Doug's Re-power

jeff · Post by **jeff** » Thu Apr 19, 2007 2:55 pm

I installed Cummins 300HP 6BTA with 1.5 ratio gears about three years ago. I did the same thing and used my 21x20 props repiched to 22 and a pretty heavy cup. After 400 hours and several trips to Key West I can tell you overall I get a little more than 1 KM per gallon. If I run 150 miles at 23 KT it's going to take 150 gallons to fill it. Your prop selection is good but you should reconsider using the 1 3/8 shafts. General Propeller in Bradenton, FL did my shaft work, and after a lot of research recomemded going to 1 1/2 which I did. It wasn't easy or inexpensive but breaking a shaft is not fun. A friend of mine broke three shafts in his Silverton after installing Yanmar 350 and not changing shafts. You might want to call Larry at General Porpeller and ask him about the Bert 33 with Cummins that he did new shafts for. If you have any questions about the conversion I can help. I did a lot of the work myself. Jeff Stephens

photo finish · Post by **photo finish** » Thu Apr 19, 2007 3:31 pm

Jeff, I did not realize that we had another 33 in SWFL.I will be in Marathon in June if you go to Key West you should make a stop in Marathon.

Post by **dougl33** » Thu Apr 19, 2007 3:38 pm

Jeff, Welcome aboard. What rpms are you cruising at. I know inch and 3/8's is marginal, but Bert used inch and 3/8's on all of the diesel 33's. Even the ones made in the last couple of years with the 320hp Cats are running inch and 3/8's. Also, the Cummins rep who did my install is running the same exact setup on his 34 Hatt using inch and 3/8's. 5000 hours and no problems for him so far. Regards, Doug L. 1986 33 Bertram FBC Queen Elizabeth Marblehead, MA [img]http://www.bertram33.com/photogallery/p ... sabeth.jpg[/img]

BECCA ROSE · Post by **BECCA ROSE** » Thu Apr 19, 2007 4:51 pm

From what I've heard, shaft snapping is due to inproper shaft length, more than inproper shaft diameter. Many repowers are done and all of a sudden shafts start to snap. The reason is because of the new engines postition fore and aft, it is causing the shafts to extend further behind the struts, which leaves the props further behind the struts. Which causes the props to "whip" and snap your shaft. There is a rule of thumb for some people, it goes something like, "1 and a half inch shafts means no more than 1 and a half inch between the prop and strut". Plus, the fact that many gas owners who switch to diesel power have no idea how to run a boat with a ton of new torque. Most shafts are snapping at the dock. Just MHO. Bill 1988 33 FBC Ipswich, Ma. > ~------- [img]http://www.bertram33.com/photogallery/p ... a_Rose.jpg[/img]

captgene · Post by **captgene** » Fri Apr 20, 2007 4:10 am

Exactly. I had to buy new shafts. About 6 in longer. Still went with 1.5 AM 22 shafts. I made sure the length behind the strut was no more the 1.5. Was a perfect guess. Also I found out that the couplers get a little sloppy over the years, so I replaced them too. The only original running gear in the boat is the struts. Gene Dugan Boca Raton, Fl. "Nauti Marie" 1989 33 FBC

photo finish · Post by **photo finish** » Fri Apr 20, 2007 8:12 am

Gene, That just answered my question on the other page about needing longer shafts.

sbeer · Post by **sbeer** » Thu May 17, 2007 12:31 am

Doug, did you ever get that floor done? I e-mailed the guy acouple of weeks ago and got a call back from him yesterday. Seems he was in a car acciddent and has been out of it for acouple of weeks. Seems the stuff he uses is bullet proof. Zero maint. I have him scheduled to do my boat in sept. Says it will take a day and ahalf. They want to stay on the boat overnight to get it done quicker. Would like to know how yours came out and if yopu have any pics. Mike

Post by **dougl33** » Thu May 17, 2007 3:38 am

Mike, The floor has become a bit of a sore spot. Last fall he told me I'd be all set by mid-April. Here it is Mid may and he hasn't done anything more than pull up the carpet down below. He told me that he hurt his knee, but that he'd be at my boat Tue and Wed this week. Still a no show and its Thurs. I have a call into him. Regards, Doug L. 1986 33 Bertram FBC Queen Elizabeth Marblehead, MA [img]http://www.bertram33.com/photogallery/p ... sabeth.jpg[/img]

Post by **dougl33** » Wed May 23, 2007 10:27 am

The floor guy was here on Monday and Tuesday. He is about 65% complete. Looks pretty good so far. He didn't get in a car accident. He hurt his knee getting on or off a boat (not mine!). He's supposed to be back by the end of the week to finish. I will take pics and post when its done. The sound shield and gennie were dropped in and wired up last week. With any luck I will be in the water by June 2nd (weather permitting). Regards, Doug L. 1986 33 Bertram FBC Queen Elizabeth Marblehead, MA [img]http://www.bertram33.com/photogallery/p ... sabeth.jpg[/img]

sbeer · Post by **sbeer** » Thu May 24, 2007 1:21 am

Doug, Can't wait to see that floor. If you don't mind me asking, what did he charge you? Mike

Post by **dougl33** » Thu May 24, 2007 3:11 am

$3K. That's for every square inch of the cabin (not including the head). Regards, Doug L. 1986 33 Bertram FBC Queen Elizabeth Marblehead, MA [img]http://www.bertram33.com/photogallery/p ... sabeth.jpg[/img]

sbeer · Post by **sbeer** » Thu May 24, 2007 8:11 am

Doug, Did he make new hatches or did he use the original? Mike

Post by **dougl33** » Thu May 24, 2007 8:43 am

He is re-using the originals. Regards, Doug L. 1986 33 Bertram FBC Queen Elizabeth Marblehead, MA [img]http://www.bertram33.com/photogallery/p ... sabeth.jpg[/img]

Post by **dougl33** » Wed May 30, 2007 6:31 am

Getting close. Frank was nice enough to come down and do some spraying for the repaired rear-bulkhead on Sat. It came out great! I did the bottom and un-covered it on Monday. I took yesterday off, washed the whole boat top to bottom, and put one coat of rejex on the topsides. I'll put another coat on one side tonight and the last coat on tomorrow night. On Friday night I'll touch up a couple of spots on the bottom and put the zincs on. Saturday moring (early) I'll put up the enclosure and hook-up the electronics. Launch time is 10am Saturday morning. The floor is about 97% complete. He should be coming back either today or tomorrow to finish. I'll post some pics when its done. Regards, Doug L. 1986 33 Bertram FBC Queen Elizabeth Marblehead, MA [img]http://www.bertram33.com/photogallery/p ... sabeth.jpg[/img]

photo finish · Post by **photo finish** » Wed May 30, 2007 5:53 pm

Happy splashing Doug