My Hunter 27 has its original Renault 8hp inboard from 1980. I bought it three years ago, and have done a fair amount of maintenance on it, but it has just never pushed the boat the way I would like. I can get maybe 4 knots on a calm day, less if there is any chop. Last year's thing was overheating -- some water intakes got clogged (apparently with something metal), and we had some engine smoke. I thought we had that taken care of, but last time I ran the engine, water still wasn't getting into the block very well. What I wonder is whether an 8hp engine should be sufficient for this boat; and if not,what would you recommend? I got some money from my father's estate, and could repower if that is the wise course. Or should I try a rebuild of the Renault if a compression test comes back OK, and hope for the best? I want an engine I can rely on, in any kind of weather. Thanks much, Jim in Annapolis
Repower a 1980 Hunter 27
- Thread starter BeamReacher
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Tough call Jim.
I did the repower thing on my H37C, a new 3YM30 Yanmar. No matter what anyone says about which motor is better the whole thing will cost you a minimum of $6000. Mine was over $7000. and I did all the work myself. So it comes down to how much you love the boat. You will never get your money back. You do it because you plan to keep the boat and you want the security of a good engine. The other options are the Renault rebuild or a used engine. I sold the 2QM20 from my H37C in a day for example. It would have been a perfect fit for your boat albeit a little heavy. But you might find something like it on E-Bay from people like me who had good engines but not enough power. One opinion you will get is to take out the motor and replace with an outboard. A 27 Cherubini deserves better. Good luck with your search for an answer.
I did the repower thing on my H37C, a new 3YM30 Yanmar. No matter what anyone says about which motor is better the whole thing will cost you a minimum of $6000. Mine was over $7000. and I did all the work myself. So it comes down to how much you love the boat. You will never get your money back. You do it because you plan to keep the boat and you want the security of a good engine. The other options are the Renault rebuild or a used engine. I sold the 2QM20 from my H37C in a day for example. It would have been a perfect fit for your boat albeit a little heavy. But you might find something like it on E-Bay from people like me who had good engines but not enough power. One opinion you will get is to take out the motor and replace with an outboard. A 27 Cherubini deserves better. Good luck with your search for an answer.
Ed's right, it is a tough call
Repowering is expensive, $6k minimum unless you find something used. The boat would be better with 12 to15 hp. The Renault is really easy to work on though, clearing a blockage should be fairly easy. How's the impeller on the water pump? Also make sure the head is not warped from overheating - easy to have fixed if it did (been there done that). Adding an outboard is another option. It is the least expensive way to repower. I have an 8 hp Honda on mine and it pushes the boat well. Ed's right though, the 27 doesn't deserve an outboard hanging off the pretty stern. Someday I will repower. I'll gladly take the Renault off your hands if you decide to repower. Manny
Repowering is expensive, $6k minimum unless you find something used. The boat would be better with 12 to15 hp. The Renault is really easy to work on though, clearing a blockage should be fairly easy. How's the impeller on the water pump? Also make sure the head is not warped from overheating - easy to have fixed if it did (been there done that). Adding an outboard is another option. It is the least expensive way to repower. I have an 8 hp Honda on mine and it pushes the boat well. Ed's right though, the 27 doesn't deserve an outboard hanging off the pretty stern. Someday I will repower. I'll gladly take the Renault off your hands if you decide to repower. Manny
Jim, what have you checked for blockage?
Jim, have you been able to determine roughly where the blockage is? There isn't much "piping" on the engine. Do you still have an original gate valve for the intake? If so, that may be part of the problem. Any water in the engine oil? By the way, what prop do you have on your 27'? I've been able to get roughly 5.5 knots out of mine with a three blade prop. You have to make sure the transmission is adjusted properly, because the cones can slip otherwise. They eventually wear out. Manny
Jim, have you been able to determine roughly where the blockage is? There isn't much "piping" on the engine. Do you still have an original gate valve for the intake? If so, that may be part of the problem. Any water in the engine oil? By the way, what prop do you have on your 27'? I've been able to get roughly 5.5 knots out of mine with a three blade prop. You have to make sure the transmission is adjusted properly, because the cones can slip otherwise. They eventually wear out. Manny
I would go for large engine
My friend's H280 (circa 1995) has Yanmar 1GM10, 8hp engine. His engine is grossly under power for boat this size. Several ocassion the boat stays on the spot were going against tide. There were instance where his boat moves backward even as he power forward at WOT because of tide. Its down right risky business. He's now planning to repower to Yanmar 3YM20. If you intend on keeping your H27, upgrade to 21hp maybe a good choice.
My friend's H280 (circa 1995) has Yanmar 1GM10, 8hp engine. His engine is grossly under power for boat this size. Several ocassion the boat stays on the spot were going against tide. There were instance where his boat moves backward even as he power forward at WOT because of tide. Its down right risky business. He's now planning to repower to Yanmar 3YM20. If you intend on keeping your H27, upgrade to 21hp maybe a good choice.
something else
This last fall I changed to a powerboat three blade prop. It is a little smaller than the two blade that was on the boat. Went from a 14X12 to a 13X11. It allowed the engine to rev 500+ RPMs higher and gives much more power and speed. If you can you might wish to try a prop change first before you bite the big engine bullet. I am running a old 2QM15 rated at 14hp on an '80 33. After the prop change I would not think of putting in a heavier engine. Good link below on prop info.
This last fall I changed to a powerboat three blade prop. It is a little smaller than the two blade that was on the boat. Went from a 14X12 to a 13X11. It allowed the engine to rev 500+ RPMs higher and gives much more power and speed. If you can you might wish to try a prop change first before you bite the big engine bullet. I am running a old 2QM15 rated at 14hp on an '80 33. After the prop change I would not think of putting in a heavier engine. Good link below on prop info.
more power!
We, have a hunnter just like yours and the previous owner swapped the french motor for a westerbeke 12hp. weve had no problems with it whatsoever. It reaches hull speed,backs well and all weve done has been doing is maintenance.
We, have a hunnter just like yours and the previous owner swapped the french motor for a westerbeke 12hp. weve had no problems with it whatsoever. It reaches hull speed,backs well and all weve done has been doing is maintenance.
Check the Gear for Sail
There is a Yanmar YS?12 that should fit for $1500. My H27 had the YSB8. I replaced it with a 2YM15. If the 12 is good shape it will save you thousands.
There is a Yanmar YS?12 that should fit for $1500. My H27 had the YSB8. I replaced it with a 2YM15. If the 12 is good shape it will save you thousands.
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