New diesel for old boat

[dallasg]

My 33 foot, 50 year old, long keeled sloop (currently in a major refit) has a 20 year old 4 cylinder Westerbeke, about 28hp I think. The engine runs, and the sterngear is all good. However, it is way too heavy. In an effort to trim the boat the previous owner installed a serious amount of water/holding tankage right forward. Clearly not a great idea, and the tanks are now out.
I dont want the big tanks, I dont want the big engine, I dont want the weight. I dont think I need more than 20HP

I've read a lot of posts on various of these fora and it seems that:
1.Beta and Nanni are reliable and light
2.Modern Volvos arent as fearsome as the older models
3.It's a good idea to go with the recommendations of the local suppliers/fitters

Is that a fair summary?

 

[eyupdougdown]

If it's any help, I just ripped out a heavy old plodder of a Sabb 8hp single from my old 5 ton 31' yacht and slapped in a lovely beta 3 cylinder 20hp job. Nice. The experts in the yard seem to think that's more than enough. No more thump thump thump after a complicated starting procedure - just nice quiet revs and all at the turn of a key.