Engine Removal

Regardless of which approach I was going to take (electric, diesel, outboard), I know we had to get the old engine out of the boat. This was also necessary to help rule out some engines due to size--the engine compartment, accessible as it may be being located under hatch in the cockpit, was still awkward and difficult to measure with the engine in there. This boat was built to last... and not to be maintained. Most aspects are overbuilt, which is a good thing unless you need to take something apart.

Removal of the saildrive in April 2011 revealed an almost circular mounting ring, which actually includes the flange/protrusion seen from beneath. One problem I encountered in spec'ing an engine was the length of the outdrive. It needed to be short enough so that the prop didn't fall beneath the keel line but long enough to keep the prop clear of the hull and protrusion, hence avoiding cavitation issues.

After the engine was removed, the compartment was scrubbed and degreased, and the no longer needed exhaust system was removed. I may opt to repaint after the new engine has been installed--since there will be glasswork involved, an unpainted surface will be necessary.