55 Convertible Repower underway

[G-FORCE]

Threw a rod in July in the Starboard 12V71. Loved the engines, but this will be her third rebuild so decided to repower. Engines came out last Wednesday (pictures attached)IMAG0469.jpgIMAG0470.jpgIMAG0476.jpg. Planning to change DC system from 32V to 24V (assume will have to replace heads, bilge pumps, windlass, autopilot - hate to lose the Robertson it worked great!). , Wiring is in good shape so hope to use same wiring if it will carry the amps. Will leave AC system as is. Will replumb with SeaTech plumbing system. Waiting for quote from MTU, but will probably put in C18 1150s. Any advice will be very much appreciated because I haven't tackled a project like this before.

[krush]

See what cummins has to offer in your HP range. A little side story, but I ran into a guy that used to be involved with renting big temporary power units. He said when their company decided to ditch CAT and go cummins, the purchase price significantly decreased and their maintenance costs damn near got cut by 50%.

I can attest to annoyance of CAT's part policy. But you can get your part no matter where you are in the world....you just have to go through the local dealer LOL.

[G-FORCE]

Thanks Krush,

I like Cummins. Had them in my last boat, but unfortunately they don't have anything close to the 1000 HP range.

[krush]

Whatcha mean? See this link for list: http://marine.cummins.com/mrn/public...d=190&menuId=1

What about Detroit series 60's? Or you aiming higher in HP

I think part of the problem you will see with Cummins and others is that above a certain threashold, they call everything "commercial propulsion". A commercial engine isn't going to have the HP cranked up as high as a pleasure boat engine.

I don't know what type of running you plan...but if you want high HP continuous (and burning lots of fuel) then you'll have to go above 15 liters I rekn'. If you can stick to 700hp and less, you can get away with smaller engine (and lighter weight). If you plan on doing mostly casual efficient crusing with occasional go fast...why not use a smaller engine like QSM 11 (on a smaller boat even QSC series).

Volvo Penta goes to 900hp: http://www.volvopenta.com/volvopenta...l_inboard.aspx I can't comment on maintenance or parts prices though.

John Deere to looks like 750hp: http://www.deere.com/en_US/rg/produc...ion/index.html

etc etc.

[habanero]

I have a 1987 55C, i'm very interested in your project as i have considered it on my boat. The weight of modern engines are so much lighter that you may be able to use Cats 3206E 800hp. You will come out with a faster boat at at least half the fuel consumption. Please keep posting pics and info along the way. Would enjoy talking with you at some point at the end.

Mike
"Habanero"

[krush]

Another option is running take outs or surplus...stumbled upon this site: http://www.dieselenginetrader.com/en...=Cummins&ID=19


main site http://www.dieselenginetrader.com/