It looks like I might need to replace my diesel engine. I currently have a Renault 8hp on my 1980 H27. I'm open to suggestions on a cost efficient replacement. Refurbished or new. 
Replace my Diesel engine
- Thread starter Nipsey
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Why do you think you need a new engine.
As an observation big trucks don't ever buy new engines they rebuild them. Lots cheaper and just as good a result.
I'm sure a single lung 8 HP should not be that much of a problem to rebuild. Of course it is French so ...........
Why do you think you need a new engine.
As an observation big trucks don't ever buy new engines they rebuild them. Lots cheaper and just as good a result.
I'm sure a single lung 8 HP should not be that much of a problem to rebuild. Of course it is French so ...........
I put a 2YM15 yanmar in my H27. I was pricy, but doing the work yourself helps. It fit pretty well. There is one more marine diesel outfit since I did it, can't remeber the name, but I think it starts with a "I"- check them out.
The reason I didn't rebuild my old Yanmar was it was raw water cooled, and it seemed like 30 years of running saltwater thru cast iron was about all you could expect..
The reason I didn't rebuild my old Yanmar was it was raw water cooled, and it seemed like 30 years of running saltwater thru cast iron was about all you could expect..
Your best bet it to rebuild the one you have; it's already set up to be there. Replacing will mean reconfiguring the engine mounts, maybe even some exhaust/fuel/water plumbing, reworking the shaft, maybe even a new or re-pitched prop. Don't go the outboard route. Lost of people do, but IMHO, it ruins the lines of the boat, and many marinas will not allow you to stay in that marina, since you must be able to get the boat under way with its "designed and builder-installed machinery."
BetaMarine makes a nice 10 hp motor. I replaced the Yanmar with a Beta in my 31 foot Hunter and have never had a problem with the motor. Might be worth a talk with Beta at the next boat show.
As for the Outboard, I totally agree to stay away from that route. They are difficult to reach and run from the cockpit unless you get someone to be Motorman 3rd class.
As for the Outboard, I totally agree to stay away from that route. They are difficult to reach and run from the cockpit unless you get someone to be Motorman 3rd class.
While I will agree that the outboard does take away from the looks of the boat, it's not that bad. It's also not that difficult to control the outboard from the cockpit. My old Honda is much quieter than the Renault and is very smooth and extremely reliable. The Renault will rattle your fillings at lower speeds
Rebuilding the Renault is a difficult task at best. It's close to 30 years old and it has been somewhere around 20+ years since manufacturing ended. Granted some parts are generic and can be sourced with research (seals, possibly some bearings, etc). Other parts would have to machined. The transmission cones are no longer available apparently.
One of the biggest problems is that the cost of a diesel re-power can easily exceed the value of the boat. Take for instance my case, if I have a new Nanni, Beta, Yanmar, or Westerbeke installed, it will cost painfully more than what we paid for the boat, even if I did the install 100% by myself. I sometime see 27's for sale that have a good diesel that could actually be purchased for less than the price of a re-power. So what's more cost effective, buying a new engine for the price of a whole boat, or buying another boat with a good engine then selling, donating, or scrapping the one with the old engine?
That being said, when I can, I will re-power mine. I plan on keeping the boat for a very long time and I would rather have a nice inboard than the outboard. I keep hoping that alternative means of propulsion will become more viable and affordable (electric power maybe???) but I always look at the Annapolis boat show at the small engines and I keep thinking the Beta is the way to go for the 27.
Rebuilding the Renault is a difficult task at best. It's close to 30 years old and it has been somewhere around 20+ years since manufacturing ended. Granted some parts are generic and can be sourced with research (seals, possibly some bearings, etc). Other parts would have to machined. The transmission cones are no longer available apparently.
One of the biggest problems is that the cost of a diesel re-power can easily exceed the value of the boat. Take for instance my case, if I have a new Nanni, Beta, Yanmar, or Westerbeke installed, it will cost painfully more than what we paid for the boat, even if I did the install 100% by myself. I sometime see 27's for sale that have a good diesel that could actually be purchased for less than the price of a re-power. So what's more cost effective, buying a new engine for the price of a whole boat, or buying another boat with a good engine then selling, donating, or scrapping the one with the old engine?
That being said, when I can, I will re-power mine. I plan on keeping the boat for a very long time and I would rather have a nice inboard than the outboard. I keep hoping that alternative means of propulsion will become more viable and affordable (electric power maybe???) but I always look at the Annapolis boat show at the small engines and I keep thinking the Beta is the way to go for the 27.
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