diesel engine installer in Brest, France?

[seadago]

Long shot, but worth trying.
Can anyone recommend/suggest an engine installer or mechanic in Brest, France?
Boat in is the dry in the Moulin Blanc marina in Brest for the winter. My first time there, so know no-one.
Engine had been making clanking noises at cruising revs. Discovered there is considerable play in the cutlass bearing, which most likely needs replacing. The prop shaft itself may be bent, or corroded, and may need replacing also.
This job requirements exceed my toolbox and expertise, so need a pro.
As said, know no-one in Brest. Trying to get a definite diagnosis of the problem and a couple of repair cost estimates.
Any assistance much appreciated.
Cheers
Rafa

[skipperpete]

I don't specifically know of any engine installers in Brest but there is a very active marine repair scene there, Damen have a repair facility there for large vessels and considering the number of marinas and boats, there must be a flourishing yacht repair business in the area.
Consider maybe you don't need to remove or replace the engine. In Europe, Vetus is a good source for propshafts and driveline components..... give the forum a bit more info re the clanking noises and maybe someone can come up with a DIY solution for you.

[seadago]

Thank you Pete

My thoughts exactly! Brest is a large (and rather beautiful, IMO) city with two 1000+ berth marinas, and a resident commercial fleet. I don't expect a relatively simple propulsion problem on an old small yacht should find a paucity of expert service suppliers to resolve.

Like in so many other things however, local knowledge is key. I am in England, and have to do this remotely by phone and email, so logistics are tricky. Add to this the fact that my French is very poor, and a personal introduction or recommendation to a supplier or two facilitates things greatly.

I believe the problem is not the engine itself. Noise only happens with the engine in gear. I would be very surprised if the engine needs to be removed. With any luck, uncoupling the shaft from the gearbox should allow to slide the drive shaft aft.

I hoped there may be one or two forum members based in Brest that can point me in the right direction to start with.

[sailormed]

I will relay your request on a local french sailors forum. I am personally to far from Brest to have any first hand information. Will report here if I get an answer.

[seadago]

Originally Posted by sailormed

I will relay your request on a local french sailors forum. I am personally to far from Brest to have any first hand information. Will report here if I get an answer.

Many thanks Sailormed. Much appreciated!

[sailormed]

Brest Marine Service. Mr Launay.

This is the answer I got from somebody having called upon his services for the last 10 years. I hope it works out for you.

[copaco]

One forum is called Hisse et Oh.
Someone probably speaks English at the Bel Espoir association in Aber Wratch.They rebuild their own fleet.

[Dooglas]

Presumably you know the people who run the marina and yard where you are dry storing your boat. Won't they suggest possible engine repair shops?

[sailormed]

Opinions diverge about Brest Marine Service.

New info is ask for Guillaume at KvK Chantier Naval Brest.
Do not expect them for these jobs to keep to a strict planning, apparently that is not their main concern. You are warned.

[Ode]

Originally Posted by seadago

Long shot, but worth trying.
Can anyone recommend/suggest an engine installer or mechanic in Brest, France?
Boat in is the dry in the Moulin Blanc marina in Brest for the winter. My first time there, so know no-one.
Engine had been making clanking noises at cruising revs. Discovered there is considerable play in the cutlass bearing, which most likely needs replacing. The prop shaft itself may be bent, or corroded, and may need replacing also.
This job requirements exceed my toolbox and expertise, so need a pro.
As said, know no-one in Brest. Trying to get a definite diagnosis of the problem and a couple of repair cost estimates.
Any assistance much appreciated.
Cheers
Rafa

Hi Rafa, I'm "Brestois" !... (I even am editor of the well famed nautical almanac " Almanach du marin breton" + agent for the Reed's !). I think I can help to get a doctor for your engine diseases !

[seadago]

Originally Posted by sailormed

Brest Marine Service. Mr Launay.

This is the answer I got from somebody having called upon his services for the last 10 years. I hope it works out for you.

Superb! Excellent place to start. Thanks gain.

[seadago]

Originally Posted by copaco

One forum is called Hisse et Oh.
Someone probably speaks English at the Bel Espoir association in Aber Wratch.They rebuild their own fleet.

Thanks Copaco. L'Aber is a bit far, but will get in touch nonetheless. Thanks.

[seadago]

Originally Posted by Ode

Hi Rafa, I'm "Brestois" !... (I even am editor of the well famed nautical almanac " Almanach du marin breton" + agent for the Reed's !). I think I can help to get a doctor for your engine diseases !

Thank you Ode! Will send you a PM shortly.

[Ode]

Hi again Rafa !


There are some mecanics in Brest (and premises !...)
I'm thinking of one used to caring about my 37footer engine (Volvo 2040).


In a previous post, somebody was suggesting (M.LAUNAY) who looks to recently retired (poster saying on the workshop saying a new owner is about to restarting in the coming weeks...)
Anyway, if you want me to help you getting quotations, you can understand that some more informations are needed !
say :

where is your boat wintering ? (Moulin-Blanc terreplein ?),

what's her name ?

how can a mecanic get on board to locate the rattle you hear ?
is there a copy of your keys at the marina office ?
If yes, how can the staff allow a mecanic to getting on board ?
(this said, it'd be much easier to "talk" via some private mail (or phone): here after my add. : jeanpierre.clech@free.fr


As I told you, I'm in charge of some writing in the Almanach du marin breton - it's a charity ! - in charge of what's regarding the art + skills of Navigation -> offshore, astro -> even giving lectures in either French or... English (for 50 years and ...thousands of seafarers !...)
Even if 74 wrinkler, I'm still used to sailing "Ode" (across the Channel to Britain and north of Europe)

This said, I also can tell you that I stayed for quite a good while in East Anglia (Norwich & some souvenirs of the ... Broads too !)


looking forward to reading from you,


jp