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ENGINE MOUNT REPLACEMENT ON A VOLVO PENTA D1-20 WITH ELLEBOGEN H-M55 MOUNTS

CASE STUDY: ENGINE MOUNT REPLACEMENT ON A
VOLVO PENTA D1-20 WITH ELLEBOGEN H-M55 MOUNTS

Sailboat: 2006 Bavaria 30 Cruiser, moored in Hondarribia, the home harbour of Ellebogen.

Some information on the engine

The Volvo Penta D1-20 is a small, three cylinder Mitsubishi-based marine diesel engine introduced in 2005.  This engine replaced the MD2020 that was Perkins Shibaura-based since 1990.   

The Volvo Penta D1-20 is widely known because it was installed in many production sailboats during the active boatbuilding years of the mid-2000s and fits perfectly within the typical power range needed for cruising yachts. Its strong reputation comes from reliability, useful low-rpm torque, acceptable noise and vibration, and the extensive global support network for parts and service. Overall, it became one of the most recognizable small marine diesel engines not due to exceptional performance, but because it is common, dependable, and well suited to everyday cruising boats.

Technical Specifications

  • Model: D1-20 130 Saildrive
  • Type: 3-cylinder, 4-stroke, water-cooled diesel engine
  • Displacement: 0,76 liters (760cc)
  • Power Output: Around 18,8 HP (about 13.8 kW) at approximately 3,200 RPM
  • Cooling System: Heat exchanger Cooling
  • Fuel System: Naturally aspirated inline injection pump.
  • Weight: Around 144 kg (317 lbs)

Some information on the sailboat

The Bavaria 30 Cruiser (mid-2000s) is a compact cruising sailboat designed by J&J Design for comfortable and accessible family sailing. It measures just under 10 m overall, featuring a beamy hull, spacious cockpit, and a practical two-cabin interior layout suited to coastal cruising. The boat is appreciated for straightforward handling, balanced sailing performance, and dependable onboard comfort for short passages and holidays afloat. Today it remains a popular entry-level cruiser thanks to its solid build, ease of maintenance, and strong presence on the used-boat market.

Specifications

  • Length Overall (LOA): 31.00 ft (9.45 m)
  • Length at Waterline (LWL): 26.08 ft (7.95 m)
  • Beam: 10.80 ft (3.29 m) – providing a stable and roomy interior
  • Draft: 4.60 ft (1.40 m) standard keel (also available with deeper ~6.07 ft / 1.85 m keel)
  • Displacement: 9,039 lbs (4,100 kg)
  • Ballast: 4,850 lbs (2,200 kg) – lead ballast for stability
  • Sail Area: Approx. 546 sq ft (50.7 mÂČ)
  • Rig Type: Fractional sloop
 

Keel Type: Fin keel

Rudder: Spade rudder

Interior & Comfort

Sleeping Capacity: Typically 4–6 persons
Cabin Layouts: 2 cabins (forward double and aft double) with convertible saloon berth
Headroom: Approx. 6 ft 3 in (1.90 m), offering comfortable standing space in the saloon
Ventilation: Opening deck hatches, portlights, and companionway airflow for good natural ventilation

Performance & Sailing Characteristics

Handling: Balanced and forgiving, with responsive helm and steady tracking that make it easy to control in a variety of conditions.

Speed: Moderate cruiser performance, typically comfortable around 5–7 knots depending on wind and sea state.

Single-Handed Sailing: Well suited thanks to its manageable sail plan, cockpit-led lines, and predictable, stable behaviour under sail and power.

Initial situation of the engine

This boat is owned by Ellebogen. The sailboat owner had gone through several replacements of mounts. The sailboat was equipped with the below engine mounts since 2006

Pictures of the mounts since 2006. 35 Shore A OEM Volvo mounts. Stiffness 215N/mm

Replacement to the ELLEBOGEN HM55 (SDD 55 compound)

Based on the technical characteristics of the D1-20 engine, such as weight, position of mounts and position of Cog, 3 mounts of the Ellebogen H 55 were selected.  The mounts incorporate a high damping compound, that for three cylinder engines is very beneficial to leave the engine steady.  The bushing on the Saildrive transmission was in good status, so they were not replaced. Below are the dimensional characteristics of the Ellebogen H55 engine mounts.

VIDEO "AFTER"

Aitor recorded a video showcasing the engine’s condition with the newly installed mounts. Below is the footage demonstrating the engine with the Ellebogen HM 55 ( SDD55 compound).

IMPORTANT NOTES ON THE INSTALLATION

For the replacement of the engine mounts a basketball was used.

MORE INFORMATION ON THE H mounts.

The Ellebogen H mounts are universal marine engine mounts. They incorporate a failsafe interlocking metal part as shown on the below image. They have been designed to provide 2 times lower stiffness than GT mounts.

Three models are available. HS models have same hole centres as the GTS mounts. HM model have the same hole centrers as the Ellebogen GTM mounts.

Ellebogen H-S40

Ellebogen H-S55

Ellebogen H-M55

The metal parts are treated with Zinc Nickel allowing a salt spray resistance of 760H to the red corrosion and, on top of this, there is a double coat of PU black paint. This allows to obtain similar anticorrosive results to Stainless steel Aisi 304. More information on corrosion resistance click on this Link

If you have a similar application or engine do not hesitate to contact us.

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