Engine choice

martinb

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The time has come to replace my aging Yanmar 15hp engine, a victim of the Fastnet race. I have been looking at various engines and the Beta is very attractively priced, does any one have experience of these engines, good or bad?
Or any other recommendations.

Martin
 

Gordon

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Congrats on finishing that race, were you the smallest to finish?.....not sure about the engine

Regards,

Gordon
 

Krusty

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Intalled a 14.5HP Beta in '89: robust, economical, never needed anything above routine maintenance in 14 years as a full-time sea-school boat.
In 2003, replaced with a Beta BD722, 20HP, 3 cyl, smaller, lighter, smoother & quiet. Never even considered another make. Fitted larger propeller.
Now well run-in (over 500 hrs) it is simply brilliant: powerful enough to give us 5.5 to 6kn into a F6/7 headwind and sea: fuel consumption, averaged over the latest two metered refills (with engine-hrs counter) is almost exactly one litre per hour. Motoring in that period included the usual harbour manoevring, a few calm-weather passages at 5 to 6 kn, and a couple of open-water passages powering into F5 head-wind & sea to avoid a difficult night-entry. If it were accidentally damaged I would simply replace it. My only connection with BETA Marine is as a customer.
 

dickh

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As others have said, definitely a Beta. I fitted a Beta 25HP and been very pleased. No problems to date, but check that you may need a new exhaust system, upgraded (high up)inlet water filter. Also consider fitting a new non-drip stern gland and new sound insulation. Also check access for all the service points.
Go to the Southampton Boat Show and you should be able to negotiate a good deal(I got a good discount + spares kit) - and give you a chance to price out the competition. After installation I had to get a high rise exhaust elbow to suit the Vetus waterlock but was exchanged very quickly.
I also renewed the fuel system and fitted a new plastic fuel tank etc.
 

Stoshak

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Definitely a Beta. I had a 13hp for 7 years, installed it myself, and it never missed a beat, and Beta are a pleasure to deal with.
I can pop a Beta in a boat, but I don't think I could have done the Fastnet! Well done!
 

cliff

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Had a Beta 20 in previous boat, no end of problems with it. Professionally installed and it seemed to spend more time being fixed than actually running -It was noisy, sounded like a tractor engine (which they are really) prone to overheat, ate alternator / water pump belts, fuel solonoid frequently stuck, numerous oil leaks etc. Great for a new engine!

Next boat had a Bukh - no problems.

If you want a marinised tractor engine go for the Beta but if you want a proper marine engine have a look at the Bukh.

Personally I would avoid another Beta (Kubota base engine) - too much aggravation.
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Slowtack

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I DIY installed a Beta 13hp in my last boat and would endorse all the positive comments as to performance and economy. My current boat has a 20year old Volvo 20003 saildrive which may need some attention at some stage. Any comments on experience of Betas with saildrive?
 

john_morris_uk

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Forum Beta mania seems to have burst out again. Nothing too much wrong with the Beta, but it is exactly the same Kubota engine as the Nanni.

Vetus, Lombardini, Yanmar (even Volvo) all make good engines. If you are worried about the price of spares, don't believe all your hear and check some actual prices.

If you go to the boat shows and haggle you will be suprised at how similar the prices of the new engines are when you haggle.

I would fit the one that fits most easily.

Next time we re-engine it might be a Beta - or another make for all I know.

I really don't believe that there's an enormous differnce between the modern diesel engines. Just don't get too suckered into the Beta is best theories.
 

webcraft

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[ QUOTE ]
Just don't get too suckered into the Beta is best theories

[/ QUOTE ] Strange comment John . . . surely the posts on here indicate one of three things:


a) A majority of people have chose Beta when re-engining and are happy with their choice

or

b) Beta owners are fanatics who seek out all re-engining posts and make a point of replying to them

or

c) People who have fitted other makes don't use the forum or can't be bothered replying


Which do you think is the simplest explanation? Occam's Razor says that one is also the most likely.
 

cindersailor

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One thing to note about the Betas is that the 16 and 25 hp models are based on more modern kubota engines than the 10/13.5 and 20 hp ones. Take a look at http://www.dieselenginemotor.com/kubota/supermini/page1.html The Z602 (16 hp)and D902 (25 hp) have various modifications inc bigger bore/stroke and molybdenum sulphide coated pistons.

Installed a 16 myself last winter and have only good things to say about it. One of the remarkable things about it is that I have never seen any smoke whatsoever come out of the exhaust! I can also recommend the PSS shaft seal if you are planning to change your gland at the same time. Effectively maintainance-free and never a drop of water. Best price seems to be from ASAP.
 
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