Westerbeke 42

[jimlong]

Hello fellow boating enthusiasts, I am considering buying a Leopard 38 with about 4500 hours on the Westerbeke 42 engines and wondered if anyone has an idea of what the cost would be to rebuild them ie. rings and bearings or would it be more cost effective to purchase new engines. The engines currently run just fine I was curious of the cost. Also, the 42's seem like overkill on a cat that size and could I possibly get away with smaller engines. Thanks in advance for your input, Jim

[BassAckwards]

Hello Jim

I have a W30 and the part prices are higher than a giraffe's butt. I live in fear of something breaking. Other than that, I have to say the engine has served me very well.

If any others can share something on this subject I would appreciate it.

Here is the Westerbeke website with parts manuals.

Westerbeke Corporation

[delmarrey]

4500 hours should only be at half life with good maintenance. If they are 42 hp, yeah, I would say they are over kill for a 38' sailing Cat, but more for a power Cat.

If you rebuild them yourself it might be less expensive but to send them out you might break even. I would just buy new if I couldn't do the work.

I would check the compression and monitor the exhaust before committing to a motor rebuild/replacement.

[Therapy]

Originally Posted by delmarrey

I would check the compression and monitor the exhaust before committing to a motor rebuild/replacement.

I would send an oil sample for analysis and (possible) peace of mind.

[Pete the Cat]

If you are talking about the Westerbeke model 50 which is 42 hp, I think you will find that some of the rebuild parts are not available anymore.