Volvo Penta D1-13 Bobtail Inboard Marine Diesel Engine

Description

A compact 18.4in length and a high-output 115A alternator define the Volvo Penta D1-13 Bobtail Marine Diesel Engine. This 2-Cylinder 0.5L mechanical inboard generates 11.8BHP continuous power at 3,000 RPM for small displacement sailboats. Vessel operators must accept characteristic twin-cylinder idle harmonic vibration and inspect heat exchanger zinc anodes on strict seasonal schedules.

Structural casting uses an ASTM gray cast iron monobloc block featuring parent cylinder bores and an overhead-valve cylinder head. Electrical architecture provides a 12V negative ground setup with a 0.8 kW electric starter and a 115A marine alternator with sensor wire regulation. Dry weight totals 212 lbs without transmission. The engine mounting stance occupies 18.4in of length, 17.9in of width, and 19.8in of height, serviced by a 0.50 US gal oil pan.

Key Features of Volvo Penta D1-13

Small sailboat skippers buy Volvo Penta D1-13 bobtail marine diesel engines to secure dependable auxiliary power in cramped bilge spaces. The unit represents a proven sailing yacht auxiliary engine repower option for classic day sailers and pocket cruisers.

• Cam-driven in-line injection pumps supply accurate fuel metering across the 850 to 3,200 RPM range.
• High-output 115A marine alternator with battery sensor restores auxiliary house banks during short motoring runs.
• Sound-damped air intake filter suppresses intake suction noise in small boat cabins.
• Tubular heat exchanger maintains closed-circuit engine coolant temperature in saltwater conditions.
• Dedicated bellhousing connects with flexible marine dampers matching Volvo Penta MS15A transmissions.
• Neoprene impeller seawater pump circulates cooling water into the water-injected exhaust mixer elbow.
• Rigid cast iron engine block provides high structural rigidity and corrosion resistance.

Dynamometer Performance Bench Test Data

Dynamometer load verification proves 11.8BHP continuous power and 21 ft-lbs of shaft torque at 3,000 RPM, peaking at 12.2BHP at 3,200 RPM. Exhaust pyrometer temperatures hold under 880°F before entering the water-injected exhaust elbow. The closed-circuit freshwater loop stabilizes at 180°F through the tubular heat exchanger under continuous full-load testing. Lube oil pressure maintains 45 PSI at cruising RPM, while crankshaft journal concentricity checks confirm runout below 0.0004in TIR across all bearing surfaces.

Field Operation Controls Installation Boundaries

Mechanical control cables require 3 lbs of linear force to advance the internal fuel rack across the governor band. This compact diesel is not designed for fast planing skiffs, heavy offshore commercial tugs, or vessels lacking raw water strainers. Never select this sailing yacht auxiliary engine repower for displacement hulls exceeding 26ft or craft unable to maintain adequate engine compartment ventilation.

• Change engine oil and replace the spin-on lube filter every 150 operating hours.
• Inspect the raw water rubber impeller and replace zinc anodes every 12 months.
• Check mechanical overhead valve lash clearances to 0.008in cold every 500 operating hours.

Factory Warranty Marine Crate Manifest

Volvo Penta covers this engine with a 2-Year limited warranty plus additional 3-Year major component protection. The factory shipping crate contains the bobtail diesel engine, 12V 0.8 kW starter, 115A alternator, four flexible engine mounts, wiring harness, basic instrument display panel, oil pressure switch, and operator maintenance manuals.