| Vessel Make: | Randell 32 |
|---|---|
| Build Year: | 1982 |
| Old Engine: | Iveco 8061 |
| New Engine: | FPT NEF 400 |
| Old Engine Horsepower: | 240HP |
| New Engine Horsepower: | 400HP |
A Proven Hull Deserves a Proven Future
Some boats are built to last. The Randell 32 is one of those vessels.
Built in 1982, Crystal C is a true example of proven offshore hull. A boat that earned its reputation through decades on the water. With a strong design, incredible offshore capability, and a hull built to withstand the elements, this was never a vessel that needed replacing.
It simply needed a new lease on life.
After decades of reliable service, the time came to retire the ageing engine and give this Randell 32 the power it deserved.
From 240HP to 400HP – A New Chapter Begins
Originally, Crystal C was powered by a petrol stern drive setup, an arrangement that wasn’t the ideal long-term solution for a vessel of this capability.
In 1995, the boat was repowered with an Iveco 8061 240HP diesel marine engine, which became the second engine in the vessel’s life. For nearly 30 years the Iveco delivered reliable performance and proved itself as the right choice for this iconic hull. But like any engine after thousands of hours, performance begins to change.
Over time, engines naturally lose efficiency. They work harder to deliver the same performance, fuel usage increases, and the reliability that owners depend on can start to decline.
After three decades of service, it was time for another upgrade.
The First 400HP Diesel Inboard Randell 32 Repower
The challenge was clear – how do you improve a proven offshore boat without compromising what made it great?
The answer was a carefully engineered repower with the new FPT NEF 400 marine engine. This installation marked the first time a 400HP diesel inboard marine engine has been fitted into a Randell 32 in a remote V-drive configuration. Moving from the previous 240HP Iveco to a 400HP FPT was a significant increase in capability, but the real challenge was making it work within the compact engine space of the Randell 32.
Big Power in a Compact Package
Randell engine compartments are known for being tight, and fitting a modern 400HP engine into this space required careful planning. The FPT NEF 400 delivers impressive power from a compact 5.9L displacement design, allowing the vessel to gain a major performance upgrade while still maintaining a clean installation and flat deck layout.
The upgrade wasn’t just about adding horsepower, it was about creating the right balance of power, reliability, efficiency, and usability for the vessel.
With the increase in power, the supporting components needed to be upgraded as well. The previous Twin Disc MG502 remote V-drive was replaced with a Twin Disc MG5050 remote V-drive, providing the strength and capability required to handle the increased 400HP output.
Why Save a Randell 32?
A question often asked with older vessels is: why repower instead of replace?
For boats like Crystal C, the answer is simple.
They don’t build hulls like they used to. The Randell 32 features a heavily constructed fiberglass hull, with 20mm thickness in the outer hull structure. These boats were built with strength, offshore capability, and longevity in mind.
A hull like this is worth preserving. It has decades of proven performance behind it, and with the right repower, it can continue delivering many more years on the water.
The Perfect Match for a Proven Hull
After 30 years of reliable service the Iveco 8061, moving to FPT was a natural progression.
FPT carries on the Iveco legacy – the same engineering heritage and diesel expertise, now under a new name with modern technology designed for improved efficiency, reliability, and performance.
The FPT NEF 400 was the right engine for Crystal C.
Not just because it delivers 400HP.
Because it continues the legacy of the original Iveco powerhouse while giving this iconic Randell 32 a future it deserves.
A Proven Hull Deserves the Right Power.
Talk to THT about your marine engine repower.
