I have a 1981 Tollycraft 34 Sedan that I am looking to repower and considering as many practical options as I can.
A bit about the boat: It originally came from the factory with twin Volvo diesels, I believe TMD40 (135 hp), and was repowered by the previous owner with some take-out TAMD40 (165 hp @3600 rpm). These dinosaurs are nearly impossible to find parts for, and unfortunately I recently lost an engine and just don't think they are worth repairing. When I bought the boat a few years ago, I knew a repower was on the horizon.
A bit about how I use the boat: I mostly pretend to be a trawler, and run at around 2000 rpm with the current engines, which gives me a speed of approximately 8 knots. I know I'm pushing a bit of water at that speed, but the boat feels good at that speed. I have very rarely run the boat on plane, as I feel it's a bit underpowered, and it feels like it wallows.
While considering what to replace the old Volvos with, I've contemplated some smaller diesels, and just commit to being a "slow boat". I'm interested in seeing thoughts on how a pair of Beta Marine 85T's would perform, as I'm interested in putting together a reliable, efficient little cruiser.
I've been cautioned that this could harm resale, but at the end of the day that isn't on the top of my list of concerns. I don't have any plans to sell the boat anytime soon, and I think if successful, this would be a pretty attractive setup to some boaters.
Why ever would get the fortune-to-support old Volvo-Pentas out of there and replaced with a couple of solid Betas lower resale value?
Five or so years ago, I took the old MD-17D beast out of my sailboat (34' and "trawls" at about 6.5 kts!) for the same reasons and replaced it with a Beta 38. It's been great and no looking back! You'd surely want much bigger engines than my 38, unless you're committed to 8 knots and comparatively fantastic fuel economy!
Kevin
-- Edited by Blue Moon on Monday 14th of November 2022 08:11:38 PM
