Removing engine -- sinking!

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   We have a Laser 28, bought new in 1984. We haven't been racing much the last few years, but still enjoy cruising our 28 on Puget Sound. This past summer the original Bukh engine (which has been great for 23 years!) overheated and stopped. We were towed home and our mechanic found that the water cooling circulatory pipes were heavily corroded with the result that the cooling system did not work well -- allowing the engine to overheat. The mechanic opened up the pipes and cleaned the water colling system thoroughly, but then found that the compression was really bad. 
He thinks he can repair the engine but wants to take it out so he can work on it in his shop. We are wondering whether the engine can be removed with the boat in the water without sinking the boat? I.e., would water come in through the saildrive if the engine were removed?
Do you know the answer to this?

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Dick Rose Members Profile Send Private Message Find Members Posts Add to Buddy List Rookie Joined: 02 December 2007 Location: United States Status: Offline Points: 5	Post Options Post Reply Quote Dick Rose Report Post Thanks(0) Quote Reply Topic: Removing engine -- sinking! Posted: 02 December 2007 at 9:03pm
	We have a Laser 28, bought new in 1984. We haven't been racing much the last few years, but still enjoy cruising our 28 on Puget Sound. This past summer the original Bukh engine (which has been great for 23 years!) overheated and stopped. We were towed home and our mechanic found that the water cooling circulatory pipes were heavily corroded with the result that the cooling system did not work well -- allowing the engine to overheat. The mechanic opened up the pipes and cleaned the water colling system thoroughly, but then found that the compression was really bad. He thinks he can repair the engine but wants to take it out so he can work on it in his shop. We are wondering whether the engine can be removed with the boat in the water without sinking the boat? I.e., would water come in through the saildrive if the engine were removed? Do you know the answer to this?

khardy Members Profile Send Private Message Find Members Posts Add to Buddy List Commodore Joined: 22 June 2004 Location: United States Status: Offline Points: 132	Post Options Post Reply Quote khardy Report Post Thanks(0) Quote Reply Posted: 02 December 2007 at 10:00pm
	Nope, boat must be out to remove the engine. It is bolted to the sail drive leg via four (maybe six?) bolts which you can only get to from under the baot.