Last year as we started our Bahamas cruise the ignition pump failed. It was repaired and we headed south but as we motored against the wind and waves there were times that we were making less than 2 knots. If we turned more than 2100 rpm we started overheating. We also had the oil leaks that are common to the Perkins. I decided to change the engine and we brought it from Jacksonville to Titusville for the re-power. As the tired old engine pulled in to the boatyard the drip pan was filled with a couple quarts of oil. We never did an autopsy but I believe it was blow by on a cylinder. As to the instillation, Sean McGrath at Coral Reef Diesel worked closely with a prop shop (sorry can't remember who) to get the best combo with the small space from the skeg hung rudder. He had the mounts fabricated. Other than waiting longer than I wanted to for parts (everything is covid's fault) no problems with fit and installation. Noise? Purrs like a kitten. With the Perkins we had to put sponges between the grill and the eyes on the galley stove. Not ideal when a bleary eyed Captain wants his coffee. (ask me how I know). It has less than 2 hours on it so there are many unanswered questions at this time. We will play with the cruising rpms on our way back home but on the sea trial at 2100ish power into a 20 knt wind we were over 6 kts. We turned downwind and pulled the power back to 1500ish and were still over 6 kts. I will ask Sean about the risers and I would like to talk to Keefer to get his inputs. I know that Beta suggests the 43 for our boat but for a few dollars more why not the 50? (my thinking) It didn't matter because the 43 was on a huge backorder. I will keep the group informed as we proceed. I will get the gear ratio when I get back to her next week.
Sean had to have the mounts custom made and he replaced the shaft and they had to cut it down 2 inches. And yes the featherstream seemed like it was too small. At 1800 rpm we were doing over 6 kts. If we went over 2100 reached hull speed and she started to squat.
We just brought her home to Jacksonville from Titusville. At 1800 rpm she was quiet and cruised above 6 kts. At 2100 I want to say we were at or above hull speed which I think is about 7.2. We were having some issues with the stuffing box at high rpm (It needs an adjustment) so we didn't spend much time there. I am working on a rpm-kts chart and will post it after we get the 25 hour service and adjustment done. Bottomline is that she is able to power thru wind and wave like a champ. I am very pleased so far.
We went from a 3 bladed 16" featherstream (UK made and needed a yearly haulout to service) to a 17" 4 bladed maxi-ease (A diver can adjust the pitch by changing a screw) and I am very pleased. Before the re-power we were struggling against wind and wave and making only 2 kts at times as we tried not to overheat. Now she is a beast. Well still a snailboat but a beastie snailboat.
I seem to recall that John was complaining about cavitation on the 4 blade but I couldn't find the original thread. Sean (the guy who did the re-power) said that at higher rpm it may get noisy but that that was what he called (prop slap) and not cavitation. We did experience that as we cruised home. I wasn't below with my mask to see if it was producing bubbles or not but when I get to clear waters I am going to make sure.
Thanks Coy. Will welcome your further experience with your new engine!
