I have currently got an old Vire 7 2 stroke petrol engine in my yacht but I am having trouble finding parts. Does anyone have any opinions on them or should I start looking at doing an engine swap? Problem is the Vire is a very small engine so it might prove hard to find something that can fit into the same space.

Back in 1969 my father had Baker built him a Mark 1 Top Hat (Badgi), which he kept for about 25 years. It was awesome!!!!

Baker installed a Vire engine and it was very noisy so Dad (an Engineer) connected a plastic line to the small water outlet and shoved the hose into the exhaust. From then on the motor was quiet.

Dad also made a mechanical system using aluminium tube to allow him the put the Vire into gear and another rod to adjust the throttle. No remote stuff back then!!!

The Vire motor was kept going with all work carried out by Lacey Marine Engineering (02 9997 6106) based at (and still at) RPAYC Yacht Club, Newport, NSW.

In the early 80's the Vire wouldn't start and Lacey Marine couldn't locate a dynamo so Dad fitted a long shaft outboard.

Later on when Dad was in his 80's my mother became concerned with Dad sailing alone and having to berth the Top Hat at the RPAYC marina. So my brothers and I arranged for the installation of a diesel motor. This was to be carried out by a workshop in Brisbane water. Dad hit the roof and told us we were ridiculous as the motor installed would have cost more than the yacht was worth.

So I'm sure you can install another motor.

In short I'm not surprised you can find parts but I suggest you go to the Top Hat web site as there may be someone there who can help you.

FYI - Dad paid about $13 k for this Top Hat and sold it to a Queenslander (from Townsville???) for $13k. Great memories!!!

Good luck

I replaced two Volvo 2003 engines, the weight and size made it difficult. But I kept to the same engine so the engine mounts and location of everything would stay the same.

The small size of your Vire might be a blessing if its easy to get out and put in a small brand new one. It would also be a bit easier maybe to get it mounted and bolted in place.

Select to expand quote

Warrina III said..
Back in 1969 my father had Baker built him a Mark 1 Top Hat (Badgi), which he kept for about 25 years. It was awesome!!!!

Baker installed a Vire engine and it was very noisy so Dad (an Engineer) connected a plastic line to the small water outlet and shoved the hose into the exhaust. From then on the motor was quiet.

Dad also made a mechanical system using aluminium tube to allow him the put the Vire into gear and another rod to adjust the throttle. No remote stuff back then!!!

The Vire motor was kept going with all work carried out by Lacey Marine Engineering (02 9997 6106) based at (and still at) RPAYC Yacht Club, Newport, NSW.

In the early 80's the Vire wouldn't start and Lacey Marine couldn't locate a dynamo so Dad fitted a long shaft outboard.

Later on when Dad was in his 80's my mother became concerned with Dad sailing alone and having to berth the Top Hat at the RPAYC marina. So my brothers and I arranged for the installation of a diesel motor. This was to be carried out by a workshop in Brisbane water. Dad hit the roof and told us we were ridiculous as the motor installed would have cost more than the yacht was worth.

So I'm sure you can install another motor.

In short I'm not surprised you can find parts but I suggest you go to the Top Hat web site as there may be someone there who can help you.

FYI - Dad paid about $13 k for this Top Hat and sold it to a Queenslander (from Townsville???) for $13k. Great memories!!!

Good luck

My Top Hat SEAKA was built the same year but she has been re-engined long ago witha 10hp Nanni.

I can't remember any posts about Vire engines but have posted on the Top Hat site for you to see if there any still in use out there.

Have you ......... vireengines.com/index.php? ....... ??

Select to expand quote

LooseChange said..
Have you ......... vireengines.com/index.php? ....... ??

Thanks for that! This guy is super passionate about the Vire engine, I think he has convinced me to stick with what I have but just do some work to it

I had a top hat mk1 in the 80's and pulled the original Vire 7 out and installed a BMW D7. I had to cut away the engine beds and prep and glass in new ones. The job went well, a new prop was necessary too. The BMW D7 was replaced years later by a Hatz diesel by a later owner who I met when I worked at Whitworths Crows Nest. He said the two engines were identical. They are a small single cylinder engine and fit the space really well. I hope you are able to find one or similar.

Hi Folks! As a new member to this blog, I apologise in advance for any faux pas? I came upon this site whilst searching "Vire engines". I currently own a couple of Vire 6hp bvr engines which are the earlier model of the Vire 7 which you are considering replacing. You have hopefully come upon "Nick the Engineer" from UK, who is a passionate advocate of Vire motors. Whilst his parts are not cheap, I feel sure he would source your required parts quickly. Should you still decide you want to repower your yacht with diesel power, and are then looking to sell your Vire 7, please email me as I would like to upgrade from my bvr 6.
With thanks horsie

Select to expand quote

horsie said...
Hi Folks! As a new member to this blog, I apologise in advance for any faux pas? I came upon this site whilst searching "Vire engines". I currently own a couple of Vire 6hp bvr engines which are the earlier model of the Vire 7 which you are considering replacing. You have hopefully come upon "Nick the Engineer" from UK, who is a passionate advocate of Vire motors. Whilst his parts are not cheap, I feel sure he would source your required parts quickly. Should you still decide you want to repower your yacht with diesel power, and are then looking to sell your Vire 7, please email me as I would like to upgrade from my bvr 6.
With thanks horsie

Hey mate, yes I have been in contact with him and I think I will be keeping it for now. He is definitely passionate about them. From what I have read they are a pretty awesome little engine and so easy to work on! With a few spares, you can almost rebuild it at sea!! Send me a message if you want and maybe we can make our own Vire network here