Anyone done engine Repower on Hinterhoeller Niagra?

[danleach]

I'm getting tired of minor niggling issues with my 27 year old Volvo MD11c. And I'm thinking it's time to go whole hog and repower. Are there any Hinterhoeller owners out there who have done this. What engine did you go to. I don't have the sail drive, I have the v-drive unit.

Thanks

[never monday]

This is going to pose a challenge with most modern vdrives. The Volvo mounted the engine then hung the trans and Walther vdrive off of the back. This cause the boat builders to build short stringers to mount the engine. Modern units the vdrive is integral with the gear. This causes the trans/vdrive assy to be shorter than your current set up. You'll need to rebuild the stringers to move a new engine forward so the shaft will align correctly. I'd look to the new Volvos or a Westerbeke or Universal for the ease of install. Yanmar makes a great unit, but the way you mount a YM series with Vdrive can be difficult on your hull.
I'd need pictures to make a better assessment.

[GordMay]

The Niagara 35 was designed by Mark Ellis* and built from 1978 to 1990 by Hinterhoeller Yachts (defunct) in St. Catherines, Ontario.

* Mark Ellis Design Ltd.
2340 Ontario St., Oakville ON, L6L 6P7, Canada
Phone: 905-825-0017
Fax : 905-825-0037

You might also try perusing the Niagara Sail Boat Owners Page:
niagarasailboatownerspage : Messages : 928-964 of 966

Until 1982, the Volvo two-cylinder, 21-hp unit was installed as the auxiliary. After that the three-cylinder Volvo, or Universal M35D, or four-cylinder 33 or 40 HP Westerbeke (c/w V-Drives) was installed*.
* Used Boat Notebook: From the Pages ... - Google Book Search

I’ve seen ads for Niagaras with:
40HP Volvo Penta MD 20-40B
35 HP YANMAR 3JH2E Engine c/w KM3A Gear

[danleach]

Thanks Guys. This is all super helpful information as I figure out what to do. As always...bring out another thousand. In this case, probably several.