Repower or rebuild Universal engine on the E30+?

Hey all,

Last year I bought a E30+ (1984) from Craigslist in San Diego/CA. I knew the engine was not working but the deal was good so I got the boat. Unfortunately a pressure test indicated a leakage in at least one of the pistons and the mechanic recommend to repower the boat. The recommended substitutes were: Yanmar (2YM15?) and Beta marine. The price for a new engine was really shocking (> $10k + $5k of labor)... Are these prices reasonable? What would you guys recommend? Is rebuilding such an old engine a good idea?

Thanks!

I would probably rebuild due to cost. Depends on the condition of the boat and how long and how much you plan to use it. If you decide to repower, you might increase the engine HP a bit, the two cylinder Universal M18 or equivalent (rated at 14hp) is a bit underpowered in my opinion. Heavy chop or current and it struggles. Consider that the 32-3 is only 800 lbs heavier but uses the 21hp 3 cylinder M25.

You might also look for a used diesel that is in better condition.

Have a look at the Betamarine20, https://betamarineusa.com/portfolio/beta-20/
Your listed displacement is about 9K, and this should be ample power for it. My paper napkin SWAG is that you will motor at about 6.5 kts, given your boat's WL.
I repowered with a Betamarine25, and we displace 10600#. Similar to your Bruce King hull, ours is easily driven. We find that we have ample thrust even against a chop and routinely motor at 7 kts with a clean bottom.

And yup, cost can be a surprise at first. Back in 2018, I spent a tad under 10K for our new engine/trans/with the upgrade panel and 70 amp alternator, in a crate. About another 4K, for professional help to engineer and guide the install. I have several blog entries on this site detailing the process. https://ericsonyachts.org/ie/ubs/authors/loren-beach.28/

Just a rough guess, from up here in the third balcony, but the Betamarine uses a newer Kubota block similar to your existing Kubota-based Universal, and should swap in easier than a Yanmar. I believe.

This is also the ideal (!) time to completely clean up the whole engine area and redo the old worn-out sound insulation, for another 30 years. Probably it's just me, but for a major upgrade like this I plan to keep the boat for another decade -- or More -- and amortize out the use and enjoyment of the new engine. I believe we are achieving that goal for our boat.
You wil also be pleased (and so will the Admiral) with the easy starting and noticeably quieter operation of the new engine. The built-in oil extraction pump is a blessing also.

Unasked For Opinion: In a world where it can cost 10 to 12K (total) or more for a couple to go on a Princess cruise for 14 days, and then have only a thumb drive of digital pictures to show for it, we viewed our new engine as a long term source of enjoyment for our boating life.
Ship Cruising: "Been there Done that" and it was fun; but temporary fun.
Regarding our new engine, So far, so Good!

Cheers,
Loren