Universal 5411 inboard diesel

[sailinggreg]

Hi All,

I'm thinking of buying a Catalina 30. One I'm looking at has a Universal 5411 inboard diesel.

I just heard that the Universal 5411 produces only 11hp and is sea water cooled. Can someone confirm if that is correct and also what issues that would raise.

The whole reason for me to spend the extra $$$ on an inboard diesel is so I feel comfortable sailing the California coast, maybe Mexico and eventually beat back north.

Thanks!

 

[Don S/V ILLusion]

There is nothing inherently wrong with a raw water cooled engine and the 5411 is among the most durable and easily maintained.

As to the viability of cruising a coastline with an engine rated at 11HP, you will find yourself going backwards on occasion.

 

[Stu Jackson]

I recommend two things for you to do

A search on this forum, upper right between Boat Info and Login in the blue tabs. Type in Universal 5411 or just 5411, there are many earlier threads. Why? Because the skippers who have BTDT may simply not be reading this forum (today, this week, this month, maybe sold their boats but did know what worked...). There's many years of material and knowledge on this board. Type in the search box and read away.

Go to www.marinedieseldirect.com and under Universal you can find your engine. There's also a History of Universal engines on that website, IIRC.

Do a Google search. On the engine and Catalina 30, who have a Yahoo Group and a website.

OK, that's more than two, but should get you an answer.

As far as "power" is concerned, there are skippers in both camps: too little and not enough, and it's just fine.

Your boat, your choice.

Good luck.

PS - As to coming back from Mexico, there's an article I have from CW called the Baja Dash - harbor hoping back up the coast in lieu of the Baja Dash (headbanger). pm me if you'd like it. A friend of mine with a C34 sailed from BC to Mexico, decided to truck his boat back. See above...

 

[sailinggreg]

There is nothing inherently wrong with a raw water cooled engine and the 5411 is among the most durable and easily maintained.

As to the viability of cruising a coastline with an engine rated at 11HP, you will find yourself going backwards on occasion.

Thanks. That's certainly what I'm concerned about.

I'd really appreciate hearing from anyone who's had a Universal 5411 on a Catalina 30 or similar boat.

Greg

 

[sailinggreg]

I recommend two things for you to do

A search on this forum, upper right between Boat Info and Login in the blue tabs. Type in Universal 5411 or just 5411, there are many earlier threads. Why? Because the skippers who have BTDT may simply not be reading this forum (today, this week, this month, maybe sold their boats but did know what worked...). There's many years of material and knowledge on this board. Type in the search box and read away.

Go to www.marinedieseldirect.com and under Universal you can find your engine. There's also a History of Universal engines on that website, IIRC.

Do a Google search. On the engine and Catalina 30, who have a Yahoo Group and a website.

OK, that's more than two, but should get you an answer.

As far as "power" is concerned, there are skippers in both camps: too little and not enough, and it's just fine.

Your boat, your choice.

Good luck.

PS - As to coming back from Mexico, there's an article I have from CW called the Baja Dash - harbor hoping back up the coast in lieu of the Baja Dash (headbanger). pm me if you'd like it. A friend of mine with a C34 sailed from BC to Mexico, decided to truck his boat back. See above...

Stu,

My apologies for re-posting a recurring topic. I should have searched a bit more before starting a new thread.

There certainly are plenty of skippers in each camp (not enough power vs its just fine). Although its starting to seem to me that those who say its okay use their boats in calmer areas than the SF Bay or offshore.

I'll pm you for the article you mentioned. Thanks!

 

[Stu Jackson]

Greg, no reason to apologize. That's the reason I explained why doing a search would be helpful to your specific question. While there's plenty of technical information on the engine, you asked specifically about its oomph! That answer requires some looking around.

I'll dig out the article for you.