Engines & Around the Engine

When repowering your boat there are a few things you should consider. What are the benefits, do I want a new diesel engine or is this the time to go electric, what do I need (besides a new engine) and why do I need to choose VETUS?

Why do you need to refit or repower your boat

Most pleasure-boat owners long for the moment they set foot aboard their boat. Work is forgotten and other worries vanish into thin air. Their sense of happiness is complete when the engine comes to life with a healthy roar.

When your engine has been around for a long time, you can start to experience some hiccups during your day on the water. The lifespan of an engine cannot be determined based on the number of operational hours alone. You should consider repowering if:

  • Your existing engine is becoming unreliable
  • You are losing horsepower
  • The engine is consuming to much fuel
  • Maintenance cost are rising
  • You want to experience the benefits of new technology

Options

When repowering or refitting your boat, we’ve got you covered from diesel engines to electric-propulsion solutions and everything around the engine. Additionally, VETUS can offer you complete boat systems to facilitate your repowering.

Benefits of repowering

With a new engine, your boat will come to life. You will experience greater fuel efficiency and a lower environmental impact. Experience new power, responsiveness, and an overall smoother and quieter way of sailing. With VETUS engines you get:

  • Improved acceleration, power, and responsiveness.
  • Lower running costs.
  • Less maintenance costs and downtime.
  • Enhanced fuel efficiency and lower environmental impact.
  • The option to upgrade to the latest electronics, controls, and diagnostics with interconnectivity to modern multi-function displays.
  • An overall smoother, quieter, and more pleasurable boating experience.

Refit, Rebuild or Repower?

Refitting or rebuilding your existing engine is an alternative option to repowering. When choosing to refit or rebuild your engine, you choose to replace parts on your existing engine and/or replace all necessary parts around your engine.

Choosing to refit or rebuild your engine is perceived as easier and more cost efficient. This, however, is not always the case. Keep in mind that if you are going to replace existing parts, you cannot predict the new life expectancy of these parts. It is possible that you may ultimately experience more unexpected maintenance costs.

In comparison, if you choose to repower with a VETUS engine, you get the guarantee that all components of the engine are new and feature the latest technology, resulting in better performance with the bonus of a five-year warranty.

Deciding between repowering or refitting/rebuilding your engine depends on individual circumstances and demands. Keep in mind that if the cost of rebuilding/refitting is 40% more than the amount of installing a new engine, it is wiser to invest in a new powerhouse.

 

How to start?

Once you have decided on repowering, refitting, or rebuilding your engine, it is time to plan your project. Depending on the project, you need to keep in mind that replacing or rebuilding your engine at a boatyard can take one to four weeks or more (depending on the scope of the work). Here are the steps that should be considered:

  • Choose your installation centre.
  • Select your new engine/equipment.
  • Choose the accessories/technology you want to include.
  • Allocate delivery times on the needed materials.
  • Identify any additional work that might be required.

 

Around the engine – When repowering your engine, you need to consider replacing your ‘around the engine’ equipment as well. This includes exhaust, propellers, fuel tanks, push-pull cables, engine mounts, strainers, shafts, hoses, and sound insulation.

Engine mounts

The flexible engine mounts from VETUS have been specifically developed for each engine model to minimize vibrations and noise and to carry the weight of the engines.

Exhaust

Exhaust systems are a very important part of ‘around the engine’ equipment. The back pressure and diameter of the existing system will need to be checked to ensure that it meets or exceeds the specified requirements of the new engine.

With our extensive experience in developing innovative exhaust products, VETUS brings you the comfort of silence, reduced maintenance costs, and ideal engine performance. And with the cleverly designed feature of rotating connections, you get the flexibility of a custom-made exhaust.

Shafts & Propellers (stern gear)

As one of the most important systems in a boat, stern gear deserves special attention. After all, a well-designed, robustly manufactured, and properly installed propeller-shaft system can greatly enhance the performance and reliability of your boat.

With a VETUS propeller shaft you get the benefit of the best stainless-steel type there is: Duplex 1-4462. In comparison with other stainless-steel material the corrosion resistance of the Duplex 1-4462 is much better. In addition, the tensile strength can run up to 30% greater and 40% higher in hardness, compared to AISI 316. With this level of hardness, you get excellent running properties in the rubber bearings.

Depending on the specifications of your replacement engine, it may be necessary to install a larger propeller shaft a/o propeller.

Discover our complete range of ‘around the engine’ boat equipment

Why choose VETUS?

At VETUS we set the industry standard when it comes to designing complete boat systems and making your life on board more enjoyable. We give customers peace of mind of knowing their vessels’ most essential systems will work, even when pushed to their limits.

We design and develop solutions in-house using the best engineering resources because our products are crucial to the boating experience. It’s no surprise that leading yacht builders and marine training establishments look to us for expertise and partnership. We join forces with boat builders to deliver the best experience. We earn our customers’ trust every day through an unwavering commitment to product quality and unparalleled support. We are accountable not only to our customers, but to all those who have contributed to the VETUS mission since 1964.

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