Sailing SV Delosvideo
MAJOR DECISION… (Building Our Own Boat Pt. 49)
December 12, 2025 · 27 min · 236K views
What this video covers
Brian replaces Delos One's 25-year-old Volvo diesel — which had accumulated 9,100 hours, a failed turbo, a worsening oil leak, and pervasive corrosion — with a new Nanni N480 diesel engine.▶ 7:12 A cost-benefit analysis showed that rebuilding the Volvo, including injection pumps, fuel pumps, alternators, heat exchanger, turbo, timing belt, wiring harness, and a control panel alone priced over $1,000 USD, made a full replacement financially comparable while delivering a factory warranty.▶ 7:57 Brian chose the Nanni N480 because it matches the mechanically simple, low-electronics design he selected for Delos Two's build.▶ 8:17 Steve, a marine diesel specialist and Nanni distributor in Australia, leads the removal and installation.▶ 9:44 The original steel engine frame was sandblasted, repainted, and redrilled for new mount spacers and flexible mounts.▶ 14:33 The new engine produces 75 hp at 2,600 RPM versus the Volvo's 75 hp at 3,500–4,500 RPM; a 2:1 gearbox paired with a 2.7:1 ratio keeps propeller RPM identical while dropping cruising engine speed significantly.▶ 15:31 A second 24-volt alternator for house batteries was added.▶ 16:04 The engine starts successfully on the hard using a garden hose fed into the sea strainer for cooling water.▶ 1:37 Simultaneously, the Nanni N480 dry-fitted in Delos Two's engine room is removed to allow final welding, painting, and soundproofing of that space.
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