Engine Replacement on Islander Bahama 30

When its time to repower your sailboat, a combo of DIY know-how and strategic use of professional technicians keeps your engine replacement affordable and safe.

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Lowering the Beta 20, the Kubota 722 block marinized by the British, to replace a Volvo MD7A two-cylinder. (Photo/ Bert Vermeer)
Lowering the Beta 20, the Kubota 722 block marinized by the British, to replace a Volvo MD7A two-cylinder. (Photo/ Bert Vermeer)

There may come a time when repowering your cherished sailboat needs to be addressed. I suspected that not all 13 horses of the venerable Volvo MD7A two-cylinder diesel in our 1978 Islander Bahama 30 were performing anymore. Those that were tended to overheat. Cleaning internal passages had been undertaken a number of times, but the internal corrosion caused by saltwater cooling had taken its toll. A total rebuild was an option I considered but rejected. Sailing buddies had taken that route and continued to have problems with their older engines.

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Bert Vermeer
As a coastal cruiser (and occasional racer), Bert Vermeer has sailed the coast of British Columbia for more than 40 years. With his wife Carey and daughter Nicky (and eventually granddaughter Natasha) in tow, Bert has gained an appreciation for the fabulous cruising grounds of the Canadian west coast. Based on his experience as a hands-on boater, he established a marine-based business after completing his police career. He now maintains, renovates and upgrades sail and power boats for local and non-resident owners in the off-season.