Models

Model families

Short introductions to the Bolinder lines most often discussed by UK canal enthusiasts, plus a comparison table.

Descriptions below are educational summaries for orientation. For restoration or parts, use original documentation (see Manuals and Registers) and qualified engineers.

Four-stroke · twin

1052

Twin-cylinder companion to the 1051 in the same general four-stroke marine family. Often discussed for larger canal craft needing more power; many installations share the Bolinder 1051–1052 gearbox family.

Workshop manual series

1053

Covered with the 1054 in the classic workshop manual set. Type and serial plates identify the exact engine; quote them for any service correspondence. Workshop manual PDF on the Manuals page.

Workshop manual series

1054

Documented alongside the 1053. Appears in enthusiast records as a heavier multi-cylinder marine option within the same manual family. Treat as heritage reference, not a sales listing.

Earlier lineage

Semi-diesel / hot-bulb

Earlier Bolinder oil-engine tradition (E / M / NE / BM types) is distinct from later four-stroke 105x diesels. Keep manuals and restoration advice on the correct lineage when working on a survivor. See the History type chronology for the hot-bulb line.

Operator literature

Single & twin instruction book

Period instruction material for single- and two-cylinder Bolinder marine engines covers plate locations and operator guidance. PDF available on the Manuals hub.

Comparison table

Model Family Cylinders Stroke Typical use Notes
1051 Four-stroke marine diesel 1 four-stroke Narrowboats, small craft, workboats Common single-cylinder Bolinder in UK canal use; parts catalogue widely referenced by restorers.
1052 Four-stroke marine diesel 2 four-stroke Larger canal craft, barges Twin-cylinder counterpart often paired with 1051 in documentation and gearbox notes.
1053 Marine diesel (manual series) — see manual Canal and river commercial / leisure conversions Covered by the classic Bolinder 1053/1054 workshop manual, published as a PDF on this site.
1054 Marine diesel (manual series) — see manual Heavier craft Documented alongside 1053 in the same manual family.
Semi-diesel (hot-bulb lineage) Semi-diesel / hot-bulb heritage varies two-stroke heritage lineage Historic working boats, museum craft Earlier Bolinder tradition on waterways; distinct from later four-stroke 105x series.
Single & twin (instruction book) Operator instruction series 1–2 as fitted Owner/operator reference Historic instruction book for single- and twin-cylinder Bolinder engines. PDF on the Manuals page.