Bertram33 User Forum

Sadly, I've got to pull and replace Fidelity's starboard 454 gas. Does anyone know how much of the engine I can get through the door or window? Heads off up-right, or heads and pan off sideways, or dare I say heads on? Also any tips on things to avoid (the same engine is going back in) from those of you who have "been there, done that". Thanks in advance, Jim Hart FBC '88 Fidelity: always faithful

Jim; The engines come straight up and then out the door after removal of exhaust manf., risers, alternator,oil and fuel filters. Measure the door way twice and lift away. We used fork lift with long pole inserted on forks. About 1.25 hours of lift time per side. Lynn

Sorry to hear about the engine. What happened? Buzz

Buzzk: I've been in the boat business almost all of my working life, from marina "bull gang" to carpentry and f-glass repair including wrenching a lot of engines and currently run Barbron Corp. making flame arrestors; I'm on the Marine Tech. Commitee of the SAE, and have owned Fidelity for 13/14 years.....All of that said, I left the outboard block drain plug in when I put the boat to sleep. I must have crawled out to get something and got side tracked, not going back to finish. I can't even look in the mirror to shave without cussing myself out. Jim

By the way, Thank you Lynn. Jim

Wow, it would make me sick every time I thought about it too. Something like this would give me a good reason to give my wife on why we should move the boat south for the winter. But she would tell me she has a better idea, sell the boat. Anyway I hope you don't miss the season. Buzz