small diesel engine prices and performance - Sole vs Beta

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I was quoted 2.575 GBP for supply only for a 10 hp BETA diesel. Now I saw postings with cheaper quotes mentioned for a 13 hp Beta. I am at the moment sourcing a good twin cylinder diesel inboard between 10 and 15 hp for a 22 ft yacht Newbridge for my husband. There is no way he'll haggle or barter- so I have to do it. Is the above quote the cheapest or has anyone paid less. I was also quoted GBP 2.900 for a Sole Mitsubishi 17 mini - any good? I mean price and performance. I realise people have to earn money but price really seem to vary a lot - or is it only me - having a chip on the shoulder the moment I talk to an engineer. thanks for help -
 
When I looked into the Beta engines a while ago I was told the the 13HP was better value/better equipped than the 10HP. Silly, but there it is! It may be worth checking out. If you haven't done so already it's also worth talking direct to Beta.


I wish my other half would buy me an engine!
 
I paid about that sum for a 28hp Beta. All manufacturers give around 30 % discounts, which is perhaps used by yards installing them to hide the fact that the yard is getting as much as the engine manufacturer. I collected the beta from the factory, and installed it myself, so I could buy anywhere.
When I asked the guy in the factory what was his best price, the day before I went to finalise the deal , he said wé will talk about that tomorrow, I said that I still had to decide which dealer I was going to tomorrow, and the price came down.
They are very good people to deal with, especially with a re-engine project, as they can tweak the standard engine to suit the layout of the old one. They also allowed me to source a cheap Hurth gearbox, and knocked off the price of theirs .
I am also delighted with the performance of the engine, which is an instant starter, and very smooth under power, though a bit lumpy at idle.
 
Dont really know about prices, but I know they vary wildly, what I do know is the beta is a damn good package and the people are very accomadating, with advice and information, deal direct with them as another poster suggests and did. I've fitted a few of them, never had one come back or any trouble.
 
I have the Beta 13.5hp. It is externally identical to the ten but tweaked for a better performance. If you go to your local Beta engineer just before a major boat show you may well find that he will quote you a price allowing for the boat show discount.

The engine runs sweetly, like a sewing machine, even at tickover. I would suggest that the mention above of a lumpy tickover could be cured with a little adjustment.

The Beta people are excellent to deal with, charming and helpful. I rang up and ordered a replacement anode at about 4pm one day and it arrived in the post next morning! I hadn't said that I was in any hurry.

There have been many comments on Beta on these forums and I have never seen anything but praise, never a complaint.
 
The Beta is a damm good engine. In the Vega club we have now fitted over 100 to our 30 year old yachts. The difference between the 10HP and 13.5HP is the rpm. The cheaper 10 also does not have an oil pump or flexible coupling. Beta will give 20% discount and of course the dealers get slightly more as they sell many more and therefore dont need the same level of support as the owner that just buys the one. Beta are knowledgeable, helpful and always ready to talk. The price you quoted is very good (includes VAT?). As the engine is based on a Kubota the spares are available worldwide. Great little engines. And no I dont work for BETA!
 
If you buy direct from Beta, who will do any guarantee work if no dealer has had his cut. Will Beta expect a local dealer to do this for you ? for nothing?
Rob
 
Hi
What motor did you have in the Vega before you changed it
Was it a VP MB10a if so did the foot prints match or did you have to change the motor bed? About to chnage a MB10 for a Beta 722 hopefully it will be the correct move
 
I have just paid to fit new Beta 16 engine 16 Hp as shown in spec sheet. Supplied with Tmc 40 gearbox, and ABV type panel. Southampton boat show discount (25%)
Engine price- £ 2508.00. All this is plus other required parts, Labour, Lifting costs & VAT. The total bill will be in the region of £5300.00 inc. VAT. I also got an upgrade on the Alternator Belts & pulleys FOC.

Its a lot of money but you do need to be aware of the additional costs. You won't just need to buy an engine, even if you fit it yourself.

Martin
 
Beta 10, Nanni 2.10, Beta 13, Nanni 2.14 et al

simonfraser said:
supply and demand, there might be more for the 13HP
Click to expand...

ALL these marine engines are based on the Kubota Z482 Super Mini engine which is a 479cc twin (non-turbo). To get the power ratings straight from the horses mouth Google Kubota! Generally speaking 10HP is produced at 3000 rpm and 13HP is produced at 3600 rpm. The Beta allegedly has a slightly heavier flywheel than the Nanni and will tick over better.

Of great interest to some users will be the shallow sump option as sometimes a full depth sump will make shaft alignment impossible. This of course depends on the gearbox as some designs have quite a pronounced offset between input and output shafts.

In some countries such as France and Germany it is advantageous to have a 9.9 HP engine as only persons aged over sixteen are allowed to operate boats that have more than 10HP available.

(I know that this is an old thread but the info may be useful to others)

Vetus and Thornycroft based their small engines on Mitsubishi units and whilst these are extremely good they are less common than Kubota.
 
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