re-power CC Roamer Offshore (38ft)

roamer offshore · 06-25-2011, 02:52 PM

i just love that boat too much. i am thinking of repowering with Diesels. i would need to replace everything from the engine out to the prop. (or maybe reuse the existing props ?)

can anyone give me some advice ?

Laurence · 06-26-2011, 07:51 AM

You will likely also have to replace the galv steel fuel tanks, gauges, add fuel lines, increase engine room vents, etc., etc., etc. I really wanted diesels also. I looked into this last year on my Roamer and it looks like at least a one year project with extensive unknowns and unknown costs. Likely not a good return on efforts. I've had both my big block MoPars rebuilt for $10,000. Look at all parts of the project.

roamer offshore · 06-26-2011, 09:36 AM

a bunch of engines. about 3 years ago we went with custom pistons/ceramic coating on the combustion face. they are indestructible. UNLESS a Walter V-Drive locks up/breaks the flywheel into little pieces/causes some horrible damage to the engine.

it is heart-breaking. it is a good boat with a good hull. but at best these were race-car engines. i can't work on them myself, and this happened on my first outing of the season.

it seems like i either put entirely new gas or diesel set-ups (engine/trans/v-drive/outshaft) in, or never get decent use.

Laurence · 06-26-2011, 08:20 PM

I hear ya about not be able to have something reliable. That's what lead me to have both motors rebuilt. Last year I did run across a set of 4 cylinder Detroit Sidewinders at a great price that had similar power and torque and weight to the Offshore motors. I just thought the project was too open checkbook. this is the second time my Offshore original motors have been rebuilt, last time in 1978. You will still need the Walter V-Drives unless you reconfigure the salon and engine room.

roamer offshore · 06-27-2011, 08:11 AM

my 50 year old engines/transmissions/v-drives are a nightmare even when i have a good mechanic. i need to go fully modern & free of the need to tinker. i have nothing against the Walter company. maybe they have a modern V-Drive for the application ? or are there alternatives ?

Laurence · 06-27-2011, 06:23 PM

There are always alternatives. How much are you willing to spend?

roamer offshore · 06-27-2011, 06:56 PM

it may be more than i can/should afford. what do you think it would cost ?

Fireman431 · 06-27-2011, 10:42 PM

Why not just go with new MPI or EFI gas engines? They will mate to the trans without too much of a problem and they make adapter plates to fit most applications. Going with computer controlled fuel and ignition will stop a lot of headaches.

roamer offshore · 06-28-2011, 07:32 AM

i have thought of that. at this point the starboard V-Drive is shot. both V-Drives are original to the boat (old and not up to the challenge). i need to find some kind of solution that makes the boat reliable. once again i have an enormously expensive marina slip and no boat..........

Capt J · 06-28-2011, 07:39 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by roamer offshore

i have thought of that. at this point the starboard V-Drive is shot. both V-Drives are original to the boat (old and not up to the challenge). i need to find some kind of solution that makes the boat reliable. once again i have an enormously expensive marina slip and no boat..........

Outboards? just kidding......

Laurence · 06-28-2011, 07:51 AM

Hey, don't laugh. I considered outboards but they just don't have the efficiency or torque for a 22000 lb and initial cost would be a problem. A new V-Drive would be about $4800 or half that for used or rebuilt.

Laurence · 06-28-2011, 07:57 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by roamer offshore

i have thought of that. at this point the starboard V-Drive is shot. both V-Drives are original to the boat (old and not up to the challenge). i need to find some kind of solution that makes the boat reliable. once again i have an enormously expensive marina slip and no boat..........

Hey! I have one of those slips too. My Offshore has been in the yard for 3 months now. You had better check out the steel hull. I thought mine was pretty good but now after $2500 for welding and near $4000 for bottom work, I question the wisdom of it all (errr.. that was my wife speaking!) LOL

Fireman431 · 06-28-2011, 08:25 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Capt J

Outboards? just kidding......

There are a few threads of people putting outboards on 36-44' boats. As a matter of fact, one of the bigger manufacturers (wish I could remember who it is now) is putting twin 300 or 350 outboard engines on a 40' cruiser.

roamer offshore · 06-28-2011, 10:21 AM

does anyone know more about this ???????

Fireman431 · 06-28-2011, 03:01 PM

I'll see if I can dig up more info on this. I thought it was pretty interesting.