Perkins 4108 vs Westerbeke 44A

[Jeff Peterson]

Hi all

Since my last post, the old Perkins 4108 is out of the boat (Cape Dory 36). Thanks to everyone on the Board for the helpful input and especially the C hook idea, which the yard did end up using, although they also had to cut out the front panel of the engine compartment and take stuff off the engine (13 hrs of work total).

But now, rather than just new oil seals, the 4108 is in need of full rebuild.

One option is to rebuild this engine with the Perkins rebuild kit, service some key things like the oil pump and transmission and injectors/pump etc and put it back in. But this all gets pretty pricey...and it is still an old engine.

Even more pricey is to go with the Foley remanufactured 4108, which is factory rebuilt and tested and has nice upgrades like the serpentine belt, air filter, fuel filter etc...but their $8000 price is well more than the rebuild and the price includes trade in of the old engine. We send Foley a $4000 deposit and we get some or all of that back depending on whether they accept our old core, head, injector pump etc.

Final option (so far) is a Westerbeke 44A with just 40 hrs from a reputable dealer. This seems like a good deal in that it is a more modern engine, comes with a transmission with 40 hrs, and involves no trade in (ie could still sell the old Perkins core and parts) and, price in a bit less than the remanufactured Foley 4108. Big issue here is fit to the boat...the rebuilt or remanufactured Perkins would pretty much plug in to the boat while the Westerbeke may require more fitting. And, the 44A is rated at 40 hp at 3600 rpm which is a bit below the Perkins.

So, does anyone have input on some key questions below?

-- Views on Westerbeke in general or the 44A more specifically?
-- Views on whether the 44A has enough hp for the CD 36?
-- Views on how difficult fitting the 44A into the old Perkins frame in a CD 36 might be?
-- Views on whether a yard rebuild or a Foley remanufacture for a good bit more money is a better option?

Thanks again in advance.

[Jeff and Sarah]

Given the availability of parts for the 4108 and the simplicity of reinstalling it after the rebuild, I'd be leaning hard towards a rebuild in your case. Why is someone selling an engine with only 40 hours?

[Jim Walsh]

The current Westerbeke production model is 44C. I'd want to know the story behind an "A" model with 40 hours. A engine replacement is a big deal so you want the process to be flawless after you have invested a lot of boat units.

[Doug Jesseman]

Jeff, Do NOT have anything to do with Foley. That would be the biggest mistake of your life. If you want to rebuild the engine, Hansen marine in Marblehead, Mass will do an excellent rebuild and they are honest. Perkins are pretty much built like army tanks and will last forever. They rebuilt mine and I am very happy. Foley is a con artist at its worst. The great thing about a quality rebuild, is the engine will fit back in the same place, even with new engine mounts and all, like a glove.