Our penultimate solution, mating motors from one manufacturer to drives from another, proved overly complex, demanding special mounting flanges, flexible transmission couplings, and other such arcana. Instead, we've opted to replace our two old motors, each with 75hp, with one centrally mounted complete new powertrain (motor and sterndrive) from Volvo Penta. We considered this layout option early in our deliberations but then we were talking about a 33hp Mitsubishi motor mated to another manufacturer's drives. Our new engine will have 170hp. Volvo Penta is one of only two manufacturers that offer complete repowering packages. Their stuff is good, and expensive. But we got a winter-time price on this package, a good one. We understand the boat will handle differently with only one motor but we will adapt.
Roy macht sich an das Entfernen der beiden alten Heckschilder, der Dinger, die den Motor mit dem Z-Antrieb verbinden.
I spent a day removing the transom shields from the old sterndrives. Hell on the fingernails but taking stuff apart is fun! Below, the results, ready for the scrap-metal guy who visits the shipyard regularly.
Dann kommen die Experten und diskutieren das weitere Vorgehen. Links ist Dirk, der Chef der Werft, daneben – mit seinem Entwurf bereits auf der Holzplatte – ist Peter, der Werftschreiner; ganz rechts legt Piet letzte Hand an das neu geschaffene Loch in unserem Heck.
Our solution entails patching the two old holes in the transom and cutting a new one --- with obvious structural implications for the boat. We wouldn't undertake this with just anyone. Dirk, left, is the fifth generation of his family to lead this yard. We've had ample opportunity to observe how he and his people work and we think we're in good hands. Trusty mechanic Piet is on the right and woodsmith Peter in the middle.
Der Polyester-Mann – rechts in Weiss, er ist der Spezialist für alles, was mit Kunststoff zu tun hat – wird natürlich auch zu Rate gezogen.
There is just so much knowledge in this yard. The guy in the jumpsuit is the fiberglass maven. He was working on another boat and came by to offer his view. Everyone listened carefully when he spoke.
Dann macht sich Peter ans Werk. Er fräst eine Rille in die Mitte des Polyesters – im Innern des Bootes klingt das, als sei man beim Zahnarzt – und setzt einen Holzrahmen ein.
Peter set to work making the cover plates for the old holes.
So sieht das erste Zwischenergebnis aus. Wenn wir richtig verstanden haben, dann kommt als nächstes der Polyester-Mann, um das Ganze zu verkleiden. Wir sind gespannt.
The transom is now ready, we think, for fiberglassing. Then we can go back into the water until the new powertrain arrives, which could take five weeks. We look forward to floating again! One big appeal of this solution is that it's a clean-sheet-of-paper installation. Dirk expects the new powertrain should take just a couple of days to put in. So, finally, after many dead ends and much time spent exploring our options, we are coming forward with Project Plan B!
I spent a day removing the transom shields from the old sterndrives. Hell on the fingernails but taking stuff apart is fun! Below, the results, ready for the scrap-metal guy who visits the shipyard regularly.
Our solution entails patching the two old holes in the transom and cutting a new one --- with obvious structural implications for the boat. We wouldn't undertake this with just anyone. Dirk, left, is the fifth generation of his family to lead this yard. We've had ample opportunity to observe how he and his people work and we think we're in good hands. Trusty mechanic Piet is on the right and woodsmith Peter in the middle.
There is just so much knowledge in this yard. The guy in the jumpsuit is the fiberglass maven. He was working on another boat and came by to offer his view. Everyone listened carefully when he spoke.
Peter set to work making the cover plates for the old holes.
The transom is now ready, we think, for fiberglassing. Then we can go back into the water until the new powertrain arrives, which could take five weeks. We look forward to floating again! One big appeal of this solution is that it's a clean-sheet-of-paper installation. Dirk expects the new powertrain should take just a couple of days to put in. So, finally, after many dead ends and much time spent exploring our options, we are coming forward with Project Plan B!