bertram DD 16v92 repower

You have lots of options for engines depending on your preference and what you are trying to achieve. CAT C-32s would be a great option. Cost will be dependent on many factors but rest assured any options will be very expensive.

Lots on your coast that can do the job. You’ll probably spend more than just buying a newer boat with newer engines, gen, electronics, etc already there.

Can’t really compare an excavator to a yacht. As you mentioned, access is very different. Then your talking two engines,not one. And I don’t think your excavators use a 1500hp (ish) diesel and your boat uses two. Plus two gear boxes, engine controls, etc. Then you mentioned new electrical, electronics and generator. You’re talking a very different project then swapping out an engine in an excavator.

I am not trying to answer the OPs question because I have neither the knowledge or experience but I read a lot and would like to know if I am on the right track in my understandings.

The 16V92s I gather are two 8s cobbled together. As such each engine weighs about 4900 lbs and generates about 1000 hp.
If so, a pair of C32s would increase the engine weight by about 4500 lbs for a pair.
It would seem that you could get the same from a pair of C18s which would have about the same weight and HP. Or if something quieter was preferred, from a pair of MAN 8s (1000 HP @ at 2300 rpm) or 12s (1020 HP @ at 2100 rpm) the first being a bit lighter and the 2nd being a bit heavier than what is there.
Does any of this make any sense or have I misunderstood something?

I think your numbers are off a bit. Sounds like you might be using 12v92 specs. A 16v92 should be more like 1400hp depending on year and configuration and weighs quite a bit more. The max hp available from a c-18 is 1136 so would be quite a bit of power loss. On the other hand, a c-32 could be a power gain from similar size/weight. Other configurations available from MAN, MTU, etc.
Regardless, a repower like the OP is asking about is likely cost prohibitive unless there are compelling circumstances.

what year is your Bert? I wasn’t suggesting you could buy a new boat for same, especially a bigger 61. But if you have 16v92s you must be a mid 90’s hull im guessing? Your right, for your project you are probably around $1m+ range. Go look at what you can buy for $1m. Also, keep in mind, after you spend $1m your boat will not be worth $1m.

don’t get me wrong, I’m not trying to talk you out of it, just making sure you go in eyes wide open. I did a repower on my 54 Donzi and I have zero regrets. But then again, I did mine because of specific circumstances. If I was paying full retail for all equipment and yard rates for labor I would not have done it. I would have sold my boat and bought something newer.

I think they mean you could buy a newer used boat for less than the refit......I'm no expert, I too read a lot and am in the trucking business....pell, seems to me if your refit budget is up to 1 million, youll be fine....but again, I'm no expert Dockmaster has a whole thread (very informative) on his 54 Donzi repower...he's the go to guy......if the numbers don't scare you....

I agree with dockmaster. it can be done but it is definitely cost prohibitive. a 54' Bert is prob $250k, add on at least $1 mill and you are at $1.25. That boat complete will be worth well under $1 million if you tried to sell it. makes more sense and much faster to simply buy a used 60 foot viking or Hatteras for $1.25. And if for some reason you decide to get out the following month, you could prob sell for the same price. imo it will also be a nicer and better performing boat than a 54 repower.

Pell, what year is the Bert? If it’s a mid-2000s boat, there may be laminate issues.

That’s indeed going to be a $1M+ project... if you love the boat and intend to keep it for a long long time that’s fine otherwise you really going to be way upside down

why do you want to replace the fuel tanks? I thought Bertram also used fiberglass tanks ?

Not likely that it’s a mid 2000’s model with Detroit Diesel power. In fact I can’t recall any 54’s with DD 16V power. All DD powered 54’s I’ve seen are 12V’s.

There are some fantastic examples of classic sport fisher repower/refit. Great boats in every respect.

However it’s a project that is fast becoming outdated. The cost and availability of parts and labor at the retail level are insane.

I think it’s a project best suited to an owner with a business connection inside the marine industry which can allow for the project to be done on a wholesale cost basis.

If it’s a boat you love and you have money to burn go for it. But you’ll never get back more than pennies on the dollar. You won’t have a boat for probably at least a year. And your boat will still be 30 plus years old when you’re done.

For most owners in most cases it makes more sense to buy a newer boat instead.

I was wondering about the 16v in a 54' as well and that was odd. If they are 12v, then can be repowered by C-18's like I did but still going to be an expensive proposition and doesn't change any of the above thoughts.

The c 32 motors and gears will run $750k to $800k alone. Plus removal of old engines, painting engine room, stringer mods, possibly new genny, bunch of "while your at its", tankage ect, ect. Bam there goes $1.25 million just like that. Buy a newer boat and enjoy it tomorrow