I started building Carina in 1978, and now after 17 years of living aboard and cruising I need to replace the aging but willing Sabb 18hp engine (4200 hours). Carina is the 6th 31 built, or perhaps overbuilt would be more accurate. And I have loaded her down with equipment through the years. The winter project is to clean out the unnecessary gear on board and put in a new engine. Still she will displace no less than 22,000 pounds, and probably closer to 23k.

The 18hp Sabb is perfectly adequate in calm conditions (and with the battery charged and no electrical loads): when young she could just hit 7 knots. But far too often, in real world conditions, I have needed to pound into wind and waves to get to safe harbor for the night, and speeds have dropped to a knot or less. After sailing (or being at anchor or at a no-electricity quay) for several days and the batteries thus low the 70A alternator puts a very noticeable drag on the system (upwards of a knot). And of course the 2 blade 18" controllable pitch propeller is more efficient than anything I can replace it with, so I am looking for a significant boost in power.

My current plan is to put in a 38hp Volvo, which looks to just fit except for the rear mounts (that require custom brackets). I am considering a number of options for the stern gear but will probably end up putting in a fiberglass stern tube with PSS shaft seal, 1 1/4" shaft, and a 3 blade Luke feathering prop. The Luke is significantly more efficient than other feathering props because it has curved blades so it would make the most of Carina's limited tankage at a small cost to speed under sail.

I need to make a decision very soon, and would be interested in hearing comments from other owners.

Thanks in advance.

Greg Miller

S/Y Carina back at home in Portland, Oregon