How much does it cost to replace a boat engine, including installation?
I've got a 32-foot sailing yacht with an ageing 28 hp diesel and I'm considering replacing it. What should I budget for the engine, removal and installation, and which extras tend to push the final bill up?
Answer
For a typical 20 to 40 hp sailing-yacht diesel, budget £12,000 to £20,000 for a new engine professionally installed, rising beyond £25,000 if access is difficult or substantial alterations are needed. A small outboard replacement can cost much less, while a large motorboat diesel can cost several times as much; compare complete installed quotations, including tax and commissioning.
Check the engine first
Pay a marine engineer to establish whether the engine is worn out or its surrounding equipment needs attention. Poor starting, overheating and oil leaks can stem from injectors, exhaust restrictions, heat exchangers, wiring or seals, rather than failed pistons and bearings.
Ask for a cold-start assessment, hot oil-pressure check and cooling-system inspection, followed by compression testing if the symptoms justify it. Engine hours alone tell you little about the need for replacement. A maintained diesel with 7,000 hours may still be serviceable; corrosion or neglected cooling can finish a much younger engine.
If repairs require engine removal, compare the complete repair bill with replacement. Rebuilding the block leaves you with the existing gearbox, alternator, starter and heat exchanger unless the quotation includes them.
Installed budgets by engine type
These are broad UK planning allowances in pounds, including VAT where applicable, rather than fixed-price offers. Brand, power, location and the existing installation can change the bill substantially.
- Portable 4 to 10 hp outboard: approximately £1,200 to £3,500 supplied and fitted, usually with little installation labour.
- 40 to 60 hp outboard: approximately £6,000 to £10,000 installed, depending on controls, instruments and steering compatibility.
- 150 to 200 hp outboard: approximately £16,000 to £25,000 installed; electronic controls or new steering can add to the bill.
- 20 to 40 hp yacht diesel: approximately £12,000 to £20,000 installed for a reasonably straightforward replacement.
- 50 to 80 hp yacht diesel: approximately £18,000 to £30,000 installed.
- 200 to 400 hp motorboat diesel: approximately £35,000 to £70,000 or more per engine installed, with the cost depending heavily on gearbox and drive arrangements.
One owner paid €7,000 for a Solé Mini 29 with TMC 40 gearbox, €1,100 for a propeller and shaft, and €1,000 for other parts during a winter repower reported in March 2024. The €9,100 total excluded paid installation: the owner did the conversion. A professionally installed Beta 30 replacement in Stockholm cost €14,000 in 2018, including transmission, propeller and shaft. Both are useful historical comparisons, rather than current quotations.