Repowering my 45 C

[Megalodon45]

I am about to undergo repowering my dads 1990 45C
new mains new gen set few cosmetic upgrades
most likely will be using Saunders in Orange Beach AL
am looking at cummings qsc 8.3 L
anyone has any experience with the cummings qsc?
I will post pictures of the project as it comes along boat will be heading to the yard after labor day
any words of wisdom on making the ole girl new is appreciated

 

[SKYCHENEY]

Take a look at FPT 8.7L as well.

 

[tkbsurf]

Look at the Volvo D8. Better service and support than the FPT product not to mention it is "complete". Meaning EVC(Controls) are included. The Cummins 8.3 has been discontinued for some time now. The QSL9 is available. Just check support in your area.

 

[Captain Ralph]

Cummins re-power is hard to beat.
IMO, the 8.3 is even harder to beat. Freaking bomb proof.

 

[tkbsurf]

IMO Cummins just isn't what it used to be in the marine industry. No doubt they were great for a long time. I'm not disputing the 8.3 legend status either. Just make sure to do your homework in the future production of the 8.3 and support.

 

[Captain Ralph]

D8 support?? Try to order an ECM lately??

 

[Boatsb]

Im a big cummins fan. But the 8.3 is old technology. Hard to beat maybe but hard to support soon. Kind of like the old Detroits.
Id be looking at modern engines that are current if I was to repower. No reason to put in old and maybe unsupported hardware.
thank the epa for so many options being gone. Nobody wants to spend billions to meet the new emissions requirements when the customers don't nt want them either.

 

[SKYCHENEY]

I've been very happy with the FTP/Cat/Yanmar 8.7L. I think MarioG would say the same about his. Who else has repowered with new lately?
Pascal and DLCameron put in the C series Cummins in the past couple of years.
You'll hear all kinds of dock talk here. I suggest you speak to owners who have actually done it.

 

[Bob Bradley]

If $$ is no issue, give Scania a look. Be sitting down when you read the quote though.

 

[captcrunch]

After doing this once I’d never do it again. To many variables and unknowns and while you’re in there stuff. Add atleast 30% to anticipated budget. Then the extra power may not give anticipated performance due to hull design, which could require further modification.

 

[worldsaway]

Very interested to watch your project.

 

[Megalodon45]

will keep yall posted . Saunders is coming get some measurements this thursday Then will give me some prices on different options for mains and generators. They are big on phasor and northern light packages.
the original onan 8kw is still rolling after 36 years so i am thinking cummmins onan too as a option

 

[Eddieclemons]

Cat C12s and NL on the genset.

 

[SKYCHENEY]

Cat C12s and NL on the genset.

C12's are not EPA compliant anymore. Only Tier 3 emissions engines can be sold now. I tried to buy a set 4 years ago and was told they could only sell them overseas. That's how I ended up with the Cat C8.7HO's

 

[Bob Bradley]

I'm running an 86 45C that was repowered in 2001 with Cummins QSM11s. 535hp. I'm not sure if that hp was chosen due to availability at the time or to avoid having to up the shaft size from the original 2" ones. I bought her in 2020 after researching doing a repower on the 79 43C which I had owned for 18 years at hat time.

I had 435hp (I think) 6v92ta engines and was tired of running 15 to 16 it's. I looked at Scania and Cummins QSM111s in the high 600's hp. My 2" shafts would have had to be enlarged. Costly project. Scania would have been approaching $300k and Cummins 200 to 250k. And the boat would have still been worth slightly north of $100k after the repower. BTW, my 6v92ta engines were in pretty good shape. Nowhere near ready for a rebuild. I just wanted to go faster.

On a whim, I put a boat wanted ad on THT, looking for a repowered 45C, preferably with QSM11s. A broker contacted me asking if I was serious. I said yes, and he set the deal up. I couldn't be happier with my new boat. 535hp cruises her in the low 20s, burning 38gph or so. And, they've been very dependable. I think they had 3000 hours when I bought her. Cost was around 150k plus another 20 to upgrade the electronics.

 

[rustybucket]

In my repower hunt FPT was at the top. Was able to talk to several people who repowered with them and were VERY happy, even got to tour a boat with a FPT repower. That being said my hp rating was not available in the US at that time so I had to go a different route. At the lower hp ratings they were available and seemed to be very economical for a repower. Everything I looked at on them looked quality, sounded great and heard nothing but good things about them. Nothing against cummins, they are nice too, but FPT is def worth a good look.

 

[Megalodon45]

update
saunders is recomending three different engine options
the first two or FPT N6.7 EVO 550hp or Cummins QSB 6.7 550hp both w straight gear supply hoping to use the 2 inch shafts if they pass shaft safety factor rework the wheels
third options more money +/- 75K more Cummins QSC 8.3 580hp options have to upgrade shafts struts, logs etc to make prop safety factor gear supply down angle.

I dont know anything about FPT other than what i have read online and the first three mechanics i talked to here in south central La told me to go with cummins.

currently have v692tac 535hp twin disc 2:1 gear straight drive at 1900rpm 19.5knot cruise at 2 gallons per mile

anyone have any knowledge of a 45 or 46 being repowered w the QSB 6.7 @550hp?

 

[SKYCHENEY]

Although, not a 45 or 46 but I went from 6v92TA 485hp straight gear, 2" shafts to Cat 8.7HO 650hp(which is FPT) with down angle gears, 2-1/2" shafts. Cruise went from 16kts to 20kts with a top of 23.5kts. The new shafts, struts, etc is a big undertaking. If you can get the speed you want/need from the Cummins QSB, I'd got with that as those are proven engines and there are tons of them out there.

 

[captcrunch]

I think in the 45 the 6.7s will be to small. It was a borderline option on my 38

 

[madhatter1]

You need adequate "cubic HP". Grunt. I get that bigger HP comes in smaller packages these days but a high strung 6.7 is the wrong application. You can put a 900HP 1.6L F-1 engines in a boat with the right reduction and it might move the boat. One barnacle on the prop and no go. Either rebuild the 6-92's or go with something like Sky's project. I consider my 8-92's simpley just enough for a boat this size and weight.

IMHO.