I had my ZF10
transmission fail last year and I'm finally getting around to doing something about it. The
transmission was paired with a Kubota 35 that was marinized by Phasor. I had previously spent ~$2500 getting a Witchard/WM
Diesel heat exchanger to replace the very corroded one that was with the
engine when I bought the
boat. The ZF10 needs
seals (fluid leaking/pouring out) replaced and likely needs
rebuild (no idea how old/hours).
I had talked to Joe DeMers of Sound
Marine Diesel a while back and he suggested pairing the Kubota with a TMC 60. That would run me about $1800.00 USD + odds and ends. The Kubota ran great when I took her out although there were some small
coolant leaks from front face (needs
seals that I already have
parts for), and it needs to be refinished/painted.
I also have an opportunity to pick up the
Perkins 50 HP (rebuilt) with Velvet Drive trans (and misc including
engine mounts) for $2500 that was in this same
boat prior to the Kubota. The boat is already set up for this
motor, I would need to remove the adapter plates put in for the Kubota and the holes should line up (per prior owner that has the Perkins).
Perkins is 450 lb vs Kubota 250 lb. V Drive is heavy, 153 lb vs TMC 60 (recommended for the Kubota) at 33 lb. That is a 300 lb difference. Could maybe match the Perkins with the TMC and that runs 483 lb.
If I stay with Kubota, I'm only out $1800.00 + misc for the new TMC 60 trans. If I go with Perkins I have
motor and trans for $2500.00, unless I want the mech trans (which adds $1800.00 + to that, of course).
The Kubota pushed the
Morgan in fair
weather and seas (and for a bit in semi-rough bay conditions against 25-30 kt headwind) just fine, but I had little experience with it before the transmission gave out.
With the Perkins I could see that I might be able to add a second
alternator or higher
power alternator without sacrificing too much, depending on space (engine room is kind of tight already). It's also a VERY good deal with transmission and extras for $2500 USD. The owner builds performance motors so I expect the
rebuild was done well. With the Kubota I am saving weight. I have some experience with Kubota (tractor engine, restarting a friends old boat that sat for years) and they seem very reliable.
Thoughts?