13 HP Diesel Volvo Penta

[gmcairns]

My wife and I are new to the forum and sailing and have found this forum a great resource. As I mentioned in another post, we are looking in the 30 foot range, currently at a Island Bahama 1981. It has a 13 HP Diesel Volvo Penta motor. In your opinion how many hours on the motor before it needs major maintenance, a complete rebuild or replacement?

Thanks in advance for your help

[Cotemar]

5000 to 6000 hours is a good rule of thumb. Most charter boats come out of charter in five years with 5000 hours and continue in private use for a number of years before a rebuild or replacement.
Idling for daily battery charging will carbon them up and shorten their life.
No use for extended periods of time is bad also.

[Cheechako]

I had that engine in a 31 footer I built. For some reason it insisted on overheating (it was brand new) I think my boat was just too heavy for it... my bad. But when you sea trial it... run it hard for 10 mins or so and make sure it doesnt do that!