perkins m 30

[tommyh]

The boat i'm looking into buying is the Ericson 31c, its fitted with a Perkins m 30 I believe its 29 HP. top end was just done and its very clean no rust and runs like a top with good power. My questions are is this a good motor,what about parts are they available and not real pricey and are there any weaknesses with this model. I have never had a perkins in any of my other boats.

[colemj]

The Perkins Perama M30 was used by Volvo for their MD2030 engine (same engine, different color). It is also used in many agricultural and industrial applications - tractors, backhoes, generators, etc. Caterpillar is one company using it widely in non-marine applications (they own Perkins). It is a good engine. Parts from Perkins are less expensive than the identical ones from Volvo. If you need parts for the non-marinized parts of the engine, you should be able to find them even cheaper from tractor supply places or other non-marine suppliers to the other markets.

I am not aware of any weaknesses. As with almost all used marine diesels, the state of the engine is more indicative of how it was used and treated than the original design and engineering.

Mark

[tommyh]

Great information, I was worried when you said Volvo their rep.is not that good,I have looked at many boats with bad Volvos every ones trying to get rid of.

[Jeannius]

These engines are still made today for industrial, genset and small tractor installation. In the U.S., they are made by the Perkins Shibaura partnership and in Japan by Shibaura themselves.

[colemj]

Originally Posted by tommyh

Great information, I was worried when you said Volvo their rep.is not that good,I have looked at many boats with bad Volvos every ones trying to get rid of.

Volvo has made/sold many different engines - some designed and built by Volvo and some bought from another company and painted green by Volvo.

The MD20X0 series were all Perkin Perama MX0 series engines. I think the newer Volvo MDX-YY engines are also Perkins.

Mark