I want to replace my volvo MD11c but I am wondering about the left handed prop. Somewhere I read that I could get a beta with a left handed v-drive but I cannot seem to find the reference.
I am also concerned about access to the oil pump, dipstick, water pump and oil filter since the engine will be installed backwards.
...any experience with these or other issues on a Pearson 323.
I would recommend the Beta 28 for your boat. The main reason is that we can configure this engine so that the raw water pump is facing the correct way for you. This will allow you to replace the impeller from the galley access to the engine. We can also provide a remote oil fuel filter and re- locate the oil change pump for you as well as provide a rear fitted dipstick.
The big issue with repowering your boat is that the newer ZF V-drive transmission has the V-drive at a different angle to your Walter V-drive so you will encounter a bit of engine bed work to get the shaft alignment correct.
There is another option and this is to use a Velvet-Drive 1:1 hydraulic transmission with a Walter V Drive. This will use the same angle that you currently have but is more expensive to buy. This option will allow the use of a left hand propeller. Here we should be able to re-use your V-drive after it has been "freshened up" by Walter.
Please do not let the propeller rotation govern your choice as you will be getting another propeller to get the best use out of your new engine because the old engine was able to turn up to 2500 max whereas the new ones turn up to 3600 RPM.
It seems that service access will not be a problem.
I have been trying to think through the v-drive issues and I wondered about the drive angle. It looks like the 15 degree angle on your v-drive is steeper than the walter v-drive angle. Access to the stuffing box on the 323 is very tough. I wonder if this will be worse or better with a new v-drive.
Can I ask about the Beta 25? The reason I ask is that my boat moves great with the MD11 but I top out in speed at 1900 rpm. I am reading that too much hp can be bad for engine performance. Would the 25 be a better fit?... especially since I have to modify the bed anyway.
The 28 is the smallest engine that we can put the rear facing raw water pump on for your easy access. The only pump that we can fit on the 25 will be facing forward on the engine (aft on your boat) so your access to the raw water pump will then be through your cockpit locker.
I know that your boat has an extremely easily driven hull and that 20HP will really be adequate. I recommended the 28 because of the easy access for service points on that one when installed on your boat. You really wont have any problems with these engines when they run light.
We have dealers at different levels and there is no requirement for you to work through Maritime Systems. In other words, you are welcome to contact us direct or through your local boat yard.
Regards, Stanley 877 227 2473 (toll free) 252 249 2473
