Looking for Marine Diesel Mechanic or Yard in Stamford, CT – Nonsuch 30 Ultra

General
1

Hi everyone,

I’m hoping the Nonsuch community might be able to help me out of a difficult situation.

Last year I purchased Early Gay, a 1985 Nonsuch 30 Ultra, and had her delivered from South Carolina to Stamford, Connecticut, in the fall. Unfortunately, engine problems have kept me at the dock for the entire 2026 boating season.

The boat has a 4-cylinder Westerbeke diesel with a Mitsubishi block. The engine was smoking, and I hired a local marine diesel mechanic who determined that it needed some fairly extensive work. Unfortunately, he became seriously ill before he could finish the job, leaving me with a partially reassembled engine.

Here’s where things stand:

  • The cylinder head was removed, rebuilt by a machine shop, and reinstalled with a new head gasket.

  • The injectors were cleaned and reinstalled.

  • The glow plugs were cleaned and reinstalled.

  • The mixing elbow was removed and cleaned but still needs to be reinstalled.

  • The valve cover and some other components still need to be reinstalled.

  • The engine has not yet been restarted or tested.

As far as I understand, most of the major work has been completed. What’s needed now is someone experienced with marine diesels who can inspect the work, finish reassembling the engine, and get it running again.

I’ve contacted numerous local marine mechanics and yards, but most haven’t returned my calls. Hinckley in Stamford has worked on the boat previously, but they’ve expressed understandable reluctance to take responsibility for another mechanic’s unfinished project.

I’ve proposed handling the work in two phases: first, a paid inspection, reassembly, and initial testing, with no expectation that the new mechanic guarantee the previous work. If additional problems are discovered, those would be addressed separately with a new estimate and authorization.

I’m looking for recommendations for a reliable marine diesel mechanic or boatyard willing to take on this kind of work in the Stamford/Fairfield County area.

The boat is currently at Schooner Cove in Stamford and cannot move under her own power. However, I already have towing service, so moving her to a nearby yard is an option.

There’s also a second complication. Stamford’s hurricane barrier is scheduled to close from April 15 until at least mid-July 2027, which would prevent me from getting the boat out of Schooner Cove during that period. Ideally, I’d like to move Early Gay to a yard or marina outside the barrier this fall, have the engine completed over the winter, and keep her there until Schooner Cove becomes accessible again.

I’m open to winter storage on land followed by spring dockage, or another arrangement that would let me use the boat next season.

After losing an entire summer, I’m anxious to get Early Gay back on the water and finally enjoy her.

If anyone knows a mechanic, yard, or marina that might be willing to help—or has dealt with a similar situation—I’d really appreciate your recommendations or introductions.

Thanks in advance for any help!

Earl Ott

Early Gay
1985 Nonsuch 30 Ultra
Stamford, Connecticut

2

Hi Earl,
I don’t know if the remaining work is best done on land or in the water, but if you wanted in the water storage, CPYC is still taking reservations… HERE are the particulars.

I have no idea if this is a good rate or not, but judging by the number of non-member boats we had last winter it must be in the ballpark.

I’ll ask around to see if anyone know a good diesel mechanic and pass their name to you.

Good luck,
Rob…

3

Hi Earl, I saw your Inquiry about a diesel mechanic. Here’s the name of the only one that I know and he has a website it’s called. know your boat. His name is Andrew Dwyer I just spoke to his mom and she gave me this info. His number is 860-#707#-6640. It might be worth giving him a call
Brian

4

Hi Earl,

I have lost more than a year on mine.

You did not mention The injector pump or the lift pump.

I assume you are not worried about the Main or rod bearings or seals.

You never mentioned if you have had a compression check.

This is not the question you asked but.

Fred at Hansen Marine Would be a good person to speak with.

I have a N30U 1985 with a Westerbeke and a Vee drive.

I considered a replacement for my engine.

All the suggested units came with a promise of much lower torque and lots of carpentry work to fit the replacement in.

I finished up bringing the engine to Hansen in Marblehead MA.

They opened her and diagnosed everything and came back with a quote.

I’ve forgotten the total cost

It was in neighborhood of 12K.

They did everything including a tranny rebuild.

Every screw, clamp, bearing, seal Pump etc was replaced or rebuilt and a larger alternator.

I’m now very happy and ready for another 40 years.

You may not wish to go that route, Fred might have some other sugestions.

Fred Hansen Marine Main 800 343 0480

Fran Cichowski N30U Southpaw Noank, CT

5

I had a similar positive experience with Hansen Marine on a rebuild.

Don Ringsmuth

Selkie 30U 425

traverse City, MI

6

This is what I found when looking for marine diesel mechanics in Stamford.

The Hanson marine route will require removing the engine from and reinstalling the engine into the boat. Based on the state of your engine project, that seems excessive,

If you get yourself a service manual for the engine and spend some time studying, you can likely finish the work yourself. Studying can be on youtube or by reading a marine diesel book such as written by Nigel Calder.

1. When the repaired head was installed, were the head bolts torqued to the specified value? If so, you likely need to follow the next steps.

2. Adjust the valve clearances. This assumes the rocker arms and push rods have been installed.

3. Install the valve cover.

4. Install the fuel tubes from the injector pump to each injector.

5. Reinstall the exhaust injection elbow.

6. Change the crankcase oil and filter.

7. Bleed the fuel system.

8. Work on getting the engine started.

I don’t believe you need to fabricate anything. You just need to get the parts reassembled properly in their proper locations.

Photos of the existing state of assembly and the various parts still requiring reassembly would be helpful in coaching you.

Do you have an original scope of work from your ill mechanic that you can share? Is your ill mechanic able to lucidly communicate via telephone?

7

Earl,
I saw Ward’s post, and want to add, if you decide to try and wrap up the job yourself, and you want a second set of willing hands and eyes, I’ll lend a hand. I’ve learned lots reading manuals and watching youtube videos. Famous last words, how hard could it be ?

I’ve never done this kind of work, so I’m not qualified to lead, just help. My closest experience is maintaining the diesel in my tractor for the past 20 years and Soave’s diesel now for the past 3 years.

Today I’m winterizing the fresh water system on Soave at CPYC.

Later this week, I plan to bring her to Norwalk Cove to be hauled next week.

Rob…