Ariel & Commander Owners

Ariel Association => Technical => Topic started by: Lou,com4 on October 01, 2013, 03:46:44 PM

Title: engine retrofit for commander/ariel
Post by: Lou,com4 on October 01, 2013, 03:46:44 PM
Hi everyone,
I'm in Maine and have Commander # 4.  It is set up with the outboard motor well, and  I have a Tohatsu 6 hp 4 cycle which I lay down in the Lazarette and only use once or twice a season. I do have a knockout for the prop in my rudder. Has anyone ever tried to install a small diesel inboard in a boat with the motor well? I'm not getting any younger and wrestling with the outboard is not my idea of fun. I know it is likely to be very expensive, but i got the boat for a terrific price and will be keeping it until I can no longer sail.
Thanks for any tips or advice you may have.
Best,
Lou
Title: engine retrofit for commander/ariel
Post by: Bill on October 01, 2013, 03:49:17 PM
The A-C's are set up to take an inboard engine, but the cost is not cheap.  $6k is a number I've been quoted, which made me decide that the ob was not really that much trouble . . .
Title: engine retrofit for commander/ariel
Post by: mbd on October 01, 2013, 06:19:05 PM
Hey Lou, if you or you know someone who can works on diesels, we should talk. I'll be yanking my non-working Yanmar 2GM soon.  Get in touch if you might be interested.
Title: engine retrofit for commander/ariel
Post by: Lou,com4 on October 02, 2013, 07:05:21 AM
Thanks Mike- I'm going to talk to my neighbor, who is a retired diesel mechanic, albeit on big rigs. Are you re-powering? Since you have the inboard option, what does your lazerette look like? No motor well. I assume.
Just went to the photos on your link- nice looking boat!
Title: engine retrofit for commander/ariel
Post by: mbd on October 02, 2013, 08:03:45 AM
Thanks Lou, although these last few seasons out of the water have been tough on her. The current plan of the moment is to go engineless until I can afford to repower and while I consider my options.  I got an 11 foot sweep this spring in anticipation, but at this point I just need to get the Yanmar out of the boat already!