Blown engine. Need advice.

[Hardrightrudder]

I have a 1973 Ericson 39 in great shape. In the last few years since purchasing her I have put in all new electronics, canvas, solar, cushions etc and my Wife, son and I cruised from Maine to the Bahamas. The amount I have put into her is far more than her market value and Recently the engine became inoperable (cracked block after overheating).

I’m looking for some advice: repower? Sell? ( who buys a boat with a blown engine)? Donate? Part her out?

If you were in my position, what would you do?

R,
S/V Kestrel

[captainwd40]

1973 boat is due for a new engine. If you really like the boat, which sounds like you do, I would install a new engine. I will have an appreciable cost associated, but if you feel the boat is worth it ….. do it.

My 2 cents for what it is worth.

Cheers!

[Pete7]

Replace with either new or second hand then have another decade of use out of her.

Pete

[Aswayze]

I find that I the amount of money I spend at the grocery store never amounts to a significant increase in market value around my house the following week...

Think of the investment in your boat as money spent investing in joy (actual joy, not the dish soap). You are never really going to get your money back out of a boat so don't even fret it.

In my opinion, in for a penny, in for a pound. Fix it. Preferably, pull the engine, take it home, do a rebuild yourself. You'd probably be surprised how fun that can be.

[MartinR]

Just buy a good second hand engine. They are often to be had cheaply. Preferably one that is easy to fit, but a little glass work is not so hard. Replace engine including building a new bed, maybe 1 weeks job. If the engine is on adjustable feet, this is not rocket science.

Sure the cracked block is not repairable? Sometimes you can get lucky.

You have a 4108?

[Dymaxion]

Checked for a good used engine yet? Also check for what others have succesfully installed as an alternative brand, and that they are happy with. Broadens your choices. Once you have found a used engine, decide whether it is good enough to go straight in, or if to have it rebuilt prior to installation. Since a huge part of engine costs will be due to installation labour, rebuilding a decent used engine before installing may not hurt too much more, especially if you got the used engine for a good price. Sticker shock on a brand new engine plus installation is a good jumping off point prior to any decision. Sounds like you want to keep your boat....

[crazyoldboatguy]

Like others have said, don’t consider the money spent like you would a house - focusing on that which could increase value. Very few boats would fit in such a category.

It sounds like you like the boat. If you are happy with the size and sail characteristics and would keep it were the engine ok - I’d say go for it. Lots of used engines are available. Perhaps the block can be repaired - I would be leery of fixing a cracked block. Buy a used engine, have it rebuilt if you wish - get it in the boat and go sailing!

[Cheechako]

What type of engine? Ebay is your friend sometimes.... or if a common engine, maybe a new or rebuilt basic block and use your peripherals & things on it? If you like the boat, fix it.

[jaylo264]

Fit a new Beta

I fitted a new Volvo Penta in 2017 with help of my son, not a particularly difficult task even for a zoologist [me]

BUT I wish I had bought a Beta

[MartinR]

If you have a 4108 you can get a rebuild block for 1500$

[mjaymc]

Now is a great opportunity to re-power with electric. If you loved your boat before you'll love the new silence.

[gmakhs]

Electric is expensive and questionable very questionable.
If you like the boat repower with a new diesel, or used though I prefer new ...

If you decide to donate her I will gladly take her off your hands even without motor hehe .

[PolarisOne]

I second the call for a new Beta Marine.....I could not be happier with my new Beta compared to the old Westerbeke. Also, don't underestimate the effect of worrying about or working on your old engine all the time.... A new Beta comes with a 5 year warranty.

-John

[sailormed]

Originally Posted by MartinR

If you have a 4108 you can get a rebuild block for 1500$

This is the first avenue to explore in my opinion.

[peter loveridge]

there are thousands of 4108's around the world, I think they used on MH tractors of a certain vintage. If you want new, a Kubota based engine can't go wrong, they on millions of third world tractors, but if you can find a used or rebuilt 4108, if that is what's in there now, it solves a lot of installation problems