivering that energy down into the engine beds. Thay shake terribly in the lower half of the rom range. They wear out motor mounts quickly, and forget any notion of aligning the motor to the prop shaft. The side to side motion of the motor is extreme.I'd love to install a Universal, Vetus, or Beta 3 banger, but can't justify the cost since my YSM eggbeater is still working flawlessly (except for the shaking) after 24 years.That said, this is a great boat. Beautiful lines, and heavy, durable construction. She's easy to sail, and forgiving of rookie captains! The others are right though. I wouldn't buy her with the intent of doing a repower unless the boat is priced very, very low.

 

[Rick Warner]

Clean the sails

My family enjoys sailing "Tense Moments", our 1980 Hunter 30. She has handled heavy weather while crossing Lake Michigan several times and is a comfortable vessel. One thought: you may want to get a quote from Sail Care, Inc. on their cleaning process. I have had my sails cleaned and repaired and they look like new. Part of the joy of sailing is not how much you spend, but how far you can sail within a budget you have setfor yourself.