Introduction

This engine project was started to provide an alternate engine to all those time expired Perkins T6.354M motors out there. The goal was to come up with an engine package which would fit where the "Perk" came out; cost the minimum amount of cash; and use as much of the existing hardware as possible.

Based on the Cummins B Series 6 cylinder 5.9 litre motor; any power output can be provided from about 145HP through to 260HP plus. Max power revolution specs being from 2600 through to 2800. This enables the old propeller and stern gear to be re-utilised with minimum re-pitching of the propeller.

Donor motors are typically automotive, using a Dennis Dart bus or DAF 45 truck power plant suitably stripped; cleaned; checked and re-assembled with appropriate new parts. A Charge Air Cooler is not necessary until 200HP plus is required of the motor.

The rotary injection pump is easily re-mapped and provides very fast reactions to load changes, powering up the motor as the boat has to climb a wave and "throttling back" on the downhill sections. Very little black smoke is generated (see the video of the test motor starting up).

The project is aimed at Corinthian boat owners - i.e. those willing to roll their sleeves up and select spanners from the toolbox. The Cummins B motor is an easy unit to work on and the automotive spares are easy and cheaply obtained. Compared with the cost of running and maintaining a T6.354 these days, we feel this a good alternative power-plant and very cost effective to build and operate.

Watch the video and then take a look around the site. We'll be adding Case Study Project pages as time permits.

All the best

Scott and Paul

News Update

The second open weekend was held to show the prototype 18-HP motor. This is now largely complete with modified thermostat spacer, turbo wedge and a very hastily created bottom hose. due to technical issue it didn't run on the Saturday, but did on Sunday morning. See it in action Here.