Re-Engine LM-32

[chrismunson]

I am researching replacing the original 1986 Volvo MD17D money sinkhole with a Kubota B-30, keeping the original 120S Saildrive. Has anyone any experience in re-engining a LM-32?

Please see the very interesting article about this subject posted along with this thread.

Attachments:

Repowering Your Sailboat.pdf (146.09 KB)

[Cucuga]

Hi Chris,
I've no experience about replacing engine, but I can tell you that my LM 30 has a Betamarine 35Hp engine with volvo 120 saildrive. The engine is a kubota and works fine.
Best regards,
Pedro

[johnc]

Sept 15, 2015 17:30:54 GMT chrismunson said:

I am researching replacing the original 1986 Volvo MD17D money sinkhole with a Kubota B-30, keeping the original 120S Saildrive. Has anyone any experience in re-engining a LM-32?

Please see the very interesting article about this subject posted along with this thread.

Hi. I am new to this forum so this is my first post. Regarding your plan to change your engine, I would check the tickover speed of the new engine and compare it with the existing unit. A friend of mine did a similar exercise (new engine mated to existing saildrive) but had a major problem as his new engine slowest RPM was about 900 RPM and his old engine with a heavy flywheel was about 500 RPM, the result being his boat was too fast under power when coming into his berth. I had a similar issue with a ford engine with too high a tickover speed and had to git a flywheel mass to allow it to run at slow speed. You also need to check for torsional vibration problems which could damage the saildrive. Good luck with your project.

[chrismunson]

Thank you both for your responses. I met with the Beta Marine dealer and factory reps at the Annapolis boat show. The plan now is not let the engine call the shot and ruin a vacation or season, but to replace it next winter, gambling that it will last one more season. Its running perfectly, but these raw water cooled engines just up and die at some point, with no warning. The replacement engine will be a Beta 35 4 cylinder with new sail drive, which has a max rpm of 2800 - very similiar to the olde Volvo MD17D. Beta makes feet that adapt to the Volvo fiberglass bed in the hull, and the saildrive fits the same hole - at least that's what they say. The Beta 35 runs 800 rpm lower than the Beta 30, its a close match to the MD17D in that regard. Normally, I cruise at 1500 rpm, which gives 5.5 kt in calm water. All reviews and comments about the Beta, and their services and prices, have been excellent. I will provide a write-up on this once underway.

[jandane]

Chrismunson, how is the new engine? Tell, brag, show......