Need to Replace Engines Want advise

[Stargazerroatan]

I am in the position of having to replace 1 of the 2 old engines in our Catamaran. Basic choices are 1. Get Used engine and replace after servicing. 2. Replace one with new. 3. Replace both with new.
What would you recommend?

Have estimates of ~$13K and ~$14K plus install, shipping, etc for 2 types of engines. Seems High. What do you think?

The two types of engines are:
Westerbeke Bobtail Engine Package/Engine Panel/70 Degree Elbow

Nanni Bobtail Engine Package (Kubota Engine Base)/Engine Panel/70 Degree Elbow


Lastly any thoughts about which engine is better for reliability, parts availability, and service ( mainly Caribbean and east and west coasts of North America)?


I know there are a lot of Questions here, but your experience would be helpful.

Thanks

[Stargazerroatan]

Forgot to mention Cat is in North Carolina.

Thanks for any opinions.

[rwidman]

I would either replace the bad engine with a used engine or replace both with new engines. It depends on finances, the condition of the existing engine and the condition and value of the boat.

[ferrofan]

my thought would be, if both engines were installed at the same time and running time has been balanced so that both have had similar amounts of use and one has got to the point it needs replacing how long will it be before the other is going to need replacing? Buying two engines at the same time probably give you a bit more price negotiating power than if you buy them individually at different times. But I guess its down to have many dubloons are down the back of the sofa

[JPA Cate]

Why not do the work yourself, and re-build the engine that needs it? Yes, you get filthy, but you learn a whole lot! You acquire tools to do work. They are heavy, but your increased competence keeps you less vulnerable to unreliable practitioners.

Now, to some extent this does depend on how old the engine is. If it is to the stage where you have to custom make parts for it, a new engine would start looking good. If that is the case, avoid getting an engine that has to check itself electronically before starting, or get advice on how to rig a forced start without the electric verification. One night on a lee shore, and it's drop dead obvious that you have to be able to start it on demand.

Fwiw, we have a Kubota based Nanni in our boat, and it has over 5,000 hrs. on it now, and (touch wood) it is running well.

Ann

[a64pilot]

For whatever it’s worth, the common practice in twin engine aircraft is to stagger the overhauls.
The reason is two fold, it theoretically means that one engine is always less than half time to TBO and in theory is more reliable, and probably more importantly your not faced with having to overhaul or replace both engines at once, that would be a stiff financial burden.

[Compass790]

What type of engine is it that you need to replace? That can have a bearing on the decision to rebuild or replace