Janice, how far into the project are you -- really?
In terms of money, of course, but also intellectual and emotional commitment?
Far enough in that there's no turning back? Or investigating/comparing other options?
Time wise Chris? Too much.
The engine must be used. I simply cannot replace/switch that part. The peripherals however? I'm not tied to anything.
Living on a boat that doesn't move is simply sub-standard housing with a nice view. It is necessary for Seaweed to be mobile and she's not.
I love my boat.
What's done so far: (and I will not admit how long this had taken)
#1) Hayes Bell housing ordered, bought/installed (6 weeks between order and delivery)
#2) braces for motor mounts installed (aluminium angle iron thru-bolted to stringers)
#3) Pump bought
#4) manifold/riser built
it didn't fit. Okay, measurements were perfect, everything built then the motor was put on the motor mounts, aligned perfectly, and the bulkhead (structural) was in the way. Barely.
Options included adding a bend (pipe, not box) in the unit or moving the motor forward. Decision made to go forward. That involved the purchase of:
#6) heat exchanger gifted to me
Those are the major components done. I *was* thrilled to be THISclose (theoretically) to completion. It's my understanding what is left is to align the motor, install water pump and begin sea trials.
Okay, wiring too and add the alternator. A friend on Bemused has a 60amp alternator that may fit from when he upgraded to a Balmar 120. We are not sure if it will fit -- if not I'll give it back to Rick when I get to the east coast. Unless he comes over here first.
As far as the engine goes: I'm using the Kubota. That's a certainty -- can't afford another and this one is paid for. The marinization is the sticky spot. Nothing is written in stone though of course I would prefer to use what I've got rather than spendmore money that I do not have.
Side note: For some reason (okay, I pay my bills on time) I have good credit and therefore have options financially. That still means I have to pay the bills though and that concerns me. [I was one of those TARPed out of existence when "we're from the government and only rich bankers will be harmed" during the banking crisis so my nestegg is gone.]
HOWEVER, I am not intransigent regarding this project. If there's a better way (that is within my budget) I'm open to change. And that's why I posted here and elsewhere. I'm hearing one side (my mechanic's) and needed outside input.
It's like when Son was small. His surgeon was "the" doctor who wrote the books on how to do the surgery. Well, results were less than spectacular and no one in the Miami area would suggest any other solutions. Finally I took him eight hours away to another physician of equal stature in a related specialty who had his own sense of direction. I followed that one and though not perfect, it was better.
[For the curious: Son was born with a severe bi-lateral cleft lip and palate. In the 21 years he lived (had a heart attack 13 April 2002) he spoke clearly and perfectly two days. Then the surgery ripped loose.
There were multi-pronged efforts to fix the birth defects and related issues, vision, hearing, speech, etc. And I loved him just as he was...]
Anyway, that is probably far more detail than you wanted, but there you have it. I am open to change. And I do welcome suggestions.