Powering Help

[Harrible]

I need some help. I have very little experience with inboards. I would like to make a decision now, and build the beds and frames of my under-construction boat accordingly so I don't have to go to work with a Sawzall, hatchet or pruning saw(!) later due to poor planning.

The 1965 design of my 23' wood utility (based on Downeast workboat lines) originally called for a 70 HP inboard Universal deisel. The designer (now deceased) modified the plans in 1975 for a Pisces deisel. He did a pretty good job of detailing the installation of both in the drawings, but here I am buidling the boat 30 years later, and wondering about my choices.

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The 70 Universal would allow chugging along at about 12-14 kt. I can live with that, but 20 kt would be better. Boat displaces 3300#, round bottom in the lobster boat fashion. I favor diesel, but I guess my budget favors gasoline.

What's out there? What should I be looking at? And avoiding?

-H

[Corpus Skipper]

For 4 cylinder inboards, I think you're s.o.l. But Yanmar makes small diesels suitable for your application, as well as Lugger, and John Deere. Shop around a bit, you'll find they're no more expensive than a new outboard. Good luck.

[CaptPPan]

I have a nice Volvo TMD 140 that you can have cheep if you think it would fit. 6 cyl turbo disel with gear.

[Harrible]

Thanks for the offer, Cap'....how much does it weigh? Might be a tad too large..

[mmd]

A generous offer by the Cap'n indeed, but much too much engine for the boat. Too big, too heavy, too much power ...

A motor similar to the Yanmar 4JH3-HTE at 565 lbs and 105 horsepower would, in my humble opinion, probably be the upper limits for your boat.