Brian's Repower - Gas to Diesel - 12/05

Brian Davin · Post by **Brian Davin** » Fri Dec 30, 2005 9:20 am

Well I made the plunge and have decided to repower with Yanmar 370's! [:)][:p][:D] After a lot of evaluation, listening to advice and talking with various engine people, I've decided to repower with diesels at Johnson's Boat Works in Rhode Island. My insurance settlement helped to offset the cost enough to give me the motivation to go for it! The boat is in inside storage, along with George's (repowering with Yanmar 315's), and the work is starting to commence. The engines were already out, but they've now pulled the generator and have ordered the engines. I'll use this thread to update everyone on progress. I've already got a lot of pictures to send to David to start a slide show if that makes sense versus posting all here (just need to find time to get them to him). I also contacted Soundings to see if they would be interested in doing an article this Spring on a Classic 33' Bertram Gas to Diesel conversion and they said YES! Hopefully this will generate some good press for the 33'. I can't wait till launch time comes around! Brian '90 Bertram 33' FBC Never Say Never Westbrook, CT (Homeport) Kinnelon, NJ (Home)

Post by **dougl33** » Fri Dec 30, 2005 11:26 am

Brian, Don't forget those pics of the head/shower stall. Also, we need to pick a date when Bill, Frank, and I can come down to check out the job. Maybe Al and Rick could join us as well. Maybe the weekend of the 28th? That's the week between the Conference Championship Games and the Suberbowl. There'll be no football, but we can at least talk boats. Regards, Doug L. 1986 33 Bertram FBC Queen Elizabeth Marblehead, MA

Sean B · Post by **Sean B** » Fri Dec 30, 2005 11:27 am

Congradulations! I've read about people that switched from the older type diesels to the yanmar's, and said that their boat changed from a locomotive to a sports car. I bet with 370 HP that'll certainly be your case too. Looking forward to seeing the pics Sean Burlingham "Island Time" 1987 Bertram 33 SF Melbourne, FL SBurlingham@cfl.rr.com

Post by **Admin** » Fri Dec 30, 2005 5:42 pm

Brian, that sounds great. I'm looking forward to the progress. Thanks for working the publicity angle too! [8D] David Sumich 1986 SF - 33 Megabites Huntington Harbour, CA Forum Administrator

GMarty · Post by **GMarty** » Tue Jan 03, 2006 4:22 am

Brian got some cool shots of the 2 boats lined up next to each other in the shop! I will start taking some photos this weekend. I have yet to go back to RI since the day I dropped the boat off but will be going to check the progress this weekend. I think he yanked the gassers already though because he told me he wanted to get that done before it went inside. I also suspect Eddy has been filling his family SUV for the entire fall with all the gas left in those boats! I am replacing the counter tops and am curious if anyone as done that project. Seems easy enough. That would be great to have a group down to see these projects and get some input from the brain trust - let me know which weekend so I can try and be available.

Brian Davin · Post by **Brian Davin** » Wed Jan 11, 2006 5:25 am

Stopped by the boat last Thursday when I was up in RI on business. The Yanmar 370's are on order, but have not yet arrived. I'm hoping to go up this weekend and do some work since I'm off on Monday. Any of the Boston 33' contingent that is interested in coming down to take a look are more than welcome. Doug had suggested the 28th which would probably work for me. George, would that date work for you? George, By the way George, your NEW YANMAR 315's are currently sitting in your cockpit and boy do they look nice! I'll try and post a picture I took of them later. I'm not sure if they have pulled your old engines out or not yet though. Your Cabin door is locked, you might want to make sure Eddie has a key as I had forgotten to give him my cabin combination. Brian '90 Bertram 33' FBC Never Say Never Westbrook, CT (Homeport) Kinnelon, NJ (Home)

Post by **dougl33** » Wed Jan 11, 2006 6:02 am

Brian, So far the 28th still works for me (again no football that weekend). I do know that Bill is unavailable that weekend, and none of the other Boston area boys have chimed in (Frank, Al, Rick, Ron, etc...). I don't know about you guys, but when I store my boat for the winter I take off everything of value and/or that is flammable and leave the door unlocked. My thinking is that if they want into the boat they're going to get in whether the door is locked or not. At least if its not locked they won't have to break anything to get in. My 2 cents. Regards, Doug L. 1986 33 Bertram FBC Queen Elizabeth Marblehead, MA

GMarty · Post by **GMarty** » Wed Jan 11, 2006 6:41 am

Cool!! I would love to see the picture. I spoke to Eddy and he has not pulled the gassers yet - he did pull the genny and said is planning to get going soon. It is very likely that I will be in RI Monday unless he starts the work and tells me I will be in his way. Brian, what is your expectation in terms of a launch date? I need to clarify this with him.

Post by **dougl33** » Wed Jan 11, 2006 7:49 am

Just thought I'd include a link to Johnson's: http://www.johnsonsboatworks.com/ Regards, Doug L. 1986 33 Bertram FBC Queen Elizabeth Marblehead, MA

jav · Post by **jav** » Wed Jan 11, 2006 8:07 am

Brian, I live about 20 minutes from Johnsons... I actually bought my engines from Eddy used a few years back. If I can ever be of help, don't hesitate to ask.

Brian Davin · Post by **Brian Davin** » Thu Jan 12, 2006 5:57 pm

Jay, I appreciate the offer, I'm 200 miles away so you never no when having someone nearby might come in handy. Any recommendations on local/cost effective hotels? I may have occaision to stay over if Eddie let's me work on the boat over a couple of days at a time. Brian '90 Bertram 33' FBC Never Say Never Westbrook, CT (Homeport) Kinnelon, NJ (Home)

Gunny · Post by **Gunny** » Fri Jan 13, 2006 1:25 am

Brian, I could come down on the 28th and get the generator! Will that work for you? Gunny

franklyprice · Post by **franklyprice** » Fri Jan 13, 2006 2:50 am

If a few guys are going to be down there on the 28th, I'll hitch a ride with Doug . I'd like to see the progress.. Frank Price

jav · Post by **jav** » Fri Jan 13, 2006 3:19 am

Brian, you know, living in the area I've never had reason to look into hotels but I'll do a little digging for you. I spoke to Eddie last night at the show. I guess my reading skills aren't what they used to be. He's got (2) B33's to repower? Is the other one GMarty's?

Post by **dougl33** » Fri Jan 13, 2006 3:48 am

quote:Originally posted by jav Is the other one GMarty's? John V John, You are correct. George (aka Gmarty) is going with the 315's while Brian is going with the 370's. With Gunny and Frank being onboard it looks like we've got 3 guys in for the 28th. Anyone else? Al, Rick, Ron? Regards, Doug L. 1986 33 Bertram FBC Queen Elizabeth Marblehead, MA