Vetus or Yanmar

[Helina]

Hi, I'm planning to replace my Volvo 2020 engines with either yanmar or Vetus in my catamaran. Vetus would cost 1000 euros less/engine compared to Yanmar.
Would be very interesting to read your opinions of these engines.

 

[testmonkey]

Absolutely go with Yanmar.

 

[Pye_End]

First thing I would look at is access - particularly to service components.

 

[Koeketiene]

If you're looking at Vetus - have a look at Mitsibishu -> same engine block.

Currently have a 24 year old Vetus, when it eventually goes, it'll be replaced by a Yanmar.

Two reasons:
1. Re-engined previous boat with a Yanmar - very impressed. Not a single glitch & very economical to run.
2. Larger service net should anything go wrong.

 

[TheBoatman]

I would always go for yanmar ~ I've had a lot of experience of these engines and they are excellent, very reliable & economical, spares are reasonably easy to get as well.

Peter.

 

[ridgy]

Definitely check access to components. I have a Vetus that runs great, but the impeller cover faces backwards and even with a speedseal cover I still don't fancy ever having to change it at sea. And the oil dipstick is a pain to get to with restricted side access...which means I don't check it as often as I should. Oh and I forgot to say that should the starter motor break then it's an engine out job...

If I was changing then access would be my no.1 priority...

 

[Talbot]

Having looked at a number of different engines and in particular their spares prices, I would have another look at Beta engines

 

[ex-Gladys]

You don't say what size. Had a Vetus 16 hp on Amber and it was great. All parts accessible, two oil fillers (front and top) raw water pump direct on front of engine... I would certainly consider another in that size range.

 

[stevebirch2002]

Putting in my two penn'th. Have a look at teh Beta Range. Unbeatable in my opinion. Rangeing from 10HP - BIG!!

 

[Sy-Revolution]

2nding Vetus.
I have the M4.17 42 hp version, runs very smoothly, fuel consumtion is ok at cruising revs of 1800 (2l/hr ish), as with Larry's the impeller pump is on the front. Only small gripe is that the dip stick is short and on the side of the engine, low down. My engine is fitted under the saloon table (aft saloon) so I made an inspection hatch there for access, problem solved (I think they now come with a longer dip stick). Although I've not had it long ( 1 year) my initial impressions are good........

 

[jeanne]

I agree - take a look at Beta. We are delighted with ours. They are very helpful (pre and post purchase) and can make changes at the build stage that may help with the installation. Also well priced.

 

[retsina]

I had a yanmar 29 hp, on my Bruce Robrerts; more expensive but probably the best; very light and easy to install

 

[Helina]

Thank's flor your opinnions and comments. Beta engines are not really well known in Finland so they will be out.
Of Vetus and Yanmar the latter is now becoming the first choise, only have to wait for the prices of installations. The good reputation of Yanmar and the fact that the local workshop in our village is a dealer for Yanmar are speaking for it.

 

[ShipsWoofy]

I was so happy to rip out the old vetus and replace with a yanmar. The vetus when running was a nice smooth motor, but the defining part of that sentence was when running.

Too many things to go wrong in my opinion, for an auxiliary engine I want an agricultural lump, no electric stop buttons, no heaters, no heat exchanger that rots and costs more to replace than half a new yanmar engine!

I would not have another.

 

[kiwikol]

I'm new to this forum but feel obliged to add my two-pennyw'th.
Helina, if you are staying in Finland, then ok. If you plan to venture across and down into New Zealand waters or the Pacific, and provided you don’t need Yanmar’s support, then ok. However, if you are concerned about after sales support from Yanmar in this part of the world – just forget it! And don’t believe Yanmar’s mission statement… "Your satisfaction and goodwill are important to us and to your dealer"- it’s farcical !
I have now been out of commission for over 4 months, due to finding an ‘O’ring assembled incorrectly from manufacture, which caused corrosion in the heat exchanger. I had to consider taking legal action to extract any sort of response from them. Even now, after 4 months, I have found them appalling to deal with – unhelpful, disinterested, and downright rude (and I have heard similar complaints from others). Mine is becoming a long story but after resorting to the CEO here in NZ and him making statements like “Our offer is final. Take it or leave it” one has to question whether choosing Yanmar was a sensible choice. I have tried contacting the overseas head office for this area and not even had the courtesy of a reply. One thing is certain – a bad word sure goes a long way in boating circles, yet Yanmar seem to be oblivious (or unconcerned?). Fortunately I have documented everything – one day I’m going to write a book!