I’m in the final stages of pulling the trigger on going electric. Like several others, I’m planning on an Electric Yacht QT 10.0 installation.
I’m guardedly optimistic that I can do a lot of the installation myself.
I’m going to have to get help on the dismantling and removal of the current Westerbeke 18 diesel system, Hurth transmission, and related gear, however. (If my back and neck were up to doing that myself, I’d be up to doing maintenance on it. Physical limitations are part of why I’m accelerating my schedule for switching to a lower-maintenance, easier access power system.)
What I’m actually most worried right now about what’s entailed in disposing of the diesel system.
I’d appreciate advice on the following questions:
What’re my prospects for recouping anything on the stuff I take out?
Any good places other than Craigslist or EBay for advertising it?
How do I set a reasonable price for a 1987 Westerbeke 18 in decent but not ideal running condition, with about 2400 hours on it?
What about other parts of the system? Is anybody likely to want a used aluminum diesel fuel tank? Waterlift muffler? …
Anything I should know about stripping out the old stuff from a Nonsuch?
Thanks,
Joe
I was reluctant at first to attempt to remove the engine myself when I converted BIANKA to electric propulsion back in 2008. I contacted a diesel maintenance shop and he was interested in buying it. I thought great but, added that he would have to help remove it. Long story short he did come and start to remove the engine and we got as far as loosing up the prop shaft. He then turned to me and said he needed $300. I said part of the deal was for him to remove the engine. He just shrugged. I ended up removing the engine myself which turned out to be a cathartic experience.
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Removing a Westerbeke diesel engine
Before beginning to remove the engine I will need to make room. The table needs to be removed and all the cushio…
](http://biankablog.blogspot.com/2008/03/removing-westerbeke.html)
You might have a better experience but, contacting local diesel repair shops to help removing the engine might work for you.
Bob, Last fall I started the process of removing my Westerbeke 27 from my Nonsuch 30c. I am 75 and challenged mechanically, getting into tight spaces is possible but getting out is harder. I engaged the services of one of our younger members who is a reliable mechanic and worked along with him. I was well worth the $350 he charged me. I also chose Electric Yacht and I would recommend that you speak with Mike Grunning there and be clear in communicating the exact configuration of your current propulsion system ( is a V-drive? what is the size and pitch of your prop? pictures help etc.) that is critical going forward. I did not find much of a market for the Westerbeke but had a friend who is building a canal boat who was happy to take the iron sail. I will attach some pictures of our removal. We did it in our club’s yard and used the cross beam on our lift to remove the 500lb engine. Our biggest obstacle was when we tried to back the shaft out of the transmission. It was frozen in the coupling and the hub of the GORI prop was frozen on the other side. No amount of heat or pullers would budge either off the shaft forcing us to cut the shaft. I was able to get a new shaft fabricated by a local metal works.
This spring I started the cleaning and painting process. As you can tell from the pictures I had an exhaust leak and spent a couple days cleaning out that mess and putting a fresh coat of paint, The attached pics show the cleaned-up compartment, new hoses, vent, and bilge were added after the picture.
I chose to go with eight 6volt AGM batteries, which now seems to be an over build but it suits my needs. My instruments tell me I could cruise 15hrs at 3kts or 9hrs at 4kts. It takes me where I want to go.
I have used the EY QT10 throughout this season and I am happy. There are a couple of things I want to do in the off-season involving the GORI prop but it is not significant.
