Big Yacht RePower - Full Length

During the 2009-2010 winter we documented the repower of a 53 ft Hatteras where two very old diesels are replaced with two new high-tech "fly by wire" Yanmars. WTVS PBS Detroit aired the full length program March 19, 2011 in High Definition (HD) after considerable effort in HD post. Production notes can be found here: http://moralpremise.blogspot.com/2011... . A teaser video also appears on this channel. You can purchase a DVD of this doc here: http://www.stanwilliams.com/doccomple...
(I see that some titles overlap in the credits...that's a new problem.)

• Category

  Education

[Curveball]

Stanley D. Williams, could you ballpark me a total cost of parts and labor on this job? I have been seriously thinking about the Hatteras 53' as the 'goal boat', but repair costs on stuff like this makes me nervous.

I'm aware of the saying, "If you have to ask, then you cannot afford it.", but I like to be well equipped with real data to better plan for my retirement.

[Stanley D. Williams]

I have no real clue, Curveball. Best bet is to contact Dan Miller, the Service manager at Gregory (313-823-1900). Every boat, it's condition, etc. will determine cost. And then there's the question: "Now that the boat is torn apart, we should really replace the ______ while we can get to it. In this particular cast both shafts and props were re manufactured from scratch.

[TheMaxx111]

What year is that boat? I re-engined my 1968 AMC AMX.....

[Stanley D. Williams]

Dan Miller, Gregory's Service Manager, responds: She is a 1973; old but gracefully FAST.

[parishm]

what did you think about the quality of the Chinese Yanmar engines ?

[Stanley D. Williams]

We have no idea about the quality of Chinese Yanmar engines. Last I checked Yanmar was a Japanese company with large U.S. side servicing and assembly operations.

[Curveball]

Thank you for the fast reply. After a lot of search, I got a ballpark on the engine cost....around 30k each. So with a 200k boat, and the engines adding another 60k+, not including labor and part fabrications, I would think it safe to say 300k.

Oh the pain of finding your finances will not meet your dreams.

Well, my main dream is to retire my parents, but, that isn't likely either. Anyone have a winning lottery ticket they'll sell me for $20?

lol

Thanks again, Mr. Williams.

[abc123gpl]

very nice work and boat :)

[tomsmithbowhunting]

Stan that documentary was fantastic, what a bunch of smart/hardworking men! So cool to see all the steps! Thanks:)

[JimAndTrish OnFalconVII]

Nice job. Would have liked to see Awab or some other brand of smooth band hose clamps used though. Shame to see those perforated clamps messing up all those pretty new hoses. Otherwise, a job to be proud of, congrats.

[TheMaxx111]

It must have been reappointed on the interior at some point, I am noticing a lack of avacado color appliances and bright orange shag carpet. ;). Keep living the dream. I can imagine it would be a fun and rewarding job to work on these boats.

[parishm]

i guess their marine engines are different, i know their generators and tractor engines are made in China.