Engine. overhaule or replace

[OGP - Denmark]

We are a Danish family who want to buy an SO 43DS.

Have a boat in the binoculars located in Croatia.

It is a rental boat from 2003. Engine hours are approx. 9000 hours. (Yanmar 56Hp.)

What would you recommend? To overhaule the engine or replace it with a new Yanmar 80Hp?

Are there other serious things we need to be aware of?



Kind Regards

Ole G. Pedersen

[Charlie-Bravo]

Hi, 9000 hours is quite a few, my friend has a VW Passat with 300000 miles on it, and even averaging 40 mph that would equate to only 7500 hours, and we wonder if the car will last another week! ..... mind you, we have been wondering of its life span for quite a few years now, some engines just refuse to die, other bits of the car seem to accept death more easily.

No doubt being a 'rental' it will have had plenty of oil changes and might last quite a few more seasons just like the Passat, but as you have pointed out, as with all machines it will one day die.

If it were my situation, I would look at the engine lay out with care if considering a different engine, as the complexity of alignment to the shaft, and squeezing in a slightly bigger engine into the available space can be quite a headache, not to mention the extra costs. 
I would budget for a replacement engine like for like, 56 HP isn't too bad, negotiating on the price to include the hassle factor,  and then keep the old engine going until it becomes unreliable or dies, it could be years of happy sailing.
Other considerations must include new standing and running rig , and probably new sails, and possibly new instrumentation .... all of which add up quite quickly.
With consideration to being an ex rental, a re engine is a relatively simple fix, the condition of the internal finish if beaten up will be more difficult to reinstate, but that is just a personal thing of what condition you can live with .... it will be a pleasure to sail in any condition I'm sure.

It is really just your evaluation of money you spend v what you want, and the decision will be yours alone.

Sorry not to have vast knowledge of the exact model, sure some experienced folk will comment soon with things to lookout for on this model,  but thought to give a little food for thought whilst you are waiting, lots of well informed people here.

All the best with finding your next boat.
CB

[OGP - Denmark]

Thanks for your thoughts CB. 
The 80 Hp engine is standard (79Hp) in the 43DS so no problem installing it.

[andreshs1]

hi there


have you considered going electric? there seem to be some good options around

I have been looking in to the topic and Oceanvolt seems to have a very good system

cheers

[saltymetals]

Oleg, so did you buy the 43ds 2003? It is truly a great boat, lots of space, airy & light saloon. Handles Weill in strong winds &/or a big sea.
The Yanmar fitted to the 43ds is the 4JH3. Model you were looking at 56hp) is the one without the turbo. My boat has the 4JH3TE which is the one with the turbo (80hp). If you replace i would recommend going for the turbo version.
On the 43ds models up to and including 2003 there was a problem of a slight collapsing of the plywood block under the bottom of the mast compression post. Inspection/check is easy. If there is any cracking/leaking of the saloon windows it will be bec of this block under the compression post. Another problem is difficulty of maintaining correct tension in the standing rigging. There is a solution but the mast must be taken off which you might do anyway to renew the standing rigging.Get a quote for the compression post problem (think i have seen costs in range of €10,000-15,000) and deduct this from the buying price of the boat. Numerous yards can do all this work but my first choice would be Ranieri/Bari. V efficient & capable, not over-priced. Good security and convenience of nearby international airport. Most of the guys at Ranieri speak English.
Best of luck

Andrew