Adrien Wiot is no stranger to the readers of Bateaux.com. With two other companions, he armed his Kelt 8 to combine his two passions: music and the sea. With his sailboat, it goes along the Breton coasts to propose classical music concerts at the stopover .
His Kelt 8 was equipped with a Yanmar single-cylinder 8 hp. The original engine that shows the age of the boat: 35 years. Very well maintained, it worked very well. But wear and tear eventually had its effect and of the original 8 hp, there was probably only 6 usable hp leftâ?¦ Too little to counter the wind or the tidal current.
A grounding that triggers everything
This is the misadventure that happened to our young musician. While trying to sail up the channel of Le Croisic against wind and tide, the sailboat was only treading water. This led to a grounding (fortunately benign). It was time to think about a new engine!
Which power to choose?
Before starting the research on the ideal engine, it was necessary to start by choosing the ideal power. Adrien found his answer from a mechanic and other owners. The Kelt 8 would support 25 hp, but this "big" power would not really be used and 18 hp would be enough. I'll go for an 18 hp.
Which brand to choose?
At the beginning, with his good experience with his old Yanmar, Adrien naturally turned to this Japanese manufacturer. But the prices quickly made him disappointed. More than 15000 euros for an engine of this power, much too much for his small student's purse!
Finally, he found what he was looking for at a local dealer, CG Méca in Arzal: a late model Vetus that he negotiated at 4500 euros. The Kubota base of this twin-cylinder reassured him in his choice. It is a base that can be found on many uses in the navy or elsewhere on tractors for example.
A suitable engine hold?
Before starting the engine change, it is necessary to check if the new model fits in the engine hold. Fortunately, the Kelt 8's engine hold is quite large and the new Vetus had no trouble finding a place.
Even longer than the old model, the cradle had to be lengthened by 10 cm to support the new model. This was the biggest work of this repowering with compulsory layering.
Is it necessary to change all the accessories?
Not very knowledgeable in mechanics, Adrien wondered what to replace besides the engine. And that was the good surprise of this operation. Indeed, all the shifter, exhaust cable and tank parts stayed in place. The new dashboard replaced the old one.
Shaft and propeller, what to do?
However, the propeller shaft had to be replaced. The old one was not big enough to support the extra power. The propeller is also replaced to transmit the new power. Adrien chose to switch from the original two-blade to a three-blade. He wondered about the opportunity to put a folding propeller, but in front of the pharaonic overcost, he postponed the file.
What to do with the old engine?
After 3 weeks of work, Adrien still had his old Yanmar to recycle. The mechanic offered him to take it back, but for a miserable sum (about 100 euros). The solution of selling it directly on a classified ad site (Leboncoin) was preferable. Indeed, Adrien managed to sell it for 500 euros.
In the end?
The whole work cost 8900 euros all included (out of the water and back in the water). Even if the choice and the decisions required a lot of discussions for the technical and financial choices, Adrien is happy with this motorization. The first tests are positive.
Indeed, the new engine vibrates much less. Probably the old one was not well aligned (the wear of the propeller shaft proved it), but also the silentblocks were at the end of their life. As for the noise, it is reduced especially since there are no vibrations.
It remains to be tested now in a strong current, but no doubt that the 18 hp will work wonders!
