RAYGLASS 730 REPOWER - STEYR SE286E40
More Power, Less Weight and a Complete Modernisation
In October 2022, Marine Power Systems completed a full diesel repower of this Rayglass 730, replacing the ageing Yamaha inboard and stern drive with a new STEYR SE286E40 280hp marine diesel and Bravo III sterndrive.
The Rayglass 730 is a well-regarded New Zealand-built boat, and in many cases the hulls remain in excellent condition long after the original engine package has reached the stage where replacement becomes worth considering. Rather than replace a good boat, a carefully planned repower can significantly improve performance, reliability and the overall boating experience.
For this Rayglass, the objective was not simply to install another engine. The project was an opportunity to modernise the complete propulsion system and give the boat a new lease on life.
Finding the Right Engine for the Rayglass 730
One of the challenges when repowering a Rayglass 730 is the available space.
The engine compartment and transom configuration can restrict the number of suitable replacement engines, particularly when trying to increase power without adding unnecessary weight or making extensive structural alterations.
The STEYR SE286E40 was an excellent match.
With a compact 3.2-litre six-cylinder design, the SE286E40 produces approximately 280hp while weighing only 340kg. In this installation it was around 100kg lighter than the outgoing Yamaha while providing approximately 80hp more power.
That combination of compact dimensions, low weight and high power-to-weight ratio makes STEYR particularly well suited to repowering applications where engine room space is limited.
The SE286E40 also incorporates modern electronically controlled diesel technology, dual-circuit cooling and EPA Tier III emissions certification.
For the owner, this meant gaining considerably more performance without installing a larger or heavier engine package.
Hydraulic Steering Upgrade
The repower also provided an ideal opportunity to upgrade the Rayglass to hydraulic steering.
Apart from providing smooth and positive steering, hydraulic steering makes it considerably easier to integrate modern equipment such as an autopilot.
For owners who spend long periods cruising, fishing or trolling, an autopilot can be one of the most useful upgrades made to a boat. By incorporating the steering upgrade as part of the repower, the vessel was also better prepared for future electronics upgrades.
STEYR Power with a Bravo III Sterndrive
The original Yamaha stern drive was removed and replaced with a new Bravo III dual-prop sterndrive.
The Bravo III is particularly well suited to this type of installation, combining excellent grip and acceleration with good manoeuvrability and efficient cruise performance.
Matched with the higher-output STEYR SE286E40, the new propulsion package transformed the way the Rayglass performed.
The increased horsepower was immediately noticeable, but equally important was how effectively the complete engine and drive package delivered that power to the water.
Sea Trial and Performance
Following installation and commissioning, the Rayglass was sea trialled to confirm engine operation, cooling, steering, controls and overall vessel performance.
The improvement over the original engine package was significant.
Sea-trial results included:
Top speed: approximately 35 knots
Cruising speed: approximately 25 knots
Fuel consumption at 25 knots: approximately 28 litres per hour
The combination of the lighter STEYR engine, additional horsepower and Bravo III drive provided excellent acceleration while retaining efficient cruising performance.
For a boat of this type, being able to comfortably cruise at around 25 knots while burning approximately 28 litres per hour provides an excellent balance between performance and economy.
Giving a Proven Boat a New Lease on Life
This project is a good example of why repowering can make sense when the boat itself is still in good condition.
Instead of replacing the complete vessel simply because its original machinery had aged, the owner was able to retain a proven Rayglass hull while gaining the benefits of a modern propulsion package.
The finished boat now benefits from:
- Approximately 80hp more power
- Around 100kg reduction in engine weight
- Modern electronically controlled diesel technology
- New Bravo III sterndrive
- Modern engine instrumentation and controls
- Upgraded hydraulic steering
- Improved acceleration and overall performance
- Strong cruise economy
- The reliability and confidence of a new propulsion system
The result is a Rayglass 730 that retains everything the owner liked about the original boat, but with a considerably more modern engine, driveline and control system.
Considering a Rayglass 730 Repower?
Marine Power Systems has extensive experience with diesel repowers, sterndrive installations and STEYR marine engines, including previous Rayglass 730 installations.
We also have repower adaptors available to suit the Rayglass 730, helping simplify the conversion from older engine packages to a modern STEYR installation.
If you own a Rayglass 730 with an ageing diesel engine or stern drive, talk to our team about the options available. We can assess the existing installation, recommend a suitable engine and drive package, and manage the complete project from removal through to installation, commissioning and sea trial.
Considering repowering your Rayglass? Talk to Marine Power Systems about the options available for your boat.
Talk to an Expert...
Need advice on your engine, repower or boat? Talk to our experienced team for practical, straight-up advice.
Call us on 07 243 6099 or use the links below.