bertram31.com

Hi Guys-

What are your general thoughts on purchasing rebuilt gas engines rather than new?

If we were to convert to diesel power, what considerations do I need to make? Do we need new engine beds, transmissions, shafts, struts? Just wondering what I need to be thinking about.

We have 330hp 454's in the boat now

All that and gauges, probably exhaust depending on hp, new water intakes, battery cables, fuel filters, etc

all the above plus fuel lines, return lines..BH

Thanks guys. Any thoughts on rebuilt engines?

If you are purchasing rebuilts, make sue you know what went into them and who did it and was it done right. Some machine shops have better reputations that others.

What issues are you having with your engines? Can they be rebuilt?

Doesn't matter if you go diesels or gas you are going to be fixing a lot of things, so you need to budget more than just the engines. It is going to be, while I am here I might as well fix this because it is going to need to be done in 5 years if I don't.

Unless it has been done, you are going to need to replace the bulkhead aft of the engines. I have not seen an older 31 that has not needed to replace that bulkhead. Then there is the wiring, the deck, you get the picture.

Plus there are a couple of other must do's, beef up the strut pad, that is a weak spot. Also, might as well put in Fiberglass strut tubes and save yourself grief down the road. If you do put in the strut tube, make sure if you do go diesel it will take 11/2 inch shafts.

If you want diesels, budget $60,000 and then beef up the bank account because the number is going up as you get into the job.

I would not repower. There are a lot of 31 berts with diesels for sale. You can get exactly what you want at a price you can deal with and save a lot of aggravation. What Tony Meola said is true as can be. Good luck

^This