1974 Perkins 85

[Tomcomox]

Good day all,

I'm new to this forum so bear with me if there are some mistakes...looking into purchasing a 1974 35ft Finnsailer from a second owner of 4 yrs. All electrical redone in 2010 by original owner. Trying to find out engine hours on the original 85 perkins. Engine hours show 141.5 hrs second owner says 100 of those are his since 2010...any suggestions on how to guesstimate what the average yearly usage would be ? The boat is over 40 years old and I,m a little nervous that a rebuilt/replacement engine may be part of the barter. ??

Tom

[HappyMdRSailor]

$75 to have an experienced marine mechanic look at the engine for an hour could save you $7,000-15,000 or more.... It could ruin the taste of the sailing life for a very long time....

[Tomcomox]

Well we bought ourselves a boat, he lied to me though said it was a 1974 85 hp perkins...all paperwork reveals it is a 1972 with a 75hp perkins don't think that too big of deal.....or is it.....when it comes time to look for parts?

Also found 2 water pumps under floor board between head/ sink compartment which appears to be configured one for the cold side and one for the hot side , does this make sense? Finnclipper 35 motorsailer.

Tom

[GordMay]

Greetings and welcome aboard the CF, Tom.

[oldcal46skipper]

Welcome.
Most likely a 85HP Perkins is the good old, reliable Perkins 4.236, that is 4 cylinder, 236 cubic inches displacement. Horsepower varied depending on application, with commercial vessel engines de-rated to 75HP. Most pleasure craft 4.236's are rated 85HP.

This is a very durable engine with easy parts availability almost anywhere. I have a Perkins 4.236 in my Cal 46 with 3,600 hours and no problems. With proper care, you may easily achieve 10,000 hours. The previous owner of my boat had recently completed a circumnavigation. Due to his severe health issues, he motored a lot, launch was 11/1967 and I purchased her in March 1982. The engine had 11,000 hours, ran well but consumed a quart of oil each 24 hours. I bought a new 4.236 in 1987, which I still have.

A complete rebuild kit is about $1,500, labor cost will vary depending on your location. I rebuild Perkins engines, mostly 4.108 & 4.154 as they are the most common. A 4.108 Long Block is $4,995, plus a core engine or +$500. I have not rebuilt a 4.236 as they are the best of the lot and not as common in boats. The #1 application was agricultural, then as power for refrigeration for railroad cars.

PM if I can help.
Tom

[Kettlewell]

I've got a Perkins 4.236 in my Finnsailor 38 with over 4000 hours and it runs like a top. Parts are readily available. I use these guys and they have everything and get it to you fast. Most consumables, like filters, impellors, and such are standard items available everywhere.

[Tomcomox]

Thanks to all for your comments....I do have the time and $ and I plan on doing it right the first time....now just to get at that forward port engine mount to check it's integrity. Again thanks to you all and once I get this hitting the waves I'll keep you posted on my/our learning
curve.

Play Safe

Tom

"Lochinvar"