Universal 5411 = M-18??

Sep 9, 2014
3
catalina 30 Fairport harbor, Ohio
We need to replace our universal 5411, and have been offered an (universal) M18 as an alternate. Supposedly it will "slip right in" as it has almost the same dimensions. Anybody have any experience with this?
 
Jul 1, 2004
398
Catalina 30 Atlanta GA
I believe yours is the 11 HP Universal (two cylinder). The M-18, which I have on my 1988 Mark II is also a two cylinder but provides more horsepower (14).
I know that after the Atomic four gas engine Catalina with the 11 HP Universal was a big disappointment if you were in high current conditions or wanted to make way quickly! In comes the M-18 replacement which only lasted a couple of years before the larger three cylinder M-25 came in with a whopping 22 hp.

The question is whether or not the mount positions will match for your M-18 replacement? I would think it would be a direct fit; however, if you want more HP and performance over the long run I would opt for the larger three cylinder diesel which should fit into that space just as well.
 
Jan 6, 2010
1,520
Ohio,

You have what is called, "Raw water cooled engine". If sailing in areas with no tide current or big wave action, the M18 will be sufficient.
If sailing on outside waters & conditions, I would move up to the a 20 HP 3 cylinder.


You can look at the different engine measurements on the Universal(Westerbeke) web site to get a better idea for engine "footprints".

I do know that Universal made upgrade engines with similar footprints on some engines. A difference may be the width of your stringers as these may vary by manufacturer.

I moved from the 5411 up to the 3M20A. The only modification I made was a transitional bracket from the stringer mounted motor mounts to the support bracket on the engine. I believe I still have the drawings for my engine but, if you find yourself in a similar move-up, maybe these designs can also work for you. A few measurement changes/adjustments may do the trick.

CR
 

mortyd

.
Dec 11, 2004
952
Catalina 30 easy living
have you considered the possibility of contacting catalina yachts or the engine manufacturer?
 

jrowan

.
Mar 5, 2011
1,294
O'Day 35 Severn River, Mobjack Bay, Va.
One thing to also consider is this: is the M18 engine truly in good condition? or is it used & likely not much better then what you already have. If it has not been thoroughly rebuilt with new piston rings & all new gaskets then I would rebuild it before installing it, as the while point is to have a reliable engine. I do believe that the M18 engine is almost identical the 5411. It was just bored out to have a larger cylinder & slightly more displacement.
 
Dec 6, 2010
50
Catalina 30 City Island
Ill be replacing my m18 with an beta 25, the performance from the 18 was not good enough for where i sail, long island sound has some strong currents, there is also the possibility that mine was long over propped and the engine just had a lot of wear. 20 hp was reputed to be enough but I opted for the 5 extra hp because of the huge expense i wouldnt want to come up an inch short. I imagine your looking at used engines? Check out the price of a 3 cylinder. If its not way more maybe you go with that. M18 strikes me as a small incremental improvement over the 5411... I have an m18 ill sell you real cheap.
 
Sep 9, 2014
3
catalina 30 Fairport harbor, Ohio
Thanks,
I am not replacing the engine due to power concerns, although we will be glad for a little more power, as the old one was somewhat underpowered for us. Our 5411 blew a rod, so must be replaced. We are on Lake Erie, so currents have not been a problem. Only considered the M18 after we learned it would be equivalent in size, and supposedly will not require any modifications to install the M18. If you are selling your M-18, please post it on the classified ads, and we might be calling, if we have any more delays getting the one we anticipated.