HP on a 33 SF

Capt. Mike · Post by **Capt. Mike** » Fri Jun 24, 2005 8:38 am

I am considering the purchase of a friends 33SF. It is repower from Gas to Diesel. It seems to have been done correctly but the nagging question is; the motors are Yanmar and only 240 hp.... From looking at some of the posts in this forum that seems to be very inadequate. So what is the consensus? Then there is another I have looked at and it has CAT's with 270 hp, still seems to be a bit of a lightweight. I need to say speed is not my goal, the fishing grounds are not too far off shore but fuel economy and engine life are more important to me. So; any comments or thought from our membership is appreciated! thanks in advance! Mike

Post by **dougl33** » Fri Jun 24, 2005 8:55 am

Mike, Is this the boat: http://www.yachtworld.com/core/listing/ ... slim=quick& If so, its been for sale for quite a while. Not sure what you can get it for, but as listed its over-priced and definately under-powered. By and large, I think Yanmars are a good choice, but its just not enough power. Those 4 clyinders diesels have got to push 20K lbs of boat around. I know a bunch of the 31 guys have dropped these in, but those boats weigh about half of what a 33 weighs. Why is this guy selling? I think there are better deals to be had: http://www.yachtworld.com/core/listing/ ... =1606&url= (this ones been for sale for a while, but its got a great engine package and the price is reasonable) http://www.yachtworld.com/core/listing/ ... slim=quick& (this seems like a great deal and I think its new to the market.) http://www.yachtworld.com/core/listing/ ... 59329&url= (a bit over-priced in my mind, but who knows what they'll take. I believe its new to the market) http://www.yachtworld.com/core/listing/ ... slim=quick& (for the same listing price as your friends boat but with gobs more hp and torque) Regards, Doug L. 1986 33 Bertram FBC Queen Elizabeth Marblehead, MA

Post by **dougl33** » Fri Jun 24, 2005 9:03 am

...and just for the record. I'm not a big fan of the box he's mounted to store the electronics. Regards, Doug L. 1986 33 Bertram FBC Queen Elizabeth Marblehead, MA

Capt. Mike · Post by **Capt. Mike** » Fri Jun 24, 2005 9:57 am

Hay thanks - you are right about the boat i was asking about.... I also tried to make a deal on the cummins recon repower but they were stuck at very near full price.... Boat has been on the market since January.... Some of the other SF models are of interest - are the CAT's 270 enough HP? So anyway; I am looking for a post 1986 SF model Diesel - I would prefer in the west but anywhere if it is the right boat....

Post by **dougl33** » Fri Jun 24, 2005 10:05 am

Mike, How much are you willing to drop? What do you think you could get the 4 cyl Yanmar boat for? I think the Cats are a decent package, but I guess it all depends on the setup. Some guys here are cruising at 20-23 knots with that setup and others are toppnig out at 22. This boat seems like a pretty good boat for the money. Lets say you can get the boat for $100K, maybe you could spend another $15K or so to boost the hp up to 320. http://www.yachtworld.com/core/listing/ ... slim=quick& Regards, Doug L. 1986 33 Bertram FBC Queen Elizabeth Marblehead, MA

billb · Post by **billb** » Fri Jun 24, 2005 10:14 am

Mike: there is one in port aransas for 80,000 with 330 b cummins, fairly nice boat...put a little money (cosmetics) it would be real nice...It used to be mine 8 years ago or so....I think it was repowered with new engines in 2000....anyway mine is 33 sf w/ 270 cats and it cruises like honest 20 knots fully loaded.....but it is good on fuel....let me know..are you around that area at all??? do you have a 33 now?? Bill Bill Beeson 33 bertram RAZZMATAZZ

billb · Post by **billb** » Fri Jun 24, 2005 10:16 am

Mike: also I think that the 240 yanmars are too small... they would be too slow and you would be pushing them all the time...... Bill Beeson 33 bertram RAZZMATAZZ

Capt. Mike · Post by **Capt. Mike** » Fri Jun 24, 2005 10:27 am

Thanks for all the very knowledgeable replies to my post.... I do not have a 33 now - just sold my Tolly 30 twin gas and want to fish more and fish when I want to not when the weather is right.... I am in big water and serious conditions - I am in Hawaii.... there is one SF 33 here now - in charter in Kona, My conditions on the windward coast of O'ahu are snarly and bumpy... Speed is not my goal - can go that fast in 8' seas anyway and 8' is mild. again, thanks to all who took the time to write. Mahalo! Mike

Teamecho · Post by **Teamecho** » Wed Jul 13, 2005 4:50 am

I am running a 33 with yanmar 370 hp and I would not go any smaller than that. I would use the 420 hp if I could do it again. I cruise at 25 knots W/ a top at close to 32 and I tell you the boat feels best at 27 knts but thats rubbing her a little hard.

photo finish · Post by **photo finish** » Wed Jul 13, 2005 5:52 am

When i got my gas crusader 385hp i was told by crusader that i should not get the 420hp version because on our boat it would not make any more speed. is a higher hp rating on the same diesel engine 370 vs 420 a different game all together? Tim Stamm Photo Finish 1981 33' Bertram FBC

Post by **dougl33** » Wed Jul 13, 2005 6:15 am

Tim, For the most part its a different ball game. Regards, Doug L. 1986 33 Bertram FBC Queen Elizabeth Marblehead, MA

Gunny · Post by **Gunny** » Mon Jul 18, 2005 1:09 am

Doug, Which part is a different ball game? Horsepower which controls speed is the same measurement whether generated by gas,diesel or steam . Torque is the ability to do work. The trick is to harness both the Hp and torque where they will do the most good yielding speed and fuel economy. The problem with most small diesels is they run at high speed to make high hp and their goes your fuel economy! Gunny

Post by **dougl33** » Mon Jul 18, 2005 3:26 am

Gunny, What I was refering to is a diesel engine's ability to produce more torque than a similarly sized gas engine. I.E. a 300+ hp 5.9 Cummins produces less hp but more torqure than a 7.4 gas motor at a lower rpm yet cruises the boat at a much higher speed while burning much less fuel. On a boat, its less about hp and more about torque. Regards, Doug L. 1986 33 Bertram FBC Queen Elizabeth Marblehead, MA