Beta vs Yanmar (30hp inboard) ?

[stav]

If I had to select between the two engines my choice would be based on:

1) Is the yanmar a yanmar or based on something else?
2) WHat is the actual base unit for the Beta. I have a westebeke based on a mitsubushi unit and have just spent £120 on 3 glow plugs and third party units are not made and that was cheap becuase the vetus m3.28 is based on the same unit. Westerbeke guy wanted £56 each for them. Fan belt is around £24.
3) Service schedule for each engine? The 500 hour service on my engine is significant.
4) Cost of a head gasket set?
5) Cost of service for injectors.
6) Ask the guys to explain why the yanmar is better than beta and how the extra (I assume) cost is justified. Ask the Beta guy how he makes a better engine cheaper.
7) Engine access points/bed fitting.
8) I personally feel a yanmar engine will give a better resell value/set it apart from others with the beta.

Must go.

 

[sailorman]

If I had to select between the two engines my choice would be based on:

1) Is the yanmar a yanmar or based on something else?
2) WHat is the actual base unit for the Beta. I have a westebeke based on a mitsubushi unit and have just spent £120 on 3 glow plugs and third party units are not made and that was cheap becuase the vetus m3.28 is based on the same unit. Westerbeke guy wanted £56 each for them. Fan belt is around £24.
3) Service schedule for each engine? The 500 hour service on my engine is significant.
4) Cost of a head gasket set?
5) Cost of service for injectors.
6) Ask the guys to explain why the yanmar is better than beta and how the extra (I assume) cost is justified. Ask the Beta guy how he makes a better engine cheaper.
7) Engine access points/bed fitting.
8) I personally feel a yanmar engine will give a better resell value/set it apart from others with the beta.

Must go.

Beta use Kubotas & they are in most small diggers / plant these days a very common engine indeed.
Yanmar i think produce the most diesel engines in the world & some of those fitted in plant

 

[Tranona]

To answer some of your questions.

The Yanmar isd a purpose built marine engine, although they also make industrial engines.

The Beta (and Nanni) are based on Kubota engines.

Your spares are expensive. I am just ordering some spares for my Volvo 2030. Glow Plugs £21.46, alternator drive belt £9.23 - so perhaps Volvo not top in the expensive bits competition.

 

[jwilson]

I thought there is a well known design issue concerning the exhaust/water feed on the newer Yanmar 30s?

I hope that by the time I have to think about a GM30 replacement, that will have been resolved and some indication out there of the true durability of the new units..But at current condition and useage that may be a good 10 years away..He says

The first 5000 or so 3YM30s overheated very easily: couldn't run more than 10 mins at anywhere near full revs without overheating. I have one, eventually they did a larger heat exchanger swap under warranty. Now only very occasionally overheats if you are in a hurry and give prolonged full throttle. Apart from that a smooth powerful compact engine.

Have also sailed for a while with a Beta 27, nice engine too. If re-engining I'd be tempted by Beta or Nanni (essentially same Kubota base).

 

[kalindi]

I've recently replaced an aged BMC with a Beta in a Tradewind 33. It was a dificult installation and the choice of Beta was made because of their reputation for customer service. It required special mounts, special exhaust elbow, special shaft etc. overall it was not cheap but I am very pleased with the result and am happy to say that Beta deserve their reputation for service.

 

[stevebirch2002]

I would of thought a lack of anodes was a bad thing? Surely if the anodes are not being eroded then surely something else is....?

S

 

[sailorman]

I would of thought a lack of anodes was a bad thing? Surely if the anodes are not being eroded then surely something else is....?

S

my stack clean as a whistle @ 700 hrs.
it must be down to the quality of materials used in marinisation

 

[Boo2]

I've recently replaced an aged BMC with a Beta in a Tradewind 33.

Which BMC was it ? If it was a 1.5 then I believe that is the same as the Thornycroft 90 I'm looking at replacing.

It was a dificult installation and the choice of Beta was made because of their reputation for customer service. It required special mounts, special exhaust elbow, special shaft etc. overall it was not cheap but I am very pleased with the result and am happy to say that Beta deserve their reputation for service.

That's somewhat disturbing news, can I just confim it was a Beta BD1005 you installed ? If so then were there other engine choices which would have been a better fit than the Beta dyk ?

Thanks,

Boo2

 

[Tranona]

Which BMC was it ? If it was a 1.5 then I believe that is the same as the Thornycroft 90 I'm looking at replacing.



That's somewhat disturbing news, can I just confim it was a Beta BD1005 you installed ? If so then were there other engine choices which would have been a better fit than the Beta dyk ?

Thanks,

Boo2

Many people have replaced the BMC with a Beta (or Nanni). The major difference is that the new engines are physically smaller and often the mounts are closer together, hence the need for extra brackets etc. You may also find older installations have solid exhaust systems and the prop rotates in the opposite direction. So, new exhaust and new stern gear are desirable to get the best out of your new engine.

If you are at the point where it is a key part of your decision then get advice from Beta - it is their specialism. Be aware that you are into £8-9k with all the bits and labour, so factor that into your offer price.

 

[macd]

It's beta as in "alpha, beta..."

Agree with others re reputation of Yanmar as one of the last of the 'true' small marine diesels. I installed a Beta BD1005 five years ago. Reasons:
1. reputation of Beta aftersales
2. Price (including spares)
3. Service items accessibility (almost everything at front and one side)
4. Options list

On subject of (4), I have 'deluxe' instrument/switch panel which is excellent. I also went for polyvee alternator belt option, my reasoning being that no engine built in the last half century deserves a simple V-belt, uselss bloody things. The polyvee is as good as new after over 1000 hours. Would unreservedly recommend it to anyone.