Repowering a Bahama 30

[cwcary]

I have purchased an Islander Bahama 30 project boat sans engine. It probably had a 2 cylinder Volvo Penta engine originally. I know of a good 3 cylinder Universal M25 for sale. Is it a match? Does anyone have experience repowering a Bahama 30?

[jeffjd]

Originally Posted by cwcary

I have purchased an Islander Bahama 30 project boat sans engine. It probably had a 2 cylinder Volvo Penta engine originally. I know of a good 3 cylinder Universal M25 for sale. Is it a match? Does anyone have experience repowering a Bahama 30?

Cwcary

I also have a islander. Can I ask what you ended up doing to repower her?

[cwcary]

Found a good used Universal M25 3 cyl 21 hp through an acquaintance. A bit of a tight fit. New motor mounts had to be glassed in, replumbed etc. The alternator was the tricky part because of space. Had to encroach thru the trunk wall a bit into part of the space used by a drawer in the galley. Over budget of course but I'm very happy with the results.

[jeffjd]

Originally Posted by cwcary

Found a good used Universal M25 3 cyl 21 hp through an acquaintance. A bit of a tight fit. New motor mounts had to be glassed in, replumbed etc. The alternator was the tricky part because of space. Had to encroach thru the trunk wall a bit into part of the space used by a drawer in the galley. Over budget of course but I'm very happy with the results.

Thanks for the info. My md7a might be getting close to its end of life I want explore all my options. I am leaning toward the beta 16 if I can get the money.

[lifeofreilly57]

Helped a friend with is Bahama 30, it had an Atomic 4, which came in a number of them.
Universal 2 cylinders were popular replacements for the original Atomic 4 but would be a bit under powered for that hull, the 3 cylinder would be a better match, I don't think you'll find any motor that would be a direct bolt in for another brand, like the previous thread said, it took a little custom work but came out with a satisfactory result.
I had a Catalina 30 with one of the two cylinder Universal years ago and found it too weak, in anything but flat water you were not going anywhere, the 3 cylinder would be a much better match for that size/weight boat. You might also want to ask what transmission and prop he used, it's just as important to know when re-powering.