Forums, Engine, Gearbox, Stern Gear, etc, Engine and transmission replacement costs

Nick Howes at 13/04/2013 21:48:37
Refit costs.
I am looking at several boats, trying to chose which one to buy. All need various different refits doing. Could any one give me an idea of the following costs ? I am reasonably capable at DIY/mechanical work so should be able to do certain things myself but may chose not too if I can afford to have someone else do it !!

Buy and Install:
New engine.
aquadrive
cutlass bearing
prop shaft
stern tube
3 blade prop
new fuel tank

Thanks, Nick

waratah912 at 15/04/2013 17:13:21
Nick,

You can get a lot of this from ASAP, they’re very helpful and have a good refund / exchange service if it isn’t right.
Around here (Lymington), labour rates seem to be about £40 – 50/hr inc VAT, so you can soon run up a big bill. Certainly worth doing the strip out yourself even if you have someelse do the installation.

moongirl at 15/04/2013 19:51:55
I costed quite a few of these items a little while ago when I was making an offer for a ‘wreck’ in Gosport Boatyard. The costs are on my Office Computer so I will post them tomorrow.
Just a few points:
You mention replacing the stern tube. This is GRP with metal liner. Have a look at my drawing in the Tecnical section of this Site. It shouldn’t need replacing as its glassed in – just occasionally the bonding needs to be replaced.
You mention a 3-blade prop. Did you mean conventional or DARGLOW feosGathering? Since the engine and prop shaft are being replaced you shouldn’t have to take the rudder off.
Fuel tank is well within most peoples skill but removal of old one can be difficult as some were larger than the access into the locker!
Replacing the cutlass bearing, prop shaft etc should be quite easy with the engine out but I would get a mechanic to align everything.
Removing the engine is well within most peoples capabilities. They are comparatively light and the boom can be used as a hoist once the engine has been slid up the bearers.
You should consider a freshwater cooled Beta 3 cylinder as a replacement but this will, depending on the existing, need new bearers which are available from JR
You mention an Aquadrive. Is there a reason you are going for this option? There are some other excellent drive connections which do need the grassing in of a web to take the unit.
I would seriously consider using a Yard to install the new engine. I don’t know where you are thinking of mooring but Gosport Boatyard (no financial connection!) did a very good job on Jemmana & quoted me an excellent price.
Above all remember that access below is somewhat restricted & quite simple jobs are complicated by having into squeezing into very small spaces!
Regards

Nick Howes at 19/04/2013 16:17:35
Collin thanks for all the information, that really is a geat help. I am assuming, perhaps incorrectly, that a connector as the aquadrive would reduce vibration and make alignment easier but I have no practical experience of the Contessa and may be barking up the wrong tree Is a connector worth the expense and what type would you reccomend ? Thanks for all the other info., I am looing at boats next week so will have a better idea then of what I need to consider after that. I hope you dont mind me bothering you again!
Kind regards,
Nick

moongirl at 21/04/2013 11:11:49
Nick
I have heard good things about the PSS Shaft Seal & Centaflex coupling – these were used by Brian Bird on Genie. Have a look at the article in the Technical Papers part of the Site. This set up caters for slight misalignments. Have a look at T Norris www.tnorrismarine.co.uk they sell both & were very helpful when I was looking at the ‘wreck’
Regards

Nick Howes at 21/04/2013 12:24:48
Paul thanks for the info., sorry for the ignorance but who are ASAP ?
Nick

waratah912 at 21/04/2013 14:28:14
Nick,

http://www.asap-supplies.com/

Nick, you’ll rapidly learn that not all Contessa’s are the same! I bought a PSS seal from ASAP and then found there was insufficient clearance between the stern tube and the Vee of the bilge to take the PSS seal (hence I know how good hey are about returns) . In fact there’s only just sufficient clearance for the modern stern gland hose to refit the stuffing box – it’s about twice the thickness of the one I replaced.