Yanmar to Volvo Conversion Catalina 30

[J.Kitchens]

Ladies and Gentlemen,

A friend of mine has a Catalina 30 with a Yanmar 2GM20. His diesel is pretty much dead and requires a rebuild. He had just listed the boat for sale when the engine gave up. We are trying to figure out the most cost effective but least time consuming method of getting his boat running again.
I have a good running Volvo Penta 2002 that will soon be sitting in one of my barns. Everything is there, it was literally just removed from a boat. However it has a V-Drive.

I have a few questions.

1. How hard would it be to replace the Yanmar with the Volvo?

2. What would we have to change in the Catalina 30?

3. Where would I source a proper gear box?

[NoTies]

Assuming the Yanmar doesn't have a gaping hole in the block with the remains of a connecting rod poking though I would suggest that by the far the cheapest and quickest option would be to rebuild it. Especially when you throw a gearbox into the mix and possibly needing to re-pitch the prop, control panel, wiring harness etc.

[Wotname]

I'm sorry I am not addressing your three questions but I concur with No Ties - it will be easier and quicker to fix the existing engine.

Quite likely there isn't that much wrong with the 2GM20. We don't why the engine recent "gave up" but I am presuming it won't start or perhaps will start and not make power.

Could be as simple as a blocked exhaust mainland mixing elbow or blocked fuel filters.

Next easiest could pitted exhaust valves or other head issues - not a hard job.

Even a rebuild of the block is going to be easier than repowering IMO.

Around here, second hand running as removed 2GM20 are becoming more common in the used marketplace - that may be a cost effective approach but really you should what is wrong before replacing anything.

Any idea of the age / hours of the 2GM20?