"Laura Mei" - Repower Complete!

[Laura Mei]

Thought I would post one more update on the repower I had done for my boat the "Laura Mei" a 1989 Blackman Outerbanks 26. I had Tony Athens at Seaboard Marine in Oxnard do the job based on multiple recommendations and personal visit up to his place last November that convinced me he was the right guy to do the job. He and his guys did a fantastic job and I am very happy with how it came out. Tony is a pleasure to work with, very straightforward and no surprises. Stand up guy – kind of rare these days unfortunately. I would recomend Seaboard Marine to anyone.

Anyway, I replaced the original Volvo TMAD 41A (200 hp) with a Yanmar 6LPA-STP rated a 315 hp. New engine mounts, running gear, and steering system were needed and I had the trim tabs replaced with bigger ones. A new control station was installed in the house as well as at the upper helm. Job took from beginning of February to end of March (ahead of planned schedule!) but I could not go up and get it and bring her back to Long Beach until the end of April because of business travel commitments.

Went up for a sea trial at the end of April and launched with Tony and Frank, one of guys that works for Tony. Seas were rough that day so I could not really crank it up but I could see that the added power was going to be real fun. After the sea trial, we had to take the boat back to the shop to make a few minor adjustments. The next day my son Dan and I took her home to Long Beach by sea. We left Oxnard around 10 am and got into Alamitos Bay in Long Beach at 1:30 pm! Around 65 miles in 3 and 1/2 hours. 18 to 24 knots all the way “downhill” from Oxnard.

Since then, I have taken her twice to Catalina and out a couple of times local (Long Beach area). There are 30 hours on the engine so far. Some more pictures below. I want to thank everybody on this site that gave me advice during the repower process and when I was just thinking about doing it. Much appreciated.

Charley

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Engine room heater - Constant 80F - No condensation! = no rust.

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Upper helm controls
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Inside station
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[Freespool]

Very nice. It looks like a very clean job. Let us know how the insulation holds up. I have a Yanmar in mine and it would be nice to be able to hear the VHF when I am underway.

[Wa Mei]

Hey Charlie, glad to see you had such a good experience with
the repower. Best of luck. Hope to see you out there on the
big pond!

[DOGHOUSE26]

Man that looks beautiful and I bet she really can move! That's a full engine compartment and everything looks clean and top notch. You should be set for life now! Great choice on the larger trimtabs, they will come in handy. Now for the million dollar question; rough cost ? 30-40, 40-50, 50+ ? I don't think you could have found a better place to get the work done, now go out and enjoy it!

[Laura Mei]

I knew someone would ask :)
50+ is the answer.
Take care
Charley

[DOGHOUSE26]

Worth every penny Charlie; now you have a new super reliable power package that is more performance oriented and 50% more power which will make the engine work less and last longer. Plus better MPG I bet. Just be sure to use it as much as you can and enjoy it. You did the right thing!