F-32 REPOWER OPTIONS?

DAVIDLOFLAND · Post by **DAVIDLOFLAND** » Sun May 13, 2012 2:52 pm

Looks like I'm gonna be re-powering next winter. Existing eng/trans (Merc 350 Chev/BW 1.5:1) assemblies are 35 years old, 4850 hours TT, 1200 hours SMOH. I do not intend to rebuild them again, as you can see from the times, it's not just the long blocks that are old and high time, everything is old and high time, plus they have lived in salt water for the last 21 years.

I want to go back with 350 Chev, so the options I see are...

1) New engine (only) assemblies that will run at an angle, and available in counter-rotation, allowing me to re-use the tranny's. Maybe no remounting of motor mounts to stringers? Not sure if this type of engine is even available anymore.

2) New engine/tranny assemblies that change the angle and rotation in the trannys, but will require changing the motor mounts.

Looking for feedback from F-32 owner's that have actually completed a 'new assembly' re-power.

Thanks, Dave

EM63 · Post by **EM63** » Sun May 13, 2012 4:08 pm

Hi David - as you told new gas-engines are your choice.
But it's that any decision of your ears ore some economy facts ?

Here most Owners change into Yanmar / Cummins Diesel-engines.

Already thought about this ? As far as I know you are using your vessel for offshore trip's. A diesel would work fine and relieable in this job.
--
Greetings - Heiner

DAVIDLOFLAND · Post by **DAVIDLOFLAND** » Sun May 13, 2012 5:21 pm

Diesels would be fantastic, but overall cost to buy them, then convert to them, would probably be in the the 60k - 80k USD range.

New gas assemblies will be in the 20k -30k USD range.

DAVIDLOFLAND · Post by **DAVIDLOFLAND** » Sun May 13, 2012 6:08 pm

Thanks Mitch,

But really looking for feedback from folks that have actually, specifically repowered their F32's.

Struts and Rudders · Post by **Struts and Rudders** » Sun May 13, 2012 6:57 pm

I looked long and hard and decided on MarinePower
V-8 6.0 with 2.52 to 1 gear ratio.
Will be able to use original props and struts. New shafts and coupling due to wear in packing gland area. I am installing dripless shaft seal and original surface is shot.
Fuel injected, remote oil filters,block heaters custom paint.
Top shelf customer service.
SRD
1980 F36

mitch · Post by **mitch** » Sun May 13, 2012 7:03 pm

troll

Big D · Post by **Big D** » Sun May 13, 2012 11:08 pm

Dave, I may be wrong but I don't know of anyone that still makes a counter-rotator, they stopped making them years ago when tranny pump position made it possible to stay with the standard rotation engine and stay with the main hardware coming off GM's assembly line except for a few mods like brass frost plugs, circ pumps, starters, alternators, fuel pumps, distributors, advance curves etc. etc. Personally, I'd stay away from the counter-rotator. Parts still available but if you're upgrading and the wallet allows, go with two standard rotating engines. Just about everybody will have parts on the shelf for them.

DAVIDLOFLAND · Post by **DAVIDLOFLAND** » Sun May 13, 2012 11:29 pm

Thanks Big D,

I agree 100% with everything you said. I'm just researching all options, before I pull the trigger.

No F-32 repowers have yet weighed in on th topic, but only posted today.

Stripermann2 · Post by **Stripermann2** » Mon May 14, 2012 9:00 am

David, for what it's worth, I replaced my starboard engine, Crusader 270, with a Jasper reman about 8 years ago, many hours and still going strong.

But, when it's time to do another, I'll replace both engines at the same time.
They will be gassers and small blocks. No black engines for me.

jav · Post by **jav** » Mon May 14, 2012 10:06 am

DAVIDLOFLAND wrote:.....No F-32 repowers have yet weighed in on th topic, but only posted today.

I think thats because your asking about a very specific path- repower with new engines.

I repowered my F-32 but chose to go used diesels instead of new gas. It was cheaper and better for me. You may have different goals so my choice and experience may not apply.

I will say if your going new engines, it makes little sense to me to stay with old BW gears- especially given the counter rotating issue. Most folks who go "new" on the engines- do so to have a known reliable starting point. Used gears seems counter intuitive to that goal.

I guess the only advice I can offer, is consider how you will actually use the boat going forward, what your expectations are, then figure out what makes the most sense. Keep in mind that if your worried about marine age on the engines, that same age likely exists on the, gears, running gear, fuel system, exhaust system, controls, instruments etc...

DAVIDLOFLAND · Post by **DAVIDLOFLAND** » Mon May 14, 2012 11:45 am

Good points and great advice. Thanks Jav.

Just to cover all the bases, what kind of cost range might be foreseeable for a complete DIESEL repower? I'm thinking $60k - $80k.

jav · Post by **jav** » Mon May 14, 2012 1:14 pm

could go that high or higher for new.... depends on how you go about it (sweat equity or clean hands with open checkbook).

rossjo · Post by **rossjo** » Mon May 14, 2012 8:34 pm

DAVIDLOFLAND wrote:Thanks Mitch,

But really looking for feedback from folks that have actually, specifically repowered their F32's.

My boat was repowered with Cummins 6BTAs - I didn;t do it, but have done a lot of maint - what do you want to know?

They fit great ... weight more ... use less fuel ... noisy (love it though) ... etc.

Rest of my boats are gassers.

If I were in your shoes, I would go with the 5.7 or 6.0 short block if all of your other components are good. Otherwise, a long block and drop it in myself.

How do you use the boat? Hard runs in open ocean for hour climbing 6-8' rollers? Or just putting around at 6-10knots? That's really the key.

PM me with specifics if you like ...

DAVIDLOFLAND · Post by **DAVIDLOFLAND** » Tue May 15, 2012 1:24 pm

Thanks guys,

To answer, I will be doing the install myself, whichever way I go.

Also, I run in all conditions, form trolling, fast cruising, to climbing swells in the Gulf of Alaska.

Sorry for the delayed response. Went out with a buddy yesterday, on his 26' Tollycraft. We pulled our shrimp pots, and I got the best yield so far this season...7 gallons on a 2-day soak.

gettaway · Post by **gettaway** » Tue May 15, 2012 6:20 pm

I repowered my F 32 with Mercruiser 165's with rochester 2 barrel carburetors.
I pulled out Mercruiser 228's (GM305's) original to the 1977 boat with just at 1400 negleted hours)

I also changed tranmissions to twin disc 502 with an angled output shaft. so the engine sit level in the boat, and the transmissions reverse rotation on the starboard engine.

I did the repower myself with the help of a friend on the removal and installation of the engines, whic we did in the water.

I can easily cruise at 10 -12 knots at 3 to 4 gallons of gas per hour. So far my top speed has reached 20 knots and I havent run at that speed long enough to get a fuel burn rate.

I chose the inline sixes for several reasons.the fact I got a great deal on them certainly helped but, I realy wanted an inline engine to clean up and simplify the engine room. I only have one exhaust manifold, riser and exhaust hose system per engine. I can check all fluids with only the center hatches open however, I must move the sofa to add coolant to the port engine. ( I plan to recitfy this)

the repower has completely exceeded my expectations