I'm entertaining the thought of purchasing and re-powering a Cape Dory 30. The current configuration has a MD11 with a v-drive. (No idea what type of drive it is)
I have a couple of questions:
1) Would all of the "easy access" points of you engine now be more difficult to access given a v-drive configuration?
2) Do you know if I would have to modify the beds on this boat?
3) I understand exactly how to build a jig and modify the beds for an in-line configuration. Would you use the same technique for a v-drive or would there be a different method you recommend?
4) I can only assume the current set-up is under-powered. Would you recommend going up to the 25 model, and do you know if she would fit ok?
I believe that your boat has a Volvo MD7A (12HP) with a Walter V drive. This is commonly replaced with a Beta 16 with the ZF v-drive transmission and occasionally people decide to use the Beta 20 which is really more power than the boat can use.
The modification to the engine beds is minor. One of our dealers has a CD30 himself and has a kit with the bolt on mod to the engine beds. This is Ben Thomas of Oregan Marine Industries. He has more experience with repowering the CD30 than anyone else. You can get his contact information on this page of our website http://www.betamarinenc.com/USdealernetwork.html