Repower Question - Graymarine

[cmartin]

Forgive me is this is old news I was unable to find a thread on this via search.

I am boat shopping (Alberg 30) and one example has a known bad Graymarine 4 cylinder. I've found lots of info replacing an Atomic 4, but zero on the older Graymarine engines.

I am trying to figure out a worst case plan to help me with budget. Can I install a Atomic 4 with little work? Are there other engine to consider a "drop in"?

Also, if you have a source for Graymarine parts I'm all ears. I found some info for common replacement parts but I fear I'll need pistons, rings, bearings....

I really like the idea of a diesel, but cant see it happening on my budget.

Thanks for any info

[LazyGuy]

C,

For these older boats, there is no such thing as a "drop in replacement" engine. Your best bet is to look at Beta Marine but while they claim you can get a "drop in replacement" for an A4, as well as many other engines, I have yet to hear about one that has worked successfully.

If an older boat needs a new engine, unless you have one sitting in your garage, it probably is not worth it. There is a recent thread that talks about the prudence of buying a wreck to fix up versus buying one that is already there. The smart money is in buying a boat that is already restored.

If you have your heart set on this A30 and you are ready to potentially do some glass work in your bilge, I have a Phasor which is a marinized Kubota block just like Beta only cheaper. You can do a search and find the website. You can read my Projects/Luders33 Repower thread or send me a PM.

It is definitely a buyer's market. You can find perfectly good boats at half of what they were 5 years ago. Find a boat you want and low ball the price. If the broker gives you a hard time remind him "This could be the only offer you get on this boat. If the owner wants to sell it, he will take the offer." (yes it is a harsh reality) Too few people want old boats. They want big new boats with two heads and power winches. Take advantage.

[bcooke]

Would this A30 with the Graymarine happen to be in Newburyport MA?

[cmartin]

Thanks for the info

I think I understand the economics of a diesel replacement, that's not what I'm shooting for this time. Good lead on the Phasor, I didnt realize there was another alternative.

From lots of reading it seems like the old Grarmarine is forgotten, there is a ton of info on A4's. I'll try to find spec sheets and compare the dimensions.

Would this A30 with the Graymarine happen to be in Newburyport MA?

No sir. After a few shipping quotes I'm trying to narrow my search to the mid-atlantic area.

[ddsailor25]

Beta Marine diesel is the way to go. We installed one in our boat. Did all the work ourselves to save some money. Still ended up costing about 7K by time you replace everything, but the nice thing is that everything is new and you don't have to worry about it not working. Unless you forget to turn on the fuel. Been there done that.