Original engines with work already starting.

To start out with we have a 1978 36 foot Egg with an original starboard rebuilt engine and a replaced port engine in 1983. As Dan Harding stated when he repowered we knew it was time to replace our engines, Chrysler 440’s. It was time to cut our losses on constant repairs and the reliability factor kept dropping when it came to distance travel. We also liked everything about the boat, layout, condition and size, especially with 6 grand children. Although not the fastest boat it is very comfortable.

We decided to take a more conservative approach and replace the 440’s with new Crusader 8.1 liter multiport fuel injected gas engines.

The engines were ordered from Marine Engines, Inc. in Holliston MA and were delivered in three days.

The engines were set for non-return fuel lines therefore no modifications were required to the fuel tanks. We were very fortunate that our boatyard, Barden’s, has done many repowering projects and there was a comfort factor we have always shared. Barden’s has maintained our boats for many years. As Dan stated "The ultimate decision will come from the dealer or boat yard that you have the most comfortable feeling."

We were very much a part of the installation. Barden’s encouraged us to be a part of the project. We also became a part of the project when it came time to clean out the bilge and get rid of the oil and the water from the port engine, which went south. This enabled us to see all the labor necessary to perform the work including watching Peter work in the bilge when the temperature was 95 degrees outside and about 105 inside.

Old engines removed and cleaning of bilge starting.

New engines in place and getting ready for sea trials. The engines required minimal work to the stringers and with a little blocking lined up perfectly with the shafts. The blocking was needed as the new engines were equipped with Hurth down angle transmissions. It should be noted that both engines are standard left hand rotation and the counter rotation is accomplished through the Hurth transmission depending on the lever position. The original shift cables were reused with the only change being on the bridge where the starboard shift cable was switched to operate opposite from its original position. The transmissions are built to operate equally in either direction. Actually the positions are labeled "A", "neutral" and "B". The throttle cables had to be replaced as the originals were not long enough to make the sweep for the throttle body. The engines were fully prewired with socket and matching plug prewired with 6 feet of cable. The wiring and sensors matched up with existing gauges on the bridge console. Much of the old wiring was cut back to the bulkhead to utilize the new wiring. All the wiring was then enclosed in a protective jacket and secured.

SPEED TRIALS

Higher rpm has not been run due to the break-in period. GPH is per engine.

As compared to our old engines we are seeing an improvement of a minimum of 20% fuel economy and 3 to 5 mph in speed. At 3000 rpm's with full water and fuel the boat is cruising at 16.0 mph, at 3500 (normal cruise) ¾ throttle boat is cruising at 21 mph. Full throttle will be determined after break-in. The current prop is a 24x22 three blade and appears to be very well suited to the new engines.