Rebecca's Recreation and Sports Blog

For boat owners who desire to get the best out of their vessels, the engine remains critical. A weak engine will often struggle against elements such as snow and salt water. Therefore, if you have recently acquired an old boat, you face a choice of either retaining or replacing the motor. Marine engine repowering is more than just swapping engines as there are so many factors to consider, including replacement cost, engine type and exhaust system, among others. Here are some top facts that might be useful for first-time boat owners when repowering their boats.

Why Repower? -- If you plan to resale a boat in future, a new engine will fetch a reasonable price on the market. Notably, it is difficult to recover the whole cost of repowering a vessel during resale. However, when you make a long-term comparison of other expenses like recurring repairs, operation, and maintenance of an old engine, then repowering is economically feasible. A new engine improves comfort and performance. Besides, fuel economy is enhanced while emission level of a boat is reduced significantly.

Engine Power Output -- When you increase the power of an engine, your boat will eventually hit top speeds. However, since every boat has a different planing hull with a diverse speed range, increasing power might not necessarily improve boat performance. If you plan to install a powerful engine, think about other components such as propeller shaft, transmission system, and strong engine mountings. Inboard motors require perfect matching with other parts such as propellers and transmission systems. Therefore, check with your dealer about the desired overall result of repowering your boat to help you choose the ideal engine.

Diesel or Petrol Engine? -- Most boats use diesel engines due to optimised engine performance, lower fuel consumption, longer service life, exceptional reliability, and improved resale value. Petrol engines are advantageous because of low emissions, low weight and high engine performance. Furthermore, you pay less for a petrol engine compared to a diesel engine. Boat owners who want to convert from petrol to diesel engines must consider a few factors. For instance, the system has to be changed through installation of new filters, water separators, fuel pumps and fuel return lines. Besides, certain adjustments should be made in the propeller and shaft to suit the new fuel type.

Battery System -- Whether a boat owner has to incur an extra cost to purchase a new battery system depends on the type of engine to be installed. For a boat with a high-pressure fuel-delivery system and a power-steering system, a high-capacity battery should be bought. Ensure that you also change the cabling, which might have worn out causing a reduction in voltage delivery.