A Smarter Repower: Transforming a Noelex 30 with Volvo Penta
From outboard to inboard – a new lease on life for a classic Noelex 30.
Sometimes repowering a vessel is about more than simply replacing an ageing engine. It’ s
about finding a solution that improves the overall boating experience and makes the vessel
more practical for years to come.
That was the thinking behind a recent project involving an NZ-built Noelex 30, which
originally relied on an outboard engine for propulsion.
A Different Approach to Repowering
The vessel’s original outboard had reached the end of its life. However, replacing it with a
modern outboard presented a challenge. Newer outboards were simply too large to fit within
the existing hull cut-out.
Rather than compromise on the installation or undertake further modifications to
accommodate another outboard, the owner and local shipwright, Boatworks, explored an
alternative: converting the vessel to an inboard installation.
Peter from Boatworks has spent 43 years working on Noelex vessels, bringing an
exceptional level of experience to the project.
Peter carried out the necessary fibreglass work, closing in the original cockpit cut-out and
outboard well, before preparing the vessel for its new inboard configuration.
Having retained the original inboard cockpit mouldings, Peter had the components needed to
complete the conversion correctly and achieve an original factory-style finish. This was
particularly important as the Noelex 30 was originally available from the factory in both
outboard and inboard configurations.
A Volvo Penta D1-20 diesel engine, coupled with a saildrive, was selected to provide a
compact and practical propulsion solution.
More Than Just a New Engine
The conversion opened up opportunities that weren’t previously available with the original
outboard installation.
One of the major benefits was the ability to install a hot water system. By utilising heat from
the engine’s cooling system, the vessel can now heat fresh water for showers and washing
up while the engine is running.
This is a significant improvement to onboard comfort, particularly for owners who enjoy
spending extended periods on the water.
The D1-20 also offers excellent electrical charging capability through its alternator,
something the previous outboard installation couldn’t provide.
This provides the vessel with the ability to support a larger domestic battery bank and a
completely upgraded onboard electrical system.
For the owner, this means greater electrical independence and more flexibility when it comes
to running onboard appliances and equipment.
Volvo Penta D1-20 – Compact, Capable and Efficient
The Volvo Penta D1-20 is a compact marine diesel engine designed for sailing and
displacement vessels.
Paired with a saildrive, it provides an integrated propulsion package that is well suited to
installations where space and practicality are important considerations.
In this application, the D1-20 provided an ideal solution, allowing the owner to move away
from an ageing outboard installation while delivering additional benefits throughout the
vessel.
The engine package is also paired with a Volvo Penta three-blade folding propeller, providing
improved low-speed manoeuvrability and control. This gives the owner greater confidence
when manoeuvring around marinas and in close quarters.
A New Lease on Life
This Noelex 30 project is a great example of how thinking differently about repowering can
deliver benefits well beyond propulsion.
What started as a replacement for an ageing outboard has resulted in a vessel with a
modern inboard diesel installation, onboard hot water and the electrical capacity to support a
more capable domestic system.
It’s a great outcome for the owner and another example of how Aqua Power Marine, its
dealer network and Volvo Penta can work alongside local boat builders and shipwrights to
find practical solutions for existing vessels.
The project has already generated further interest, with Peter now undertaking another
Noelex 30 conversion.
Considering repowering your vessel?
Whether you’re replacing an existing engine or considering a complete change in propulsion
configuration, Aqua Power Marine can help you explore the options available.
Contact our team to discuss your next project.
