29' Tournament Master repower

[Chiefbrownman]

Hey there y'all. I recently acquired a 29' Aquasport Tournament Master with twin inboards Mercs. One motor is frozen and rather than just replace I'm debating on converting to single screw diesel. Looking at putting a Detroit diesel 8v92 TT in there. I'm very well aware of all the custom work that will be required, just wondering on any thoughts or know if anyone has done that to one of these hulls before.

[GoneFission]

2 issues with an 8V92 - the first is height - those are big & tall engines!  The 8V92 is 52" tall!  The other is weight - an 8V92 is about 2,500 lbs fitted.  I'm not sure you could find or make room on your boat for that big of an engine, and the 8V92 is only about 420 or so horsepower in normal form. 

How about a Cummins?  The marine TB6.7 will make 400-450 HP pretty easily, with torque numbers similar to the Detroit.  It's 34" tall, and weighs 1450 lbs. in full marine rigging.  I've seen boats like yours repowered with these engines and they seem to work well.  OK - here is where it gets interesting - you can pick up a used Dodge 6BT engine (the 6.7 liter model) out of a pickup for cheap sometimes - I've seen fairly low mileage 6.7s for sale around $4,000 - sometimes less.  Under 100,000 miles is nothing on these engines and quite often the rest of the truck is gone by then.   

Assuming you are buying a non-marine engine, it's easier to convert a Cummins to marine use that it is a Detroit as well.  AND - Cummins usually don't leak oil nearly as much at the Driptroit Diesels.    

[nyguideservice]

I would stay with the twins, you can get crate motors for a pretty good price. Going to a single engine would make docking a hassle, and if you are going offshore, the extra security of having the second motor makes it a little easier on your safety.  JMHO

Capt Rich

[Reel Lucky]

The modifications to the hull make this project boarder line ludicrous. I'm repowering my 29TM right now and replacing all the running gear, just putting everything back in the original configuration has been a project, can't imagine re configuring the hull, shaft tube, prop pockets, engine beds, you name it, herculean task.