Re-engine a 1979 Hunter 30?

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Jim Arthur

I am going through a complete refurb of a newly acquired 1979 Hunter 30. The current engine is the Yanmar YSM12 which is probably a little underpowered for a 10,000 pound displacement boat. I am thinking about upgrading the engine to either the Yanmar 2GM20F or possibly the 3GM30F. Two questions: Any recommendations or experiences with either of these engines in a Hunter 30? and is there a significant advantage of fresh water cooling over sea water? Thanks, Jim
 
Dec 2, 1999
15,184
Hunter Vision-36 Rio Vista, CA.
Think about a Bukh

Jim: You do not need a 3Gm in your boat. When you are doing research check into the Bukh. It has more horsepower than the Yanmar and has some other nice features. The engine is quiter than a 2GM, has a dip stick where you can access it, has more horsepower and is probably a stronger engine to boot. PS: they cost less too.
 
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Tim L.

Don't do it.

Have you priced this? It really doesn't make sense and you'll never get the money back. I have a 1981 H30 with a Yanmar 2GM. It's rated at a continuous 13bhp vs. 16bhp for new one. I average about 5.5-6kts max, 5 kts in rough water and it's unpleasantly loud. My advice? Get the right prop pitch that max's out at the continuous RPM rating w/o smoking, get the bottom super smooth, get the extra weight out of the boat. You'll get much more satisfaction from good sails, a feathering prop, and a refrigerator.
 
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Pat McCartin

Tim, I disagree

In my marina there is another 79 H30 with a YSM12. That boat has significantly less equipment and a newer bottom by two years. I still out run him by 2 kts on engine power. A 2 or 3 cyl engine is going to run smother than the old horizontal YSM series. If the boat will carry alot of gear (liveaboard) then the extra power is nice to have. Pat McCartin 1979/80 H30 "Therapy" Lake Lanier, GA
 
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Tim L.

My real point is...

optimize what you have or buy a different boat. A new install of a 2GM will likely cost $6-9k on a boat that will be worth about $15k with or without the new engine. Doesn't make sense.
 
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David Foster

On the other hand

How many of us limit our maintenance and upgrades to what we can get back when we sell the boat? My wife and I like the cabin, systems, looks, and performance of our Cherubini h27. We are putting more into her than we will ever get back. That doesn't include repowering, but could if we had to buck a current or tide getting in/out of port. On the other hand, we might consider another boat if if faced with a $6,000 upgrade price. David Lady Lillie
 
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Ed Schenck

Almost agree with David.

I agree that most Cherubini owners put too many dollars into their boats and would never expect to recoup those upgrades. But knowing that I will still repower someday. And probably with a Bukh as Steve recommends. My 2QM20 is a true 20HP and does fine for my H37C Lake Erie outings. If I need more power I know I will at least have to trade the folding prop for a real 3-blade. But the first time I hit a stiff current with a headwind that 20HP is going to have a problem with 18000#s plus.
 
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Sam Kurtz

That is Why We Name Them as Ladies

When have you ever spent less on a pretty girl than what you recouped? Excepting the one you've married, actually that works out the same way sometimes too. If you plan to keep the boat, or the pretty girl what is the big deal? After all it is only money and you can't take it with you.
 
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Pat McCartin

Ed's on track

I'm also one of thoes people who has too much invested in my boat. It would take something north of 25k to break even on my 30, BUT there is only one boat IMO that I would sell for, another Cherubini. If your boat fits your life, then do the upgrade if you need the power. When your gone does it realy mater how much cash the boat brings. It's the memories and experiences that are valueable, can't have good ones bucking a current and headwinds. Just a thought. Pat McCartin 1979/80 H30 "Therapy" Lake Lanier, GA
 
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Pat McCartin

Fresh water cooled Vs. Raw water

Jim, Addresing your other question. If the boat will ONLY see fresh water lakes then save the money and go with raw water cooled (much simpler). If there is ANY CHANCE of salt water use GET fresh water (closed) cooling. Long term this will save you hundreds if not thousands. Pat McCartin 1979/80 H30 "Therapy" Lake Lanier, GA
 
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Sam Kurtz

Pat, You Are One Smart Cookie

Great minds do think alike and at the same moment don't they?
 
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Pat McCartin

Didn't mean to get philospoical but...

I didn't mean to get on my soap box for ya'll but the amount you spend Vs. boat value, I think is a personal decision. Thanks Sam and everyone. Pat McCartin 1979/80 H30 "Therapy" Lake Lanier, GA
 
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Tim L.

I agree and I don't.

I bought my H30 from someone who owned it less than a season and sold it to me at a big loss; I just bought a new boat that was owned less than a season and then sold to me at a big loss; a good friend bought a boat last year and its now on the market. Any of these folks would be happy to tell you that you should own the boat for a season or two before you sink a lot of unrecoverable money into it.
 
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Jim Arthur

Follow up to Re-engine

Great information! It's really more of a personal (and safety) issue to spend the money for a new engine. I can only base the condition of the existing YSM12 on the way the previous owner maintained the boat. He didn't! So I've made the decision to re-engine. I'm just about ready to go ahead with the BetaMarine BD722, 3 cyl. Diesel, rated at 20 HP. It will fit into the engine compartment with room to spare and weighs less than the old YSM12. Has anybody had experience with this (or other Betamarine) engines? Thanks, Jim Arthur
 
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John

Why the Beta-marine?

Jim, I'm not questioning your choice, just looking for issues I may have overlooked. I am about to re-power a 78 H30, and am pretty much set on the Vetus 3.09. It's a 25HP 3 cyl, and weighs 271 lbs. Should fit in the boat with room. The price should be about $ 5,200. Did you consider the Vetus?
 
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Ed Schenck

Beta vs. Vetus

From the websites I see that the Beta is quite a lot smaller and lighter. The width of the Beta is 15" vs. 21" and length 25" vs. 28". Weight is about 40 lbs. less. And I like the fact that it is Kubota based. But both are excellent diesels if they fit. Makes me wonder why I liked the Bukh. Musta' been price. :)
 
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John

indecision.........

They're really about the same size width. The vetus has a larger mounting base, but the actual engine is about 17in wide, and the beta is 17.2 in wide at the top. Since the H30 has the width for the mounts, it's not an issue. The big issue is the 40lbs. But the offset is 25% more power. Both are lighter than the YSM. Is 20HP enough for a 10,000# boat? Is 25HP too much? Is there such a thing as too much? I'm too indecisive, and there are too many decisions to make!
 
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Pat McCartin

I'd go for the Beta...

and I just might have to, when it comes time to repower. With the 40# less weight means more room for batteries, water, fuel.... Pat McCartin 1979/80 H30 "Therapy" Lake Lanier, GA P.S. Keep in mind you'll have to reprop with the increase in power, and I'd guess reverse rotation from the YSM.
 
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Ed Schenck

Too much horsepower.

The issue of too much horsepower, IMHO, is only cost. Initial cost of purchase and cost to run. I don't think you need 25HP for a displ. of 10000#. My 18000# H37C does fine in most conditions with 20HP(2QM20). And that's with a folding prop. With the larger displacement, running at the same RPMs, you will consume more fuel to go the same speed. This assumes both can achieve hull speed and I think they will. If the 25 horsepower's initial cost is the same as the 20 AND it fits just as easily then I'm with John, indecisive. Except that the 20HP is a Kubota. After all, Mitsubishi also made my large screen TV. :)
 
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John

But they make the BEST TVs !!

Good info all, thanks. I guess, if the up front cost is about the same, more is better. My understanding is they're about the same $? Not that I'm a millionaire, but even if the 25HP uses 2X the fuel, we're only talking about $ 20-40/season. Even if it was $ 100, I think that's worth it to have more HP in reserve. I'd just hate to spend all this money and then regret I didn't get more HP. I'm also thinking of using an Autoprop ( I swear I'm not a millionaire ) which should help with the fuel efficiency.
 
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