Nanni versus Beta-Marine

[Rohorn]

Hi,
These companies both market marinised Kubota engines. I want to put new motor /saildrives in my cat. Does anyone have any useful comparisons to make between them?
The only thing I can make out from web-browsing is that Nanni use Selva saildrives while Beta (I think) use Volvo. Beta seem to have a built-on oil change pump which must be a blessing. Both seem to be easier to service than Yanmar, and spares much cheaper (not suprisingly)
My old Yanmar 1GM10s, though not powerful enough, were amazingly quiet. Neither of the above companies stress quietness in their stuff.
It's a big investment in cash and energy...I want to make the best choice.
Any comments appreciated.
Rohorn.

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[Good]

Nanni to have a built-on oil change pump

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[steel_slug]

My personal choice would be the Nanni, but Beta are very good. I would check the dealer network in your cruising area, inc overseas.

Paul M

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[john_morris_uk]

We went through a lot of soul searching when we re-engined our Sigma a year or so ago. We eventually settled on a Nanni because we preferred the engine control panel (it looked a lot smarter and had a Tachometer and engine hours meter as standard). It also stopped when you turn the key off via a stop solenoid - can't remember if Beta does that as well) I don't remember there being a lot of difference in price once we started haggling at the boat show. We did have one problem with the stop solenoid when we were in France and it was sorted without fuss by the local French Nanni agent under warranty.

Last boat had a Yanmar 1GM10 and I believe the Nanni to be quieter if anything - although this is a subjective comparison between two installations in two different boats so not really fair.

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[tillergirl]

I was with my chum at the LIBS when he visited both the Beta and Nanni stands on a similar quest. I remember the Nanni salesman claimed their engine came with a larger output from the Alternator as standard.

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[global_odyssey]

We have a 1994/5 Nanni 3.9 HE (22.5HP) 3 cylinder engine (with heat-exchanger)

This has a built-in oil pump to change the oil (I didn't realise first time and pumped the old oil out of the dipstick tube the first time!).
So far we are very pleased with it, although it is a little noisier than an identical boat's 28hp Beta - which sounds more like a sewing machine! However, our Nanni has just started without any bother after not running for 16 months during a refit.
As regards spares costs, Nanni don't seem particularly excessive - I've heard Beta sell engines cheaper but claw it back on higher priced spare parts.
It might be worth you getting a list of service part items and comparing costs from both dealers.
I don't honestly think you'd go wrong buying either engine.

<hr width=100% size=1>I've got wind......................
...............................in my sails!

 

[dickh]

Yes, I have also noted the BETA 'standard' alternator is small, so you would have to upgrade to a larger alternator, but even so, the price is very competitive with Nanni, especially once you start haggling. I personally prefer the BETA as there have been several good reports on them. Saying that, my friens swears by his NANNI and even obscure spares were available from France in 3/4 days.
You should also check Spares prices as they can very enormously - like impellors, starter motors, alternators, etc etc. And also check you have a service outlet locally.

<hr width=100% size=1>dickh
I'd rather be sailing... /forums/images/icons/smile.gif

 

[sailorman]

i have a 4150 nanni & genric filter Nos some where will post later

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[stevebirch2002]

Beta and Nanni both use Kuboat. Beta is a Britsih company and their service is second to none. Both have oil sump pumps. Personally I would chose the Beta and the help and expertise that Beta have shown us was fantastic. They come with a standard 40 Amp alternator but if you ask they will just bolt on the 55 Amp alternator. Price is keener with Beta. All in all a fantastic company and always willing to help the customer.

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

 

[bob_tyler]

This is really a very difficult one to answer.

I am in the process of having a 13.5 Beta fitted in my Invicta 26. I raised queries on these websites and talked to Beta at the Boat Show.

I have been very impressed so far. The local engineer for Beta, Simon Caddy, phoned me yesterday to say that the engine had arrived, as ordered. I was given a very good discount and a Boat Show bonus, unasked for, of a very upgraded control panel!

I chose Beta against Nanni as the factory is in the UKand has a great reputation for service among the readers of these columns.

They also offer a factory visit combining a sight of the assembly of engines and instruction on good maintenance. All things being equal, I would rather buy the product of a UK Company than an Italian/French company based some way away. This is especially the case as both are based on the Japanese Kubota engine - well known in agricultural circles for being reliable, reasonably simple and long lasting.

When fitting is complete I will report further on this forum. I will not be able to assess performance until May as will not be launching till then, being abroad.

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[Rohorn]

Hi people.......Thanks for your comments and interest. The problem has resolved itself in unique fashion. I talked to the CEO of Beta-marine and he recommended me to stick with Yanmar because any change to a Kubota based motor would necessitate new engine supports, control cables etc, whereas putting in two 2gm20s in place of the old 1gm 10s would be simple and straightforward! Also he said that there were bargains to be had chez Yanmar as they try to change over to the new range of YM motors some time later this year (too late for me).
What a guy! He was quite right.....I got an offer for two 2gm20s plus SD20 saildrives from the distributor in Piraeus, near where my boat is, which is considerably less than I would have to pay ex-works for two 13.5 hp plus saildrives in either England (Beta) or France (Nanni). Many thanks to Beta-marine for this honest piece of advice....I very much regret I won't get the ease of servicing of the Beta engine, and the pleasure of dealing with them.
Cheers ....Rohorn

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