Repowering 1982 28ft ODay

[O Happy Day]

My 28 ft. ODay has a Universal Atomic 11hp diesel (5411) and has been salt water cooled for the past 35 years. The engine picked up a plastic bag in through the salt water intake in July. The engine seized up after overheating.I have decided to repower it with another inboard diesel and most likely a yanmar. Through the years I have read that most people feel that the 28 ODay was underpowered with the 11hp diesel. I have definitely felt that when I have been powering into heavy winds and waves. So if I am going to repower, I am thinking that I will go with increased hp. realizing that the hull speed will not change, but hoping that I can power through the wind and waves around Catalina Island and not go down to 1.5 to 2.5 knots and feel unsafe. Have any of you repowered a 28 ft lately? What did you choose for your engine? Are you happy with the power?
Also, if any of you have similar size boats, what hp do you have powering your boat and does it feel like its enough for your size boat? My boat weighs 7300 lbs.
Thank you so much!

 

[Skipper]

Beta 16.
Might drop right in - A-4 platform.
Significant increase in power.
Same amazing fuel consumption rate.
Kubota tractor parts 1/4 the price of Yanmar. --Not that you'd need any parts very soon on a new motor.
Also you wouldn't have to adjust to a new engine sound, since the Beta 16 will sound exactly the same as your 5411:

Although, a new engine installed will cost about what an '82 O-day 28 is worth. Just something to consider.

 

[O Happy Day]

Thank you Skipper. Is the Beta 16 the same as a Universal, cause I know that I could get parts from Kubota for my Universal Atomic. 5411. Also you have the #5411 to the left of the movie of the engine.
Is the hp then 16?

 

[Skipper]

Thank you Skipper. Is the Beta 16 the same as a Universal, cause I know that I could get parts from Kubota for my Universal Atomic. 5411. Also you have the #5411 to the left of the movie of the engine.
Is the hp then 16?

Beta is not Universal. They do however use Kubota engines like Universal, and they offer A-4 platform versions of their smaller motors.
I don't understand "#5411 to the left of the movie.." I was showing that the Beta 16 sounds like a 5411 when it's running.
Yes 16hp, and better torque. At cruising RPM you'd be at about 12hp and 27 pounds feet of torque, easily pushing you into a headwind, with plenty of hp in reserve.
My boat is 30ft, 10,000lb wet, and the Universal M18 14hp has no problem pushing it around.
Go to Beta Marine website for specs and performance chart.

 

[Skipper]

There's also the Beta 14.

 

[lillia28]

I just repowered my Mariner 28 with a Beta 14 and love it. The M 28 is within inches/pounds of O 28 specs, displaces 7500 lbs. I got a deal on a low time 14, but would go for the 16, mainly because you'd have more flexibility if you wanted to add a high output alternator. Diesels like to work hard. Get too high horse power and you are spending a lot of time at low revs, which is not great for long life. The old engine was a single cylinder Yanmar. The reduction in noise and vibration is amazing.
Lou

 

[O Happy Day]

I didn't realize that diesels last longer if they are at a higher rev. Good to know. Thank you so much for your information. It was helpful!

 

[O Happy Day]

Thank you so much for your information. I called and talked with John at West Coast Beta this afternoon and he is sending me some quotes on the Beta 16 and the 20. I'm very interested in the engines thanks to you! I will forward your information to my mechanic. Thanks!

 

[njlarry]

I didn't realize that diesels last longer if they are at a higher rev. Good to know. Thank you so much for your information. It was helpful!

That's why we should not spend a lot of time at the dock warming up. Start her, get everything in order and go.

 

[JRT]

Did you see this thread? Is rebuild out entirely, Given the simple motor design I'd give it a shot at home over the winter to try and save it.

https://forums.sailboatowners.com/index.php?threads/new-life-for-an-old-beast.187848/#post-1405563

 

[Skipper]

Did you see this thread? Is rebuild out entirely, Given the simple motor design I'd give it a shot at home over the winter to try and save it.

https://forums.sailboatowners.com/index.php?threads/new-life-for-an-old-beast.187848/#post-1405563

If his 5411 got hot enough to seize, then there's going to be all kinds of nastiness in there.
Plus the fact that it was a seawater-cooled engine for 35 years.
I agree with rebuilding, especially diesels, but I'd guess that his motor is not a good candidate. Yet only a guess.
He also has expressed a desire for more power. I'd usually say most auxiliary sailboats don't need more power, but he's owned his boat a long time so he knows if it needs more power for his specific use.

Also he's in So Cal. He doesn't have winter.

 

[Scott T-Bird]

If you don't mind spending the money for a new power plant, you won't regret doing it. It sounds like the Beta may be your best option fit-wise. I changed my yanmar 1GM for 2ym15 because the fit was very close (much closer than Beta), I found the price for Yanmar to be less (contrary to the reports that you will probably read) and installation was simpler for me. The additional power, freshwater cooling, and source for hot water from the heat exchanger, make it all worthwhile on my 5,700# boat. Top speed was also increased from about 6.3 knots to 7 knots (don't believe the claims that you are limited by "hull speed" - I've never found it to be a limitation). You will surely notice an increase in cruising speed but make sure you match the prop so that you achieve the desired rpm. You may have to change props. With your 7,300#, 28' boat you might consider 2ym20 if you are thinking Yanmar.

 

[j_schoenfeld]

I did this a few years back, and I looked at changing motors. But I'm cheap, and I found there are guys who rebuild the 5411 for fun and profit, had one sent to me for 2,700.00 complete with transmission and motor mounts. Dropped it in with the crane, everything matched up and it was a breeze to hookup and fire up. And, the power was much better as the previous motor was slowly seizing and losing compression on the way down. It was seized when I bought it. And it was a project from hell, but I had fun doing it and it is still doing very well. The pictures I took are somewhere on here, the boat name is Makin Music. Either way you will know way more than you wanted to know about the stern of an Oday 28!