Ebay inboard engines

Posted by BluidyBastid@reddit | sailing | View on Reddit | 15 comments

In the process of repowering an Alberg 37 (currently has a drastically underpowered electric motor). A new Beta Marine 35hp is at the top of the list, but I was curious about used engines. I found a few local sources that are parting out boats or have rebuilt engines, also there are some listings on Ebay that look to be in decent shape. Has anyone had experience with installing used engines? About 1/5 the cost of a new BM, and I'd love to have a few other projects on the boat as well. In any case, TIA for any thoughts.

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15 Comments

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Sailorincali@reddit

Put a used Perkins 107 in my 40 ft Cheoy Lee yawl to replace the one that came with the boat, paid $1000 for the engine after hearing it run, refreshed a couple fuel lines got new engine mounts and changed the head gasket ( had to, to get it in the companionway and wanted to look at the valves and cylinders) used a few things of the old engine ( exhaust elbow, raw water pump and strainer). All in $2200 and I know my motor a lot better, runs great! Took about a week of work.

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get_MEAN_yall@reddit

I've only bought outboards used, but typically if a diesel is pulled, there is a reason it was removed. Either it has issues or the boat containing it was neglected. I would approach the purchase of used inboard with high levels of skepticism.

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canofmixedveggies@reddit

IDK a lot of times an engine is pulled because the owner isn't capable of repairing it and they can't find someone to work on it. if you are looking at eBay engines there's a few things that can mean and I'd hope handyness is one of them. what I mean by that is a Marine mechanic (at least here) is $250/hr if it takes them 10 hours and parts to rebuild something it's in the realm of replacing it being cost effective. I had to put a new head gasket on my 1983 atomic 4, along with rebuilding the manifold. it probably took me a week off going to the boat ever day soaking the studs in penetrant to get the head off, clearing an impacted manifold took a few hours, a rebuilt atomic 4 used to be $3000 from moyer, now it's like $6000 but you can find them online for $1200-3000. if you can't do your own labor replacement is more reasonable than repair unfortunately and a lot of good motors get junked.

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Weary_Fee7660@reddit

A repower in the 35hp range is probably $20k+, $2500 plus parts isn’t even close to beyond economic repair.

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canofmixedveggies@reddit

an atomic 4 is a 30 hp motor and was used in some 37 ft boats.

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Weary_Fee7660@reddit

An atomic 4 is an ancient gasoline motor. Not a diesel, which is what op is looking for. A diesel repower is significantly more expensive

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canofmixedveggies@reddit

yea they are, it's why things like the epropulsion sailpod look so attractive, but older motors still can be fine. my boat is only worth $12,000 at top market, spending $20k on a new diesel just doesn't make sense. a lot of people will go buy a Kubota d950 and marinize it into a universal mx25 because of the cost.

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BluidyBastid@reddit (OP)

This is my gut sense as well.

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Small_Dog_8699@reddit

Those cheap betas are scams. Check the addresses of the shops. Usually Indonesia. Expect to pay $16k at least for a new beta. The others are too good to be true.

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BluidyBastid@reddit (OP)

Yeah I've seen those super cheap Betas and Yanmars – yikes. I've been talking with a local BM dealer, so a 35hp is around $18k or something, plus installation. Still not a bad price for a reliable new engine.

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Small_Dog_8699@reddit

I found one from a Canadian dealer on Vancouver island for $16k I think. I’m in the market as my pathfinder seized after whatever seal that separates the coolant and oil let all the coolant leak into the oil sump :-( I got lucky and found a rebuilt universal (kubota block - same as beta) for really cheap nearby. But I was looking into those eBay deals and once you dig a bit you start to see they don’t add up.

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sharpescreek@reddit

How much reconfiguring was done to fit electric motor in? Normally a rebuilt diesel would drop right in. Yanmar would be my pick.

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BluidyBastid@reddit (OP)

It looks like the stringers were not modified for the electric, so a drop in fit seems like it might work for new or used options.

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jh937hfiu3hrhv9@reddit

If it were a reputable rebuilder who stored them properly it would be ok. If from random dude who stored it improperly it will have internal rust that will chew it apart from the inside out. You can't tell unless you disassemble it and look, or run it until it loses compression and/or starts knocking and rattling. Check the price on buying one and having it inspected and/or rebuilt.

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wychimp@reddit

Send it…use the boom to hoist out