43 Trunk Cabin Trawler engine repower poll

[brassbrendan]

I'm slowly making progress on repair/refit of grounded, partially submerged 1986 43 Trawler. Lehman 135's were submerged, not pickled, and now have heads off with cylinders and crankcase filled with ATF/Kroil/Acetone/MMO.
Heads/Valves look salvageable, but if engines need to come apart completely, I'll replace. Storage is pricey in current location. I'm doing much of the work.
Money is an issue, so on replacing, I'm considering 1 good 2726t Ford Mermaid 175 HP from a reputable shop, and 1 new old-inventory Ford 2726t marinated by Ford. I can get the pair for around $11k or $12k. I believe these would be better than Lehman 120's for similar price. 135's May yet turn up, but would cost as much.
Do any members have power plants in this range? What is your experience?

[Panhdjoe]

I would stick with the 135's parts and rebuild service are readily available. You would not need to work out new props or go through re working motor mounts and fuel lines ect. Swapping engines types is always more complicated than one would think. plus the Lehmans are darn good engines. the ones you have may be OK. Were they locked up or what?

[catalina_mike]

Talk to a reputable rebuilder (yelp reviews). Unless it's fused they should be able to pull it apart and dip then rebuild. As a young man I rebuilt engines and compressors. In most cases it can be rebuilt.

[brassbrendan]

Rebuilds would cost almost as much as the 2726t's. I am under belief/delusion proposed replacements would match up to wiring/gauges. Gearboxes match and footprint dimensions are identical. Props are off for repair anyway, so pitch change is no biggie.
I live quite far from boat and am paying Key West storage rates. Only have a week here and there to work. last time, I didn't have correct pulley adapter, so couldn't get good torque on flywheel. I took care of other work.
Engines weren't running when grounded - I don't think cylinders are fused. I have a truck at yard, so I can escape with pulled 135s, which should have some value elsewhere. BTW; I've got yard pirates wondering why I'm not throwing money at them. I think I should move as soon asap.

[brassbrendan]

Rebuilds would cost almost as much as the 2726t's. I am under belief/delusion proposed replacements would match up to wiring/gauges. Gearboxes match and footprint dimensions are identical. Props are off for repair anyway, so pitch change is no biggie.
I live quite far from boat and am paying Key West storage rates. Only have a week here and there to work. last time, I didn't have correct pulley adapter, so couldn't get good torque on flywheel. I took care of other work.
Engines weren't running when grounded - I don't think cylinders are fused. I have a truck at yard, so I can escape with pulled 135s, which should have some value elsewhere. BTW; I've got yard pirates wondering why I'm not throwing money at them. I think I should move as soon asap.

[jleonard]

Your assumptions sound reasonable to me and I agree that what you are thinking would be better than rebuilding questionable engines.
You can only change prop pitch by 2 inches, but that should get you in the ballpark if the new tranny ratios are the same.
I "assume" the new engines are sea water aftercooled. If so I would change them to antifreeze cooled when you install them. You'll take a hit on horsepower, but probably not at cruising speeds.
You'll get a big increase in longevity and ease of maintenance.
Add a pyrometer to monitor EGT and you'll be safe.

Good luck with the project.

[brassbrendan]

Thank you for help, especially to Jay.

I'm wondering if I should include 120's as possible replacement for 135's.
Would boat be under-powered?

[jleonard]

Thank you for help, especially to Jay.

I'm wondering if I should include 120's as possible replacement for 135's.
Would boat be under-powered?

There is essentially no difference in the performance you'd get. You'd be cruising around 7 to 8 knots regardless. And fuel consumption will be based on horsepower actually used, and these engines will use the same for all practical purposes.

[brassbrendan]

Many thanks, Jay.

[RobS]

I believe the 120's are rated at 100rpm less than the 135hp. Jay could confirm. If so the 120's "may" need to have a tad more prop than the 135's to be propped right...

[Panhdjoe]

I have never heard of the 2726t mermaid's. is there a good part's and tec support shop. Can you tell us more about them. how is the project going?