Thoughts on Perkins M60

[CharlieO.]

Still boat shopping.
Looked at 31' trawler today, with a single Perkins M60 main. Seems a little light on power to me but I'm still ingesting knowledge here. Thanks.
Any experience with these?

 

[mcarthur]

No experience with the M60, but we have twin M135's on a 50'. They are excellent, old-school diesels that put out low power for their weight, which is a decent indication they'll last "forever" with proper maintenance.
As to the "light on power", that entirely depends on the hull type - displacement, semi-displacement or planing. 60hp for 31' is, depending on not being overweight, incorrectly propped or dirty bottom, probably perfect to get her to hull speed at a middling RPM. She should be able to hold that all day (though I'm not sure of the M60 rating). If semi-displacement, then the 60 probably lets you go beyond hull speed a bit too.

 

[CharlieO.]

I guess it would be considered semi displacement, the owner seemed very happy with it, especially the fuel economy. I didn't know if 60 hp was well enough. Anyway boat was listed Friday, I viewed it Saturday afternoon, someone else purchased it Sunday Morning.
Should have made the deal when I had the opportunity. If the sale doesn't go through I will be back on it.
Thanks

 

[CharlieO.]

Well the first guy couldn't come up with the money, so now I am going back for a second analysis and hope to make a deal on this one.

Our main area of exploration would be the upper Hudson and the Erie/Champlain canals.

Anyone else running a small Perkins?

 

[Lepke]

Anyone else running a small Perkins?

Lots of sailboats run small Perkins. I use a 4108 on a generator.