Sole’ Diesel Engines

[properjob]

Has anyone had any experience of Sole’ Diesel engines that are based on Mitsubishi engines ? They are marinised in Spain and widely sold there and in France. Does any forumite own one ?

Thanks all.

 

[earlybird]

Don't own one, but the UK agent, Fairways, ceased trading a few years ago and,AFAIK, has not been replaced. I had a Mitsubishi based 10hp Vetus and the base engine seemed OK.

 

[WindermereColvic]

The UK agents are now Dimond Diesels,
http://www.diamonddiesels.co.uk/
We have a Sole Mini 26, But have only put about 5 hours on it since we got the boat because the clutch cones wore out (700 hours). I researched opinions of the engine before we bought, people were very positive, apparently Mitubs.. reputation for small plant engins is very good. I would say though that the impeors stupidly hard to get to, and consumable parts are only available from Sole at a considerable premium. Runs very smooth and quite though, and seems to be well constructed.

 

[johnchampion]

I've had a Mini 29 for a year and am perfectly happy with it. No problems and works well.

UK agents are now Engines Plus in Gloucester - enginesplus.co.uk

On mine the impellor would need a midget contortionist to change at sea but at the boat show I see they now have a mod which puts the water pump on the front of the engine instead of hidden away on the side and facing aft - seems a giant improvement if access is tight and it's a winter job for me to change mine with the new mod. They told me retrofit is easy and it doesn't look to have any issues.

The base engine, Mitsubishi, of course has expected Japanese engine quality so I expect it to outlast me!

 

[Gufoblu]

Hi to all.
I recently installed a Solè Mini 29 (27 hp 3600 rpm) on my 28 feet.
The engine is fine but it is coupled to the preexisting Volvo Penta sail drive 110S and does not exceed 2000 rpm.
The old engine was a VP MD11C (24 hp 2700 rpm) and the reduction ratio of the sail drive is 1,66:1....too low for the Solè.
It is not easy to find the right propeller for this type of coupling.
I'm still in trouble.
If you have a sail drive, check first the compatibility of the propeller.
Buon vento!!

 

[scottegg]

diamond diesels still supply all parts for the sole engines, and they are the Uk importer & distributor for Mitsubishi so all engine parts are direct from Mitsubishi so a lot cheaper than buying from a sole agent.

Diamond Diesels are now the UK distributor for the new Craftsman marine engines, also based on the Mitsubishi engines. Craftsman Marine is new and run by ex Vetus staff.

check them out www.craftsmanmarine.com

 

[rob2]

My boat is from 1986 and is still happily running on original mini-14 twin. Diamond Diesel supply spares, but at a price!

Rob.

 

[Koeketiene]

About to re-engine.
Mitsu based - just like the current Vetus - they can't be bad.
However, not very competitive on price.
Over 2.5K more expensive than the equivalent Beta/Nanni made them a non-starter for us.

 

[scottegg]

latest prices on the Craftsman Marine Mitsubishi based engines From Diamond Diesels

CM2.12 (13hp) = Vetus M2.05 £2723

CM2.16 (16hp) = Vetus M2.06 £2723

CM3.27 (27hp) = Vetus M3.28 £3311

CM4.33 (33hp) = Vetus M4.15 £3639

CM4.42 (42hp) = Vetus M4.17 £3845

all fited with Hurth ZF10M gearbox, full electrics inc panel with Tacho, temp gauge, & warning lights