First time here and thanks for the resource. I'm seriously considering taking the old Merccruiser 350 cubic inch /250hp gas guzzler out of my 26' Tollycraft and putting in a Beta diesel. I'd be quite happy to move along at 7-8knts all day and think the 43hp Beta and new prop would do the trick. My question is- would I accomplish more and be more satisfied in the long run if we went to the 50hp or 60hp Beta? and - if we went with the 43hp what prop would be best? (I know this is a loaded question but I am just looking for information and will make a decision based on what's learned)
Thanks again for the excellent resource and all the best.
This type of conversion is quite doable. It all depends on the diameter of propeller that can be used as the performance that you will get. If you have a Velvet Drive transmission we can provide an engine that will connect to this to save on initial cost. Using the Beta 43, a 2:1 transmission ratio with a 16" three blade propeller will give you about 8 knots with a comfortable cruise speed of 6 to 6.5 knots. Remember that this will now be a displacement hull as you wont have enough power to get over the hump. The upside is that your fuel economy will be great and the range will be greatly extended.
Stanley, Thanks for the very quick reply now I see what I've read about excellent service with Beta.
I have to make a confession... I'm not thinking of repowering a 26' Tolly, it's a done deal. I've just bought the boat, am happy with it as a displacement trawler but today will be my first time taking it on a longer trip of approx 20knm. I'm going to have best case conditions with regard to tide behind me and no wind so will be able to see what this little engine can do. My thoughts now go in the direction of with so little hours on this motor (20hrs) the trade in value would be decent and stepping up to a 50 or 60hp "might" be better suited?? I don't want to spend another couple boat dollars to get more hp if in the end it wouldn't make much difference. What would you suggest to be the optimum rpm I should run at a constant cruising to get the best performance and life out of this engine? Thanks again for your time and expertise.
The configuration of the motor, transmission and prop as is on the boat now is - Beta 43hp - TMC60 1.5:1 transmission - 14x12" 3 blade prop on a straight shaft no v-drive
-- Edited by RileyDog on Monday 30th of June 2014 12:01:44 PM
I don't think that stepping up to the Beta 50 will do much for you and suggest that you enjoy the boat as it is.
I do look forward to hearing from you as to how your trip went.
Well, it's been 8 months since I last posted here and have a few things to say about the 43hp Beta in my 26' 9000# power boat.
It's Great!!
Since last posting here I've put 40 hrs on the engine and completed the first oil change. She doesn't burn a drop of oil between change, water temp runs at approx 160F, I cruise at a comfortable sounding 2450rpm and depending on current range between 4.8knt and 9.4knt. She seems to cruise in flat water at a consistent 5.8-6knt. (slow but the shore is going by, we're making headway and basically hardly burning any fuel. From last fill up to now, with the 40hr run time, she burned 20 imp gal and cost me $92.cdn
The other nice thing about this arrangement is that I can slow the gurl down to a 1-2knt trolling speed and set the downriggers for salmon fishing. I don't need a separate kicker motor.
All my friends and people that hear me coming into marinas ie- "Is that a diesel in your boat?" love the arrangement and think it's a 'way cool' way to go.
