Marine engine being lowered into a boat.

Everything You Need to Know About Repowering Your Vessel

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Marine engine being lowered into a boat.If your boat’s performance has dropped, fuel economy is suffering, or yearly maintenance costs are creeping, your engine may be near its end of life. Now might be time to consider repowering your vessel. Repowering means replacing your boat’s current engine, drive line, and electrical systems with a modern, more efficient setup – and when done right, it can give your vessel a whole new feel and lease on life.

At Aqua Power Marine, we specialise in Volvo Penta repowers for vessels across Victoria and Tasmania. Here’s a full guide on what’s involved, what to consider, and why it could be the best investment you make in your boat.

What Is Repowering?

Repowering involves removing your old marine propulsion engine and driveline and installing a new one – typically with a brand new off the shelf driveline package with updated hardware and software like the Electronic Vessel Control (EVC) systems, gauges, multifunction screens, radar, transducer, etc.

It’s not just about horsepower – it’s about efficiency, reliability, modern controls, and safety.

When Is the Right Time to Repower?

  • Engine hours are high, or reliability is low

  • You’re spending more on maintenance than the engine is worth

  • You want better fuel efficiency and lower emissions

  • You’re planning to sell or upgrade the boat

  • Parts are becoming obsolete or hard to find

  • Wanting new features like assisted docking

  • Wanting to modernise the vessel

Why Choose Volvo Penta for Repower?

Volvo Penta is leading the marine industry in innovation with features like:

  • Assisted Docking and Dynamic Positioning System (DPS)

  • Joystick docking and driving

  • Cleaner, more fuel-efficient engines

  • Fully integrated EVC systems for an easier time at sea

A repower with Volvo Penta also means you’re getting factory-backed reliability with support from Volvo Penta dealer network anywhere in the world.

What’s Involved in a Repower?

Here’s what we typically look at in a full repower project:

  1. Vessel Assessment
    We assess your boat’s structure, performance needs, and current systems to tailor the right package for you.

  2. Engine & Drive Selection
    We recommend the ideal Volvo Penta engine model – whether it’s a straight 6 diesel or V petrol engine – matched with the correct IPS, sterndrive, or shaft-drive propulsion.

  3. EVC & Controls Upgrade
    Your old gauges, wiring, and throttle controls will be replaced with modern EVC components like Glass Cockpit, giving you features like cruise control, trim assist, assisted docking, autopilot, joystick docking and many more.

  4. Installation & Engineering
    We carry out all installations to factory specs and every system is tested thoroughly.

  5. Sea Trial & Handover
    Once complete, we conduct sea trials, calibrate your systems, and provide full handover training to ensure you’re comfortable with your new setup.

How Long Does An Engine Repower Take?

A typical repower project takes anywhere from 1–6 weeks, depending on package chosen and scope of work. We’ll give you a detailed timeline and keep you informed throughout.

What Does It Cost?

Cost can vary based on engine size, vessel type, additional modifications and systems required. But rest assured – we’ll provide a detailed, transparent quote with no surprises.

A repower is often far more cost-effective than buying a new vessel, especially when it means decades of additional life for your existing boat.

Common Repower Projects We Handle:

  • 35 to 50ft vessels (shaft & sterndrive)

  • Petrol sterndrives

  • Volvo Penta D4/D6 to latest Gen upgrades

  • Petrol to diesel conversions

  • Joystick and docking station retrofits

  • Commercial repowers for workboats and ferries

Why Aqua Power Marine?

We’re not just another workshop – we’re a Volvo Penta distributing dealer with 27 years of experience in marine diesel, EVC systems, and repowers. Based in Victoria, we service both recreational and commercial vessel, and we’re known for our attention to detail, clear communication, and top-tier after-sales support.

Let us help breathe new life into your vessel. Get in touch with the Aqua Power Marine team today for a consultation, and see what’s possible with a Volvo Penta repower.