I'd like to purchase a CD30, and I'm checking several boats in SE NH, all with different engines. Could I get some feed back on the preference to the Universal, Volvo or Yanmar Diesel. Is one preferred and why?
tomerog@nh.ultranet.com
CD30 engine
Moderator: Jim Walsh
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D. Stump, Hanalei
Re: CD30 engine
Tom,
Hanalei is a 1984 CD-30, cutter rigged with the Universal 18, 14 hp diesel. I like it because: 1. The drive is straight line. 2. Pumps alternator, and belts are on the front of the engine. 3. Its relatively easy to work on.
The Volvo MD7A uses a "V" drive and I've heard that they are not fun to work on. For what it's worth...
Dave Stump
Captain Commanding
Hanalei
Hanalei is a 1984 CD-30, cutter rigged with the Universal 18, 14 hp diesel. I like it because: 1. The drive is straight line. 2. Pumps alternator, and belts are on the front of the engine. 3. Its relatively easy to work on.
The Volvo MD7A uses a "V" drive and I've heard that they are not fun to work on. For what it's worth...
Dave Stump
Captain Commanding
Hanalei
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Bill Gold
Re: CD30 engine
I have a cd30 with a Yanmar 2GM20F (18 hp). This engine has a V drive, but I couldn't compare ease of working on it with others, as it is my first boat. Getting into the lazarettes is my biggest problem (5'11", 200 lbs). People tell me that Yanmar dealers are everywhere and parts are easy to find, not that I'm anxious to prove that. Haven't had any problems with it yet.
billgold@hotmail.com
billgold@hotmail.com
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Leo MacDonald CD30K
Re: CD30 engine
Tom, Dave,
I can confirm, the MD7A with its V-Drive is a pain to work. Given a choose, the in-line drive would be preferred.
Leo, Ketch 'Heather Ann' CD30K No. 57.
macdola@gwsmtp.nu.com
I can confirm, the MD7A with its V-Drive is a pain to work. Given a choose, the in-line drive would be preferred.
Leo, Ketch 'Heather Ann' CD30K No. 57.
macdola@gwsmtp.nu.com
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Jerry
Re: CD30 engine
My CD-30 has a Universal and its a great, relatively trouble free engine. My only complaint is that 14 horsepower doesn't seem to be enough for this size boat. When you're bucking currents going in/out harbors or the Cape Cod Canal, you'll be wishing for more power.Tom Rogers wrote: I'd like to purchase a CD30, and I'm checking several boats in SE NH, all with different engines. Could I get some feed back on the preference to the Universal, Volvo or Yanmar Diesel. Is one preferred and why?
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Larry DeMers
Re: CD30 engine
DeLaMer has the Volvo MD7B, and I rebuilt it 2 years ago for the princely sum of about $2500. It had maybe 1000 hours on it. THis engine is a good engine if the fuel is kept clean, the air is kept clean, and the oil is kept clean..in other words cleanliness is the difference. This engine is a bit smaallish for the boat, but I cannot fit a larger engine without mods to the frame and bed.
It does NOT use a glow plug or preheater, and starts opn the very first compression stroke now (used to take up to 30 minutes to get started..no compression). It is very reliable, and not a bad choice. as mentioned elsewhere, it does have the V-Drive, which is no problem at all.
The only problem I have is tightening the alternator belt. I have found ways around the oil dip stick access, oil changes and refilling oil, and working on bleeding the injectors..all of which are tight. But hey..if I can do it then anyone can!
Larry DeMers
s/v DeLaMer
demers@sgi.com
It does NOT use a glow plug or preheater, and starts opn the very first compression stroke now (used to take up to 30 minutes to get started..no compression). It is very reliable, and not a bad choice. as mentioned elsewhere, it does have the V-Drive, which is no problem at all.
The only problem I have is tightening the alternator belt. I have found ways around the oil dip stick access, oil changes and refilling oil, and working on bleeding the injectors..all of which are tight. But hey..if I can do it then anyone can!
Larry DeMers
s/v DeLaMer
Tom Rogers wrote: I'd like to purchase a CD30, and I'm checking several boats in SE NH, all with different engines. Could I get some feed back on the preference to the Universal, Volvo or Yanmar Diesel. Is one preferred and why?
demers@sgi.com
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Steve Alarcon
Re: CD30 engine
Tom,
I have a few thoughts for you to consider regarding the volvo engine.
1) spare parts...I just bought 2 new injectors because the old ones were rusted in place and were distroyed trying get them out of the sleves. They were $275.26 each! The sleeves were about $34 each, Head gasket $30...you get the idea. This summer I had to replace the aftermarket power take off that drives the raw water pump (I have fresh water cooling for the engine). The OIL SEAL for the power take off was $32.00 (and it looks just like you typical automobile oil seal). Generally, Volvo parts are very expensive, and with the exception of the oil filter can't be replaced with aftermarket products that I can find.
2) parts availablility...there are two vendors in town (Seattle) who sell volvo parts. One is open 7 days a week, but has to order everything (I think they can't afford to keep parts on hand), and the other is only open M-F 9-5 (they deal with the fishing trade and could care less about the recreational boater)
3) reliability...I agree with Larry, this seems to be a bullit-proof motor. But you better do your regular maintenance! The previous owner of my boat did not and I am now paying for it.
4) ease of access....I have the reverse mounted engine with the v-drive. As you can see from the above, I have spent a significant time (way too much) working on this engine. Access to the front where the belts, water cooler, starter, alternator (most all of the maintenance items) is a real pain. No comfortable way to work on it; you lay on your back transversely under the cockpit with your arms pinned to your side and your face against the engine. Hope you don't wear bi-focals like I do!
5) power output....I agree with the others that the MD7A might be a bit under powered at 13hp. However, I prefer to think of that engine as an AUXILLIARY. That being said, this little motor gives great fuel economy! Plan your cruises with the tides, practice good seamanship and you should be okay. We have 11-12 ft tides here, lots of islands with significant currents, and occaisionally some blustery weather (50-60 kts) and the engine has been up to all that I have asked of it.
Final analysis...I don't think I will repower with Volvo, but then I shouldn't have to run out and do it right way, either.
Good luck, and fair winds!
Steve Alarcon
CD30 Temerity
Seattle
steve.alarcon@attws.com
I have a few thoughts for you to consider regarding the volvo engine.
1) spare parts...I just bought 2 new injectors because the old ones were rusted in place and were distroyed trying get them out of the sleves. They were $275.26 each! The sleeves were about $34 each, Head gasket $30...you get the idea. This summer I had to replace the aftermarket power take off that drives the raw water pump (I have fresh water cooling for the engine). The OIL SEAL for the power take off was $32.00 (and it looks just like you typical automobile oil seal). Generally, Volvo parts are very expensive, and with the exception of the oil filter can't be replaced with aftermarket products that I can find.
2) parts availablility...there are two vendors in town (Seattle) who sell volvo parts. One is open 7 days a week, but has to order everything (I think they can't afford to keep parts on hand), and the other is only open M-F 9-5 (they deal with the fishing trade and could care less about the recreational boater)
3) reliability...I agree with Larry, this seems to be a bullit-proof motor. But you better do your regular maintenance! The previous owner of my boat did not and I am now paying for it.
4) ease of access....I have the reverse mounted engine with the v-drive. As you can see from the above, I have spent a significant time (way too much) working on this engine. Access to the front where the belts, water cooler, starter, alternator (most all of the maintenance items) is a real pain. No comfortable way to work on it; you lay on your back transversely under the cockpit with your arms pinned to your side and your face against the engine. Hope you don't wear bi-focals like I do!
5) power output....I agree with the others that the MD7A might be a bit under powered at 13hp. However, I prefer to think of that engine as an AUXILLIARY. That being said, this little motor gives great fuel economy! Plan your cruises with the tides, practice good seamanship and you should be okay. We have 11-12 ft tides here, lots of islands with significant currents, and occaisionally some blustery weather (50-60 kts) and the engine has been up to all that I have asked of it.
Final analysis...I don't think I will repower with Volvo, but then I shouldn't have to run out and do it right way, either.
Good luck, and fair winds!
Steve Alarcon
CD30 Temerity
Seattle
steve.alarcon@attws.com
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Larry DeMers
Re: CD30 engine
Pray that you don't have to replace your Volve MD7A/B Injector Pump! That puppy cost $4500 from the biggest supplier of Volvo parts in Boston!
I had the injectors rebuilt, and it was a reasonable $75 each. I agree with the comments here about the engine being an auxilliary source of power..not the main source.
The mechanic that I used as a reference when rebuilding this engine said that the Volvo MD7A/B was meant to be run continuously from oil change to oil change. It's used a lot in Sweden as a source of power for water pumps for irrigation systems, and other industrial uses.
Cheers!
Larry Demers
s/v DeLaMer
demers@sgi.com
I had the injectors rebuilt, and it was a reasonable $75 each. I agree with the comments here about the engine being an auxilliary source of power..not the main source.
The mechanic that I used as a reference when rebuilding this engine said that the Volvo MD7A/B was meant to be run continuously from oil change to oil change. It's used a lot in Sweden as a source of power for water pumps for irrigation systems, and other industrial uses.
Cheers!
Larry Demers
s/v DeLaMer
Steve Alarcon wrote: Tom,
I have a few thoughts for you to consider regarding the volvo engine.
1) spare parts...I just bought 2 new injectors because the old ones were rusted in place and were distroyed trying get them out of the sleves. They were $275.26 each! The sleeves were about $34 each, Head gasket $30...you get the idea. This summer I had to replace the aftermarket power take off that drives the raw water pump (I have fresh water cooling for the engine). The OIL SEAL for the power take off was $32.00 (and it looks just like you typical automobile oil seal). Generally, Volvo parts are very expensive, and with the exception of the oil filter can't be replaced with aftermarket products that I can find.
2) parts availablility...there are two vendors in town (Seattle) who sell volvo parts. One is open 7 days a week, but has to order everything (I think they can't afford to keep parts on hand), and the other is only open M-F 9-5 (they deal with the fishing trade and could care less about the recreational boater)
3) reliability...I agree with Larry, this seems to be a bullit-proof motor. But you better do your regular maintenance! The previous owner of my boat did not and I am now paying for it.
4) ease of access....I have the reverse mounted engine with the v-drive. As you can see from the above, I have spent a significant time (way too much) working on this engine. Access to the front where the belts, water cooler, starter, alternator (most all of the maintenance items) is a real pain. No comfortable way to work on it; you lay on your back transversely under the cockpit with your arms pinned to your side and your face against the engine. Hope you don't wear bi-focals like I do!
5) power output....I agree with the others that the MD7A might be a bit under powered at 13hp. However, I prefer to think of that engine as an AUXILLIARY. That being said, this little motor gives great fuel economy! Plan your cruises with the tides, practice good seamanship and you should be okay. We have 11-12 ft tides here, lots of islands with significant currents, and occaisionally some blustery weather (50-60 kts) and the engine has been up to all that I have asked of it.
Final analysis...I don't think I will repower with Volvo, but then I shouldn't have to run out and do it right way, either.
Good luck, and fair winds!
Steve Alarcon
CD30 Temerity
Seattle
demers@sgi.com
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Murray Glue, Dayspring
Re: CD30 engine
Dayspring has an 18hp Volvo 2002 motor with fresh water cooling and
a V drive. This seems to give her good performance, with a mimimum
of noise, but the access to the business end of the motor is a fright, as
is the access to the stern gland assembly. The performance in
reverse is good, with a 3 bladed fixed propeller.
106452.2173@compuserve.com
a V drive. This seems to give her good performance, with a mimimum
of noise, but the access to the business end of the motor is a fright, as
is the access to the stern gland assembly. The performance in
reverse is good, with a 3 bladed fixed propeller.
106452.2173@compuserve.com
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sam
Re: CD30/40 engine
Am I ever glad my 40 uses a Perkins engine. Parts are available and compared to the prices people are giving for Volvo, the Perkins prices are extremely reasonable. (Boy, that's the first time I ever said that!) wish someone would comment on prices and parts availability for Yanmar.
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Bob Ohler
Re: CD30/40 engine
I love the Yanmar 1GM.... very easy to work on, most all the parts are available from NAPA Stores, and even the oil filter is a FRAM PH3593A. I can do the impeller, the internal zinc, both fuel filters, alternator belt, oil and transmission fluid changes all pretty easily.
bobohler@chesapeake.net
bobohler@chesapeake.net
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Tom
Re: CD30 engine
The Universal is actually a Kaboda tractor engine that was converted for marine use by Universal. About 5 years ago they were bought out by Westerbeke. One story I heard is that the guy that runs Westerbeke hated the Universal and bought it to kill the competition. Westerbeke is notorious for being bad on parts supply for their engines so it may be that Univesal will suffer the same fate. Parts are reasonable compared to Volvo which is famous for ripping people on parts. The engine itself is very dependable and one thing I like about the Universal compared to Yanmar or Volvo is that it has glow plugs and thus is easier to start in cold climates. It also runs at lower rpms at cruising speed and thus is usually quieter and smoother than the Yanmar or Perkins. Yanmar has a good reputation and seems to be the wave of the future whereas Universal seems to be going the way of the Atomic four gas engine, i.e., a good engine but few people are buying new ones and is probably on the downslope. 14 hp is way under powered for a 30 foot boat in my view. Situations vary in different parts of the country and between different models.Tom Rogers wrote: I'd like to purchase a CD30, and I'm checking several boats in SE NH, all with different engines. Could I get some feed back on the preference to the Universal, Volvo or Yanmar Diesel. Is one preferred and why?
TacCambria@thegrid.net