Bladerunner repower with steyr 280hp diesels
More power, improved efficiency and a proven STEYR solution
This Bladerunner commercial workboat has spent more than 15 years working with STEYR Motors diesel engines, proving the reliability and durability of the STEYR platform in demanding marine applications.
When the time came to repower the vessel, the decision was made to stay with STEYR. The original engines had provided many years of dependable service, and the latest generation of STEYR engines offered an opportunity to increase performance and efficiency while retaining the benefits of a familiar and proven installation.
Marine Power Systems completed the repower with two new STEYR SE286E40 diesel engines, providing a combined 560 hp and giving the Bladerunner a significant upgrade in performance.
Why STEYR?
For a commercial vessel, reliability is critical. Downtime costs money, and an engine needs to perform consistently every time the vessel leaves the dock.
Having already achieved more than 15 years of service from the vessel's original STEYR engines, the owner had confidence in the brand and its ability to handle the demands of commercial operation.
The new-generation SE286E40 engines offered the ideal combination of power, compact dimensions, efficiency and proven STEYR engineering. They also provided an excellent opportunity to modernise the vessel without completely redesigning the existing engine installation.
A straightforward repower solution
One of the advantages of the STEYR installation was that the new engines could utilise the existing engine mounts. This significantly simplified the repower process and reduced the amount of structural modification required within the vessel.
The existing engines were removed and replaced with two new STEYR SE286E40 units. The installation was carefully planned around the vessel's existing layout, ensuring that the new engines were correctly aligned and that servicing access was maintained.
Additional components, including remotely mounted oil filters, fuel filters and fuel pumps, were incorporated into the installation. This provided much-improved access to service items within the vessel's compact engine spaces.
More than simply replacing the engines
A repower is an opportunity to look at the complete propulsion system rather than simply exchanging one engine for another.
As part of this project, Marine Power Systems also inspected and serviced the vessel's MerCruiser Bravo II stern drives. The work included replacement of the steering arm, seals and bellows, ensuring that the driveline was ready to work reliably alongside the new STEYR engines.
Taking care of the engines and driveline as part of the same project gave the owner confidence that the complete propulsion system had been properly prepared for many more years of service.
Performance on the water
Once the installation was complete, the Bladerunner was put through a comprehensive sea trial to assess the performance of the new engines and ensure everything was operating as expected.
The results were impressive. The vessel achieved 38 knots during sea trials, demonstrating the performance available from the new STEYR power package.
The new engines also delivered improved fuel efficiency at cruising speed, providing the owner with the combination of performance and operating economy required from a working vessel.
Four weeks from old engines to new
The complete repower was carried out over approximately four weeks, including removal of the existing engines, installation and commissioning of the two new STEYR units and associated equipment.
For a commercial operator, minimising downtime is an important part of any repower project. Careful planning and preparation allowed the work to be completed efficiently, getting the Bladerunner back into service as quickly as possible.
STEYR Repowers by Marine Power Systems
Marine Power Systems is the New Zealand distributor for Steyr Motors, with extensive experience installing and repowering vessels with STEYR diesel engines.
A successful repower starts with choosing the right engine for the vessel and the way it is used. We consider the existing installation, available space, propulsion system, required performance and servicing requirements before recommending a solution.
From engine selection and removal of the existing installation through to installation, commissioning and sea trials, we can manage the complete repower process.
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.
THINKING ABOUT REPOWERING?
Let us help you find the right engine and get your boat back on the water.