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  • #14276
    Peter Dale
    Participant

      Good morning. I have a 1999 Bavaria 42 with the original MD22L  still running well – even if it does use a little oil. I am planning on doing some more extensive cruising/ sailing and will need to change out the engine. I was going to change like for like until I read some articles related to sizing on engines. The MD22L delivers 49HP and I was thinking of installing the new D2-40. Has anyone had any experience doing this?

      #14278
      bobclements
      Keymaster

        The MD22 is basically the Austin Maestro diesel marinised, which in itself was the BL O series petrol (used in the Ital and Princess).  As such is has a low compression ration and a short stroke, so is a high-revving engine relative to most diesel engines.  It only really puts out anywhere near 50hp at 3,500rpm.  Assuming you cruise at about 2,200-2,400rpm, it will be producing about 20hp.

        I went through this a couple of years ago with my own boat, and actually wrote an article on it which is in the last BOA yearbook.

        Personally, I decided to fir a Beta engine rather than a Volvo, for a number of reasons, namely:-

        1./ Volvo parts are really expensive
        2./ The Volvo warranty is only valid if the engine in fitted and serviced by a VP dealer
        3./ The Volvo engines use an MDI unit to electronically control the engine (which have known issues of failure)
        4./ The Beta engines are based on Kubota engines, which you can get spares for anywhere in the world
        5./ Beta engines are better value than Volvo engines.

        Have a read of the article (you can download it from the website), and come to your own conclusions.  I would have thought that a Beta 43 would be an excellent choice, and will sit directly on the same engine bearers.

        My boat (a 49) was originally fitted with the turbo version of the MD22 (rated at 105hp), and I now have a Beta 50.  The old engine used to cruise at 7kts at 2,400rpm.  The new one cruises at 7kts at 1,900rpm, using about half the fuel.  Bigger is not always better when it comes to engines.

        • This reply was modified 3 years, 3 months ago by bobclements.
        #14280
        Peter Dale
        Participant

          Thanks very much for your feedback Bob. I have read your article and I am definitely now in favour of downsizing to a +/- 40HP engine. As it is I very rarely run my current MD22 engine above 2,000rpm and we can cruise comfortably at 6knts without any assistance/hinderance from tide. Thanks again for responding.

          #14281
          bobclements
          Keymaster

            Good stuff.  If you want any help or advice is specifying the engine or doing calcs, just ask.

            Bob

            PS. Just looked, and at 2,000 rpm your engine is producing 25hp.  The Beta 43 produces 28hp at the same rpm.  So it’s actually slightly more powerful then what you currently have.

            • This reply was modified 3 years, 3 months ago by bobclements.
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