If the engine is out for a good long while

[Saltysaltsalt]

Hey I'm curious about this scenario so I have a bit of a hypothetical here. You own a 35-ft sailboat we'll say along the Gulf Coast in an uncrowded marina. You are salty and physically in great shape. The boat is 40 years old and you just had a major engine issue and found a cracked cylinder head. You've got a lot going on and can't dish out the 5 to 10K and all the fees that go along with it to take care of the problem.

You love the boat and have put a ton of work into it. You do not want to sell it, especially cheap. So, does the boat just sit in the slip indefinitely or do you still use it and if so, how?

[S/V Illusion]

A 35 ft 40 year old sailboat with no engine has no value. Part it out or sell as a cheap liveaboard.

[Lepke]

When I was young, I use to sail without using the engine. Leaving the slip and returning. 150 years ago everybody did.


Or replace or weld the head. I've repaired a lot of cracked heads. Cast iron can be welded by someone that knows for far less than $5k. So can a replacement head be found.

[newhaul]

Originally Posted by Saltysaltsalt

Hey I'm curious about this scenario so I have a bit of a hypothetical here. You own a 35-ft sailboat we'll say along the Gulf Coast in an uncrowded marina. You are salty and physically in great shape. The boat is 40 years old and you just had a major engine issue and found a cracked cylinder head. You've got a lot going on and can't dish out the 5 to 10K and all the fees that go along with it to take care of the problem.

You love the boat and have put a ton of work into it. You do not want to sell it, especially cheap. So, does the boat just sit in the slip indefinitely or do you still use it and if so, how?

Personally I would just keep on using the boat sailing is an art form not just a conveyance.

Worst case if you need an engine to maneuver into or out of a marina use your tender as a side tie tugboat.
My defender hasn't had an engine in it for a decade just haven't found the time to put the new engine in .

[Tin Tin]

Have you got a portable outboard motor?, if so use a lifting bracket off the stern if practical.

[Saltysaltsalt]

This is cool. Currently in the powerboat world now but leaving it for sailing. The same scenario with a powerboat and it's not even a question. That sucker isn't moving. So I'm just really curious since you do have a sail if it would technically be feasible though of course much more challenging without an engine. Cool responses. Thanks

[NorthCoastJoe]

What engine do you have in it? It might be easy to repair yourself.

[Katapult Mike]

Originally Posted by NorthCoastJoe

What engine do you have in it? It might be easy to repair yourself.

Yeah. Part prices vary wildly depending on brand. If you happen to ahve VOlkswagen Pathfinder diesel, you can get a brand new complete cylinder head for $770, or rebuilt for $550: http://www.partsplaceinc.com/vw-1-6l...lic-11612.html

Install it yourself or with a friend and Bob's your uncle, off you go!

[PJS]

If you are in an uncrowded marina and can get in and out relatively easily without causing property damage without an engine, use the boat. I don't own a sail boat but grew up sailing. We never had an engine....
If you can't navigate without an engine then the get rid of decision depends on how much your moorage costs are and weather you want a dock queen.
I might offer that a 40 year old boat that can't move, more than likely, has no sale value. Maybe a few parts someone can salvage...

[newhaul]

Originally Posted by PJS

If you are in an uncrowded marina and can get in and out relatively easily without causing property damage without an engine, use the boat. I don't own a sail boat but grew up sailing. We never had an engine....
If you can't navigate without an engine then the get rid of decision depends on how much your moorage costs are and weather you want a dock queen.
I might offer that a 40 year old boat that can't move, more than likely, has no sale value. Maybe a few parts someone can salvage...

I have recovered more than one bad engine sailboat. All depends on brand of engine and what parts it needs to run .

[Jammer]

Originally Posted by newhaul

Personally I would just keep on using the boat sailing is an art form not just a conveyance.

During the Age of Sail, roughly 1561-1862, it was uncommon for oceangoing vessels to be taken under bridges or through locks. Oceangoing vessels did not use marinas with docks as we understand them today. Instead they were kept at anchor or were warped and kedged in and out of large, open quays, wharves, and landing stages.


Some people have good results with a sculling oar in a stern notch for boats up to 30' or so.


But in this modern age, with marinas, bridges, locks, etc., you need some way to move the boat in directions and at times when the wind won't help you.

[newhaul]

Originally Posted by Jammer

During the Age of Sail, roughly 1561-1862, it was uncommon for oceangoing vessels to be taken under bridges or through locks. Oceangoing vessels did not use marinas with docks as we understand them today. Instead they were kept at anchor or were warped and kedged in and out of large, open quays, wharves, and landing stages.


Some people have good results with a sculling oar in a stern notch for boats up to 30' or so.


But in this modern age, with marinas, bridges, locks, etc., you need some way to move the boat in directions and at times when the wind won't help you.

Agreed hence the second paragraph in the post you partially quoted. Here's the rest
Quote :
Worst case if you need an engine to maneuver into or out of a marina use your tender as a side tie tugboat. : end quote

[Antares]

Another route is to determine the base engine and model. Many are Kubotas. If so then the heads are available from many equipment suppliers or on ebay for not marine prices.

[12 sail away]

Replace the engine....take a meditation course to not think about this one time cost and you will enjoy for the coming decade or more from your boat. You will enjoy everytime you get to the boat start the engine and motor/sail away

[Shaneesprit]

You say a cracked head, so I assume it’s in bits?
Shame - so the crack was into the coolant?

There is a quick and dirty method it’s cheap too. But you need the engine in one piece so I suggest getting the head repaired or find a secondhand one.

Anyway the quick and dirty method.
Buy 2 bottles of “K-Seal” do not buy any other brand.
1) drain and refill coolant with new antifreeze / water 50/50 as normal
2) Pour in 1 bottle of K-Seal
3) Run engine until hot and no longer leaking.
If this works.
Repeat from step 1 with 2nd bottle.

I did this to my BMW car and it was still working 10 years later.