Rebuilds and Refreshment Driving Sterling Engine Business

While Sterling Performance has a few orders for new high-performance marine engines, its engine rebuild and refreshment business is booming according to Mike D’Anniballe, the owner and founder of the Milford, Mich., engine company.

“In the last month, our business of rebuilding and refreshment of engines from other builders, as well as our own, has exploded,” said D’Anniballe during a telephone interview this morning. “I have at least 20 pairs of engines in the shop, from Mercury Racing 525EFIs to 1075s to a pair of Zuls, all getting either rebuilt or refreshed.

“On the racing side, I am rebuilding Nigel Hook’s Lucas Oil boat engines, which we are keeping at 1,000 hp each,” he added.

D’Anniballe said that durability testing of fuel pumps and other components for the automotive world, another key aspect of Sterling’s business, is ongoing.

As for the for the status of the long-awaited Skater 388 catamaran with the first pair of 1,700-hp turbocharged Sterling engines—the boat is at David Wade Marine in Baton Rouge, La.—D’Anniballe said testing was slated to begin again two weeks ago.

“That’s what I was told, but I haven’t heard anything since,” he said.