Repower time - Freedom 32 Yanmar

Boat Systems
1

It seems that it is time to repower my Freedom 32 as the Yanmar has finally ended its useful career. The 3GMF is getting hard to find parts for.

I am probably going to move to the newest Yanmar of similar size.

Any suggestions? Things I should know or watch out for? Advice in this? Same shaft and prop?

How long does it take? Costs?

I had thought about going total electrical, but it doesn’t seem quite practical for me, even though I am in Florida, the sunshine state.

Thanks,

2

Hi Scott,

Sorry to hear about your 3GMF, and surprised you are having trouble finding parts. I guess I’ve been lucky so far, I’ve only needed maintenance items, nothing major.

Several folks who have re-powered in my area have gone with Beta Marine, and they seem happy. Might be worth looking into.

Good luck!

3

Hi,

I have the same motor and have been able to find anything I need either locally or online. Agree that yanmar parts are never cheap. But if I were forced to repower researching a Beta would be the first option. Electric Is getting better all the time but not sure it worth it quite yet. The repower v rebuild question is an interesting conundrum. Will be curious how this turns out.

Http://www.marinedieseldirect.com/catalogs/catalog.php?owner=mdd&manufacturer=Yanmar&model=3GM30F&catalog=Y00F5062&printparts=&printservice=&printoperators=

4

My vote is to repower with the current model Yanmar, for two reasons:

  1. Despite having the most expensive parts, Yanmar makes the best marine diesel engines. Ask any marine diesel mechanic and they’ll tell you the same thing: they just run.

  2. The engine mounts are in the exact same place as the 3GM30, as is the transmission coupling to the shaft, so no surgery is required.

I installed a new 3YM30AE in my boat in 2018, and it’s run flawlessly ever since. The additional torque and horsepower are nice, but it’s really the peace of mind that’s made it so worthwhile.

5

[quote=RadioZephyr post_id=54090 time=1637380079 user_id=5979]
Yanmar makes the best marine diesel engines. Ask any marine diesel mechanic and they’ll tell you the same thing: they just run.
[/quote]
That’s a rather sweeping statement. The one I asked recommended Beta for the quality and reliability of the engines the company produces and the excellent after-sales service provided to owners. I’ve experience of a Yanmar GM10 - noisy and lots of vibration - but it’s a single cylinder. I’ve also experience of several Betas and I wouldn’t hesitate to fit another. Like most diesels, they just run.

6

The key to it to take all winter. You will save up to 30% of the cost by taking it slowly.

Measure twice, thrice, four times, check catalogues, talk to folks. You can do it yourself, except the lift out/in which needs a crane, but not a big one. A chain block between the hook and the engine is a good idea. Try for an engine or a wee stand that allows the engine to sit on it’s backside in the cabin. Once it’s in the cabin, look at a means to move it on/off the beds as you’ll likely do this more than once unless it’s an perfect shoe-in for the old one - and don’t trust what’s in the manuals re dimensions.

In UK, Beta would be a no-brainer.

7

Scott, to help those of still trying to get by, could you share what event or concern triggered your decision to replace the 3GMF? How many hours on the engine? Any rebuilds? What repairs or replacements have you had to make?

In other words, how will I know when it’s time?

Thanks,
Dale

8

I’m in the same boat :stuck_out_tongue: . Working on a new quote from California for a Beta-30 plus shipping to Alaska. Pain in the butt getting Yanmar parts up here. It will be a summer project if it happens. When I find my old quote I will post along with the new one. Curious how much it has gone up in 1 year due to all the issues.

9

Thanks for the question.

Mine doesn’t have an hour meter - so no idea on that.

I have swapped out the water pump, heat exchanger, mixing elbow (of course) and it seemed to run fine for a while. Lately it got harder to start, ran with lots of smoke at high levels. The mechanic said it has lost a lot of compression.

Last week it wouldn’t turn let alone start. So given the inherent unreliability - it is time to go new rather than throw more at costly repairs.

That was my thinking anyway. I am about to move back home to Ft Lauderdale from my stint in Silicon Valley and will be using it a lot - really need reliability.

10

Here is my quote. Does not show 15% off. I will work on size regarding existing prop, prop space available and the actual opening of the current engine space.
14 - 38 Engine Pricing 2021 Rev C.pdf (557 KB)

11

$14,800 for beta 30 with TCM40, high rise exhaust, 1-in antisiphion, c-panel package, hot water hookup, yanmar 30 to beta 30 feet, new shift lever, new rh 15-inch prop, remote header tank and shipping from Bay area CA to my front door in Alaska .

Down size is their motors are 6-months out.

Well that gives me 6-months to remove the old engine.

12

Good one! Keep us posted on removing the old and installing the new. Very good!

13

[quote=Sailing-61-North post_id=54145 time=1639001081 user_id=6247]
$14,800 for beta 30
[/quote]

Wow, that’s more than I expected. If I recall correctly, my Yanmar 3YM30AE was somewhere around $12,500 shipped.

14

Stock 30 was $11,500 but the additional items drove up the cost. Shipping was almost $1000.

15

Ohh right, because Alaska

16

Yep they got us by the &%#^.

17

[quote=Camino post_id=54146 time=1639007309 user_id=6015]
Good one! Keep us posted on removing the old and installing the new. Very good!
[/quote]

Just waiting on the Temps to get above single digits f and the darn wind to stop blowing.

18

UPDATE

Well…it is March for the new Yanmar and it is a whole new, different model. That will require some mods, fitting it in, etc.

They also have a 3GM30 used, on consignment from a repower of a cat. Would be WAY cheaper ($4K), fits exactly… yet I am a bit skeptical of reliability after spending a chunk of money. Sunpower Diesel is our yanmar dealer here in Ft Lauderdale and they seem to have a lock on things.

I really don’t care about the cost - I just want to push the button and have it go vrrroooom. I am moving back home to Florida in June and am tired of tinkering with the engine.

The used Yanmar 3GM30 gives me a bit more horsepower, which would be nice. Will I need to swap out the prop?

Any thoughts, advice or suggestions?

19

I agree - " I just want to push the button and vroommm".

20

[quote=sforgey2 post_id=54190 time=1640110531 user_id=6153]
UPDATE



Well…it is March for the new Yanmar and it is a whole new, different model. That will require some mods, fitting it in, etc.



They also have a 3GM30 used, on consignment from a repower of a cat. Would be WAY cheaper ($4K), fits exactly… yet I am a bit skeptical of reliability after spending a chunk of money. Sunpower Diesel is our yanmar dealer here in Ft Lauderdale and they seem to have a lock on things.



I really don’t care about the cost - I just want to push the button and have it go vrrroooom. I am moving back home to Florida in June and am tired of tinkering with the engine.



The used Yanmar 3GM30 gives me a bit more horsepower, which would be nice. Will I need to swap out the prop?



Any thoughts, advice or suggestions?
[/quote]

I have to wait 5-6 months… Gives me time to get things ready plus it’s really too darn cold and snowy right now anyway.



AS for prop my existing prop did not meet the 10% or greater spacing so I have to go down to a 15-inch RH 3-Blade. My current one is basically up against the boat. My next concern is the prop shaft and seals. WHY do I feel those will also need to be replaced :roll: