Cape Dory 30 and repowering

[Stu]

I have recently purchased a very nice 1981 Cape Dory 30 Cutter. The vessel is equipped with the original Volvo MD7A 13hp diesel auxillary mated to a Walters V Drive. Although I am not currently experiencing a specific problem, I am considering repowering due to age and hp of the MD7A. I would very much appreciate input from anyone who has had experience repowering a Cape Dory 30, particularly with more horsepower (ie 18-27) than the MD7A. Specifically, what make and hp combination has worked and what about size/layout constraints of the engine compartment. Any comments on retaining the original V Drive, or suggestions about replacement. Thanks very much!



stuscharff@aol.com

[Michael Bond]

Stu, I have a 1976 CD 30 K. I recently repowered. I removed my original Yanmar YSB 12 HP single cylinder engine with Walter's V-drive. I went back with a 3GM Yanmar with new v-drive. The engine is a used 3GMD series and I purchased a new gear with the V-drive. This engine is the same as the new 3GM except that it is a 24 hp instead of 27. I also had to install a new shaft and prop. The rotation of my old engine was left and all the new ones are right. The conversion was not extremely difficult but did require 3 hard week-ends to complete. I am very pleased with the results. I now have plenty of power and a much smoother running engine. The fuel consumption is a little more but not enough to complain about. It did require reworking the engine bed to accomodate the 15 degree angle of the new engine. The old Yanmar was set up with a 22 degree shaft angle which was too much in my opinion. The new engine sits almost level in the boat. The old shaft was about 3" too short. I extended my stern tube about 8" to put the new dripless stuffing gland under the engine so it is accessible. Adjusting the old stuffing box was a real trick. This set up is much nicer and does not leak or drip at all. I elected to spring for a 3 blade max-prop. This is a wonderful piece of equipment but is pretty pricey. I set the new 13" dia. right hand prop to 24 Degrees of pitch. This is app. a 10.9" pitch. I originaly set the pitch at 28 degrees which was way too much. I am real pleased with the outcome of the re-power. The new engine weighs about a third less than the old one and has twice the horsepower and is 10 times smoother. If you decied to do similar please feel free to inquire about any details that I may be of help with.

Michael Bond
CD 30K
"Frivolity"
Seabrook, Tx.



bondmichael@worldnet.att.net

[Ward Welsh]

I have recently purchased a very nice 1981 Cape Dory 30 Cutter. The vessel is equipped with the original Volvo MD7A 13hp diesel auxillary mated to a Walters V Drive. Although I am not currently experiencing a specific problem, I am considering repowering due to age and hp of the MD7A. I would very much appreciate input from anyone who has had experience repowering a Cape Dory 30, particularly with more horsepower (ie 18-27) than the MD7A. Specifically, what make and hp combination has worked and what about size/layout constraints of the engine compartment. Any comments on retaining the original V Drive, or suggestions about replacement. Thanks very much!

Stu,
I repowered a CD30 ketch six years ago with a Westerbeke 18hp fresh-water cooled. Engine and original Wolter V-drive were sent to Marblehead where an adapter was fitted, avoiding the need to reconfigure the engine mounts. Happy with Westy after six years; never missed a beat; starts like my car every spring. Cost $8,500 then.



teeward@comcast.net