Have a Heart, Lillie May

Summer 2023

With her light Aluminum hull and a wooden cabin with solid walls on top to catch the wind, Lillie May pretty much goes where the wind blows her.  A little twelve horse diesel is just not enough to keep her under control in windy conditions, or even a breeze, which makes for some interesting docking adventures!  

Other than that little problem, the boat was working out well for us as a day cruiser and occasional weekender.   The remedy:  a bigger heart was in order.  Jeff found a used three cylinder Westerbeke diesel 27 horse for sale.  Perfect.  He had it checked out and approved by a local diesel mechanic, and made arrangements to have it put in.

Here's the process:

First, to get the old engine out the back access had to be enlarged.  This was a little painful.  Jeff took a sawzall to it and it didn't take long but got the job done.

Next he went in with the forks on the loader to remove the old engine.

Then the new engine was brought in and set down.  New motor mounts would have to be make and everything fandangled to fit.