Changing Engine - Opinions Please

[cliff]

I am planning to change the engine in my little boat (Sadler 34) as the original is getting a little tired and costs of rebuild are not much less than a new unit, so, plan "A" is to replace the existing Bukh 20hp with a Beta BD1005 28hp or a Beta BD1305 35hp. Other alternative would be a Yanmar 30hp 3YM30 (all are fresh water cooled units)

Any comments on the makes and size of unit?

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[sailorman]

3 cylinder Beta , the" kurrawong kid" has reciently installed one in his 32 ft centurian

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[cliff]

So that is the 1005 - 28hp.

I should mention I had a 20 hp beta on my previous boat and was delighted with it and the support from Beta when changing alternator and supplying spares hence my preference for Beta unless someone can convince me Yanmar are a better bet.

Got to be open minded on this one as the pennies are limited so better to get it right first time.

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[bob_tyler]

Don't hesitate, go for Beta. I have and service is outstanding. I don't believe that there is any real competition.

I would also suggest the most hp you can afford. That extra bit could make all the difference in a tight situation.

 

[Paragon]

Am in the middle (goes in tomorrow) of having BD1005 fitted, cant give you opinions on it's performance but service to date has been excellent.

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[TonyBrooks]

Also check the torque curve. I suspect the Bukh may deliver a higher torque per hp than the Beta (or any other modern engine). If its a lot different you may have to re-prop, but probably not a problem.

IN other waters, by Bukh DV36 outperforms a BMC1.5 although on cylinder capacity and hp teh BMC should be superior (and before anyone starts on about hull shape they are both in long tin coffins).

Tony Brooks

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[iangrant]

Talk to John Cutler - <A target="_blank" HREF=http://www.cutlermarine.co.uk/homeMain.htm>http://www.cutlermarine.co.uk/homeMain.htm</A>

Top man

Ian

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[Talulah]

I changed the Yanmar on our old boat for the Beta BD1005. Excellent engine but more important excellent service from Beta themselves.


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[Lee_Shaw]

Beta are excellent people to deal with.

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[maxi]

Am in the middle of re-engining my 32' with a, non-Beta, Kubota D1005, so far seems to be a nice easy to work on engine and has an excellent track record as a successful commercial engine. Cost of new 28hp fully marinised engine £1400 but you don't get red paint as standard.

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[Rick]

Cliff - this advice is worth exactgly what you paid for it! ...

Given your previous experience with Beta, I'd go there marinised Kubota route. I like Yanmars, but I just love buying parts for my "Bobcat excavator" at prices most marine shops wouldn't believe possible!

I replaced a Yanmar last year with a Kubota based unit, and haven't looked back. In my case, I went from a worn Yanmar SB12 single, to a Diecon (Aussie Beta type) marinised Kubota D850 - the problems I had were spaces issues, and going from a single to a triple made things a little tight. But I'm now very happy with plenty of grunt, much reduced fuel consumption, and vastlt quieter and smoother operation. To top it off, I've got a fresh water cooled engine, and great battery charging.

In your case the DV-20 you're turfing weighs a heap more than either the D or V series Kubotas (3 and 4 cylinder - they were originally designed by a german). The DV-20 with box weighs around 210 kg, whereas you're looked at 150 -170 kg. (Note Nanni claim 130 and 150 for their engines of the same size ...? - my DIecon KU-20 was 105 and is basically the same block as the D-1005)

Your DV-20 probably has the 3:1 g'box, and is 785mm from front to back of engine, whereas the Beta will be around 730mm for 28, but 845 for 35. If rooms a problem, be wary. ALso when you order, I'd go for the maximum reduction on the gearbox, that will allow you to have your prop repitched is necessay, and not require a replacement prop.

Regarding which to choose, I'd be disinclined to just go for the bigger - small high speed marine diesels run at low load wear out quickly - much better to operate at nearer peak power than have lots in reserve. If your 20 hp Bukh is plenty, then really consider what value that extra cylinder and power does for you over the D-1005- if you're way underpowered (unlikely) then just go to the V-1305.

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[TrueBlue]

It hasn't been raised by other posts, but Beta will supply your chosen engine with mountings to suit what is coming out (if you see what I mean).

Will you be replacing your gearbox as well, if not they'll supply a stripped down version to match whatever you need.

Although there are other suppliers of Kubota marinised engines, Beta take care to make their solution as well engineered as possible - within sensible constraints.

Their Boss-man is a raggie, so he's been there, done it.

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Stop what you're doing and wait my signal

 

[SimonJ]

I have a Sadler 34 and went down a similar investigative route last year.
I was going to fit a Beta - good engine and good people.
Then I went to Bukh in Poole who are also extremely helpful.
They pointed out:
a. If you got engine direct from them not an agent it would be sold at boatshow discount price.
b. A DV 24 (even better than the 20) would slot inplace exactly where DV20 came from. Very quick simple job, same footprint.
c. Any other engine with a different performance is almost certain to need a new shaft AND a new propellor, to take account of changed dimensions/performance. Plus wiring changes etc.
d. The mounts conversion kit to take a Beta is very good but has to be paid for.
All of the above convinced me that a BUKH would be cheaper and easier taking all costs into account. The engine may be heavier but without doubt it is the Rolls Royce of boat engines with great technical backup and available spares. They are also smooth, well balanced and quiet.
In the event I did a total overhaul of my 20 yr old Bukh at half cost of new and so far...

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[WayneS]

We did a diy replacement over the winter, replacing an old single pot lump with a Beta 20hp Bd722.

Fantastic beast, fantastic service. We had a lot of questions as it was the first time we did such a job and they were very helpful. Were happy to run into the workshop to take a measurement etc if I called, sent me scale drawings so that I could make up a full size template, fitted a hydraulic pump for us.

Highly recommend Beta Marine and their engines.

Cheers, Wayne


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[stevebirch2002]

In my humble opinion the Beta is a great engine and the company really seem to care about their customers. I have now fitted a lot of the BZ482 to Vegas and never had a problem. Great engine, great company. Drop me an email if I can help at all pricewise!

Kind regards Steve

<hr width=100% size=1>Albin Vega "Southern Comfort" V1703

 

[Plum]

4hp per tonne of displacement is usually enough for a sailboat, above 4,5hp per tonne and the engine will suffer from being under-worked.

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[ianayr]

I replaced my BMW with a Beta, first class pre and after sales support. Also an additional pully (optional extra) is available for running a second alternator.
Super engine.

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[Baffin]

We recently swopped a Volvo for a BD1005 on a Rival 32 and are delighted with the change, not to mention the huge savings there will be in the cost of spares. Beta Marine were most helpful. Their agents, including the one in Germany offered prices insignificantly different from their Boat Show offers. Go for the Beta.

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[Rosa]

Have just replaced the Bukh 20 on my Sadler 34 with a Beta 28. New shaft but same prop. Wish I'd had it done it years ago.

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