John A. Campbell
01-08-2006, 01:17 PM
I will begin building the 16-foot Victor Slocum inboard launch in April 2006 and am now trying to make a final decision on the engine. Originally I had considered using a Honda V-Twin cylinder gasoline engine but have since discarded that idea owing to safety concerns and matching a transmission to the engine. I am not interested in an outboard in a well nor am I interested in electric power. I am looking at the Westerbeke diesel 11A-ONE (1 cylinder,10 hp, 238 lbs.), the Westerbeke diesel 12C-TWO (2 cylinder, 12 hp, 225 lbs.), and the Fairyman diesel model 18W (1 cylinder, 7 hp, 140 lbs.). I don't quite understand how the 12C-TWO can be lighter than the 11A-ONE but the weights, etc. are taken directly from Westerbeke's brochures. Also, the 11A-ONE specifies a maximum shaft angle of 10 degrees and the 12C-TWO specifies a maximum of 14 degrees. The V.S. is designed around a 10 degree shaft angle and, as I am concerned about operating ANYTHING at its maximum limits, the 12C-TWO looks like a better choice over the two Westerbekes in that area of concern. The Fairyman brochure does not address shaft angle however the dealer indicated 12 - 14 degrees maximum. I have quotes for the 11A-ONE at $3500, 12C-TWO at $5700, and the Fairyman at $4300.
The Victor Slocum drawings specify the 6 hp Palmer "Baby Huskie" at 6 hp....this engine is long extinct and I am not at all interested in a used engine for this boat even if one could be found. I have seen various threads in the Forum indicating excessive noise and vibration from 1-cylinder diesels so I am leaning toward the Westerbeke 12C-TWO. So I am asking for feedback from Forumites as to what would be the best powerplant for this boat with dependability being 1st priority and smoothness of operation being 2nd. I am still waiting for quotes for the Yanmar and Volvo small diesel engines. Your input will be very much appreciated.
The Victor Slocum drawings specify the 6 hp Palmer "Baby Huskie" at 6 hp....this engine is long extinct and I am not at all interested in a used engine for this boat even if one could be found. I have seen various threads in the Forum indicating excessive noise and vibration from 1-cylinder diesels so I am leaning toward the Westerbeke 12C-TWO. So I am asking for feedback from Forumites as to what would be the best powerplant for this boat with dependability being 1st priority and smoothness of operation being 2nd. I am still waiting for quotes for the Yanmar and Volvo small diesel engines. Your input will be very much appreciated.