appropriate engine replacement for CD 28

[Kevin Mulligan]

I just bought a Cape Dory 28 with a blown Volvo diesel and am considering replacing it with a new Yanmar 18 hp 2GM as the Volvo has the reputation of being slightly underpowered. Has anyone installed the above Yanmar? Is it of adequate power? Any better suggestions?
Kevin Mulligan



kmulligan@yahoo.com

[Bill Shambora]

I have a 3GM on my CD28. If I were to replace it I would probably go for the 2GM. 27 horsepower is more than enough and I usually run the engine at well below full power although the power does come in handy when navigating Florida inlets against the tide. I would like the economy in weight and fuel burn of the 18 hp engine and the size might provide a little more working space in the engine room. The Yanmar (in my experience) has been reliable and fairly straightforward to maintain.

Bill
SV D.Ann



shambora@ohio.edu

[Boyd]

Hi Kevin..

My CD 30 MkII has a westerbeke 21A. 21 horsepower seems to be about right for my boat and in the middle between your 27 and 18 hp options with Yanmar. My westerbeke (since rebuild) has been a very reliable engine although the parts are breathtakingly expensive.

Boyd


I just bought a Cape Dory 28 with a blown Volvo diesel and am considering replacing it with a new Yanmar 18 hp 2GM as the Volvo has the reputation of being slightly underpowered. Has anyone installed the above Yanmar? Is it of adequate power? Any better suggestions?

Kevin Mulligan

[Glen]

I replaced the old Volvo MD7A in my CD30c with a Yanmar 2GM20FV. The Volvo had a v-drive so I installed a Yanmar with a v-drive to reduce the modifications necessary to the engine beds.

The power is adequate for my CD30 and an improvement over the Volvo. I think the 3GM30 would be just a bit excessive...and maybe nice to have in adverse conditions, but the cost and weight difference was a consideration for me (as well as the 3-6 month wait to order a 3GM30...the distributor had a 2GM20 with V-drive in stock). With a 2-blade Teignbridge 13X12 prop (it has large blades compared to most other sail props) I get near hull speed at max rpm (my max rpm is about 3400 with this prop). A 3 blade prop is in the future.

The 2GM20 does vibrate more than the 3GM30...2-cylinders vs 3-cylinders...about the same as the Volvo. Looking at the two Yanmar engines side-by-side, it is difficult to tell any major difference in them...the 3GM30 is about 3-4 inches longer and of course has a third injector.

I am very pleased with the performance and fit of the new Yanmar.

I would suggest to consider into your costs:
modifications to your engine beds (if necessary)
new exhaust hose
new fuel lines
new primary fuel filter (such as a Racor 500 series)
new prop shaft (at minimum you will need to have your old one cut and checked to see if it is straight).
new prop
new cutlas bearing
new engine hour meter
new raw water strainer (if you don't have one)
spares for the Yanmar (impeller, etc.)







glen@cambio.acomp.usf.edu

[Ken Cave]

I have been looking at all the engines just in case my Volvo MD7A finally gives up the ghost-and when visiting the London Boat Show last winter, I talked to the Volvo folks about a change over.

Volvo has a kit that bolts in place to fit their new Volvo 18 horse power or 25 horse power! Costs about $150.00-but sure saves a bunch of money in rebbing something that doesn't fit.

Volvo is now selling the Perkins engine (block is believed to be a Kubota!) through their name. Parts should be easier to come by-and a lot less expensive.

Ken Cave



bcave@whidbey.Net