Repower CD27 #256

[LOKI]

Well, Looking for ideas to repower my CD 27 . Ive been intouch with Beta so far and will probably settle for a Beta 14 but has anyone had problems trying to fit a newer Yanmar , Volvo, or Westerbeke In this model ? Ideas?

[Northstar1014]

My 27 has the Westerbeke 13 and its a great engine, but its big. I dont know if they still make it anymore.

I have heard nothing but good things about the Beta Marine -- if I were repowering, I would probably be leaning towards it. I would make my decision in large measure based on local dealer support and parts availability / price of parts.

[Steve Behnke]

i've just finished installing a Beta 14 in my 1980 CD27. It went pretty smoothly considering my lack of experience as a mechanic. I benefited greatly from Andy Denmark's board posts on his installation. It's sure quiet and smooth compared with the original YSM-8.

Ben Thomas, a CDSOA member, is a Beta dealer, and offers a member discount.

[Andy Denmark]

John,

You didn't say what engine you're replacing but if it's a Westerbeke 13 you'll find that Beta has a bracket avaailable that makes the Beta 14 installation a snap. They used my installation to design the prototype for this bracket that makes the Beta engine a virtual drop-in on the factory W-13 mounts. Beta can tell you if they have engineered brackets for other engines --- I don't know. There are some considerations concerning the options to order on the Beta but this is normal for any repowering project. And there are the usual considerations about routing exhaust riser, control linkages, fuel feed & return lines, and control panel that are common to any repowering job.

Operationally, the Beta is a huge improvement regardless of the engine being replaced. It is smoother, quieter, more efficient, smaller and lighter. I now have a couple hundred hours on mine without a problem. I am religious about maintenance and the dipstick barely shows any color when I check the oil (at least daily when underway). The only change I've had to do is not to fill the crankcase oil to the full mark but 1/2" lower otherwise it throws some oil. The level change stopped this. Included when I repowered were a new larger diameter exhausr system, PSS, Speed Seal, and a new prop per Beta specs. Using that prop shows WOT within 100 rpm of mfrs specs and I cruise at 80% of that (2700 -2800). This is higher than the Westerbeke and took some getting used to. Now I don't notice the differrence.

Maintenance was a primary consideration for my decision. The W-13 was an excellent engine but servicing it was a bitch. A remote oil filter helped a lot. I put nearly 2500 hours on the W-13 and literally never saw the dipstick hole, making my frequent oil checks an exercise in braille; I could do it in the dark or with eyes closed but it got very old (like me --- ahem). The Beta is a dream for service. The manual oil pump may seem like an antiquity (I again relate), but it works like a charm (now I can't relate ). Except for the tranny dipstick, everything else is right there.

FWIW, Stanley at Beta sold my W-13 for me through one of his dealers. Someone got a good engine in that deal!

If you have any more specific questions I'll be happy to try and answer them via P.M.

Hope this helps,

Andy

[Neil Gordon]

I put a Beta in my 28 a year ago, replacing the MD7A. It's lots smaller and half the weight of the Volvo, but it sits on about the same footprint... so just needed to raise the rails up about three inches.

Build a new shaft, prop, shifter, cables, cutlass bearing, and stuffing box or dripless seal into your budget.

Beta offers a rebate to active duty service members and veterans.

[LOKI]

Awesome ! My boat had the W13 Westerbeke in as well and i bought it with the motor gone . I like the idea of the beta 14 for sure and I am looking at possibly buying one . Just i have a problem with the nearly 9K bill attached . Ive looked at the New Westerbeke 2D12 which i can get for 7067 new with the same Gear box and Yanmars are running around the mid 8K mark as well as Volvos but I do like how simple the maintenance is on the Beta and the fact its a Kubota so i can get parts easily ,so its a real toss up at the moment . Thank you for teh excellent advice and Im going to look more into the Beta . Once the motor is in , She goes splash and then i can fix the rig . I need to replace the Spreader sockets and spreaders but that should be simple . Then its rig up and go sailing !