About a year ago I was contacted by Frank Waters, owner of a typical 36 Hatteras that was 20+ years old.. His questions were also typical of an owner that liked his boat but hated the engines/performance.

We talked about the feasibility of a repower and the costs associated vs. the expected results. Well, a few months later this is what we came up with.

A very typical 36 Hatteras "SEA BEE" out of Oceanside, Ca.
A very typical 36 Hatteras “SEA BEE” out of Oceanside, Ca.

Arrival day in our yard is always exciting.. Our local boat hauler “Lynns Towing” could be a story all in itself.

Old Cummins 504's were very reliable but heavy and slow, besides being "wall to wall".
Old Cummins 504’s were very reliable but heavy and slow, besides being “wall to wall”.

I guess the owner forgot just what was under those old Cummins. Talk about UGLY, UGLY, and UGLY.

Some grinding, patching, and glass work.

After the steam cleaning, we ground, patched, sealed and painted w/ gel coat and 2-part epoxy. We thought it needed it!
After the steam cleaning, we ground, patched, sealed and painted w/ gel coat and 2-part epoxy. We thought it needed it!

New shaft logs and AQ-22 shafts..We had to stay w/ 1.5" diameter as everyone has $$ limits.
New shaft logs and AQ-22 shafts..We had to stay w/ 1.5″ diameter as everyone has $$ limits.

After all the prep work was done, the lift-in and placement was easy. BTW, we chose the Cummins 370 Diamonds for many reasons. Good fit, loads of power, great track record and the owner was all ready sure of Cummins reliability, service and support.

Even I get to have some fun once in awhile.
Even I get to have some fun once in awhile.

Frank says that going down is always easier.
Frank says that going down is always easier.

Below are a few pictures from around the new engine room.. Don’t ask me why there was still an old hose hanging around in one of those pics.

The owner opted for PSS dripless seals. Not my favorite, but do a good job if installed and adjusted with care.
The owner opted for PSS dripless seals. Not my favorite, but do a good job if installed and adjusted with care.
Sea strainers, deck support and coolant overflow bottles tucked in a small area.
Sea strainers, deck support and coolant overflow bottles tucked in a small area.

IMG_0024

Front mounts on the 370 Diamonds.. Much better access than stock brackets that are in the way of “everything”.

We used full-length aluminum rails with weldments to accommodate the Clark Isolator mounts.
We used full-length aluminum rails with weldments to accommodate the Clark Isolator mounts.

Remounted "last chance fuel filter" on bell housing using stock fuel lines. Why is that funky head hose still there? I thought I got rid of that.
Remounted “last chance fuel filter” on bell housing using stock fuel lines.
Why is that funky head hose still there? I thought I got rid of that.

The Battery switches/ DC main distribution panel.
The Battery switches/ DC main distribution panel.

These two pics show the “heater” hook-ups on a “B” series Cummins.
Always use high quality fittings and valves to isolate your off engine water heater should the need arise.

Port exhaust with a very tight 180 degree dry bend and water by-pass that reduces exhaust back pressure and gives a visual reference of water flow out the side of the vessel. The exhaust outlets are under the swim step and not very visible.
Port exhaust with a very tight 180 degree dry bend and water by-pass that reduces exhaust back pressure and gives a visual reference of water flow out the side of the vessel. The exhaust outlets are under the swim step and not very visible.

New aluminum framing and light weight 1" plywood floors that lift very easy.
New aluminum framing and light weight 1″ plywood floors that lift very easy.

22 x22 Austral 4B's cupped provide the push for economical and easy low 18-21 Kt cruise in a heavy 36 Hatteras. As always, this boat is propped for rated ++ at full working weight.
22 x22 Austral 4B’s cupped provide the push for economical and easy low 18-21 Kt cruise in a heavy 36 Hatteras. As always, this boat is propped for rated ++ at full working weight.

 

And a note from Frank after the dust really settled:

Tony,

Finally got some numbers. Crew of 4 loaded with gear for an albacore run into Mexico. Fuel and water tanks about one half full. One hundred lb. ice and 300 lb. fish. Two foot swell with 10 knot cross wind. Logged 199 miles and used 194 gal fuel. Approximately 170 miles cruising at 22-2400 RPM and the remainder trolling with one engine at 11-1200 RPM.

We only took fifth place!

We did get Mexican limits though…

7/20/02 Trip Information:
RPM BOOST PSIĀ  P&S SPEED Ktā€™s
1800 4/2 11
2000 7/6 14
2200 8/8 16.5
2400 12/11 19
2600 18/18 22.5
2800 28/28 24.5
3000 30/30 26.2
3100(WOT) Boost Pegged 27 and climbing
Had to back off the throttles at this point…
Not quite 30 K's, but as the owner soon found out, this particular hull likes the upper teens to lower 20's anyway.
Not quite 30 K’s, but as the owner soon found out, this particular hull likes the upper teens to lower 20’s anyway.

 

6/27/02 trip to San Clemente Isl. with a crew of 3 had very similar numbers up to the 2400 RPM level…….above that it picked up another 2+ knots for each 200 RPM increase and WOT reached 3200. We had significantly less weight this trip, maybe 800 lbs? Logged 175 miles and used 130 gal fuel. Tried to cruise at (or below 2200 on this run).

Got about 88 hours on the engines as of 7/22. Hope to make a run out past San Clemente this Saturday for more albacore. All our new stuff is running great. My AP quit on this last trip. What AP would you recommend for my boost?

Hope things are going well up there,

Frank