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Leif Erickson

Leif Erickson

Repowering

Replacing old or failing engines can be a daunting task. In this interview, Leif Erickson discusses what many consider to be one of the most complicated refits

Usually re-powers are done when a refit is scheduled. There are occasions that they are ordered when a severe mechanical issue has occurred, but for the most part, it is when the boat is undergoing an upgrade. Engines do get old, and need replacing, and the parts that surround the engine suffer from wear and tear. Engines in sailboats are the most abused and neglected due to how they are used.

Horsepower and Fuel

The size of the engine and horsepower are often the deciding factor. A re-power is usually about the boat going faster. Sailboats that don’t have much space for a lot of choices, but bigger powerboats can accommodate a large engine with some room to spare. Fuel economy plays a role sometimes, but really when someone owns a large vessel, and is seeking out a faster engine with something like 2000 horsepower, fuel economy is not a priority. Conversely, sailboats, by virtue of what they are, are fuel-efficient.

Brands

Although there is a wide selection of brands to choose from, for sailboats, which take smaller engines, the maker will almost certainly be a Japanese company. They have been reliable, and their prices are fairly reasonable. What is more, it is entirely possible to install a turbocharged engine into a sailboat for an extra boost. It is important to keep in mind that the more horsepower per cubic inch, the more attention to maintenance is required.

Degree of Difficulty

The installation of the new engine can vary in degrees of difficulty. Sailboats do tend to be a little more straightforward, and re-powering larger boats can sometimes be as easy as lifting a crane. Often times the way that boats are manufactured now is they have a soft patch, which is a hidden hatch, that is removable for this very purpose. However, the bridge-deck will not have this accommodation, so a bit of work will go into the installation. On occasion, a boat will require major surgery to execute the installation effectively.

Multi-tasking

While doing the re-power project, it is a good idea to take care of some other needs that will require attention. For example, with the engine out, it's a good time to repair or upgrade any electrical work or plumbing as the access is easy. On a sailboat it can be a good time to tidy up and repaint the bilge and rewire or replace the bilge pump. Doing these mechanical projects while the engine is out of the boat can save a great deal of time and money.

Take-Home Engine

When preparing for a re-power, it is wise to take into consideration the get-home engine. These are increasingly popular with single-engine boats like trawlers and other passage makers. The get-home engine can be either attached to or completely independent from the main propulsion engine. Either way, you want to be clear about that portion of the project, as it is still a significant piece of work.

Shopping for Boatyards

When shopping for a boat yard, the most common mistake is to be fooled by the hourly price that is charged. The smart way to go about it is to go directly into the yard and talk to the people there. Get a feeling about how much attention they are going to pay to your project. Find out how busy they are, and how they book themselves. Look around to see if it is organized and clean. Often the higher price is a reflection of the experience and performance of the workers. You want to have quality workmanship and the utmost professionalism for your boat; people that care for your boat as if it were their own.

Research

One of the best ways to get answers is to seek out people who have been customers of a boatyard, and have them tell you of their experience. People tend to be pretty candid about things like that. In fact, you might get more information than you even thought that you wanted. The knowledge will assist you in making your choice with confidence.