Volvo vs Beta

[TiggerToo]

Thinking about re-engining time. Someone suggested installing a Beta in place of the current Volvo Penta.

Any reason why not?

Does anyone here have experience with Beta/Kubota? Is it easy to get spares around the world?

 

[Praxinoscope]

Have had two Beta engines, (two different boats, one I installed myself, the other was already in the boat when I bought it) both performed /perform well, reliable and the back-up from Beta Marine excellent..
Beta appear to have a good overseas range of distributors, but I can only comment on their service in the U.K.
I would certainly go for another Beta if God forbid I needed to re-engine.

 

[Minchsailor]

Beta is based on Kubota industrial engines, so disposables (oil filter and so) should be good worldwide

I've had 2 boats with Betas, and very satisfied.

 

[chrishscorp]

Mine had a Beta 20 installed already, currently looking for a bigger boat and praying the one we find has a Beta in it or it needs re engining in which case i will fit a Beta. Again can only comment from UK perspective parts and back up are superb, they are Kubota units so would imagine spares should be available worldwide. Many of the small units are fitted in construction plant so have to be rugged and reliable.

 

[Tranona]

If the boat is shaft drive, then a Beta is a viable alternative. Generally cheaper than Volvo and just as reliable/long lived. However if a saidrive then balance is probably in favour of a complete Volvo replacement, although you can hitch a Beta to the old saildrive, but you end up with a 20+ year old saildrive and a new engine. The saildrive is the expensive bit to replace - almost as much as a new engine!. Volvo are currently offering a "scrappage" scheme (big discount!) which may influence your decision. Advantage of a Volvo replacement is that it is almost a straight swap.

 

[gavin400]

I am also considering a re-engine and am looking at the M Power range which are currently circa 30% cheaper than other makes
Spec looks pretty comparable with other makes (except it is 100kg heavier - same weight as the Volvo it will replace), but not a huge amount of user feedback on them

 

[Loopy]

If it helps your decision any, I have a Volvo in mine and dream of having a Beta in it someday.

 

[Tranona]

I am also considering a re-engine and am looking at the M Power range which are currently circa 30% cheaper than other makes
Spec looks pretty comparable with other makes (except it is 100kg heavier - same weight as the Volvo it will replace), but not a huge amount of user feedback on them

Lack of feedback is perhaps because very few have actually been sold, although they have been on the market for over 10 years - with at least 3 changes in importers on the way. They have had most success in the over 40hp range with commercial users as replacements for aging Perkins. Smaller engines are simply not competitive on size, output and weight. Chinese copies of Japanese designs, but nothing interchangeable. Given that a yacht engine has a typical life of over 30 years and any real spares need is likely to be that far in the future, maybe better to stay with a well established brand that will enhance the value of the boat to a future buyer.

 

[BabaYaga]

Is it easy to get spares around the world?

If this is an important requirement, my guess is that Volvo or Yanmar would be a better choice.
Just as one example from outside UK:
I repowered with a Beta 15 years ago (bit odd living in Volvo-land) and was always aware that I would have to be my own stockist of the most frequently needed spare parts, such as filters, anodes, o-rings etc.
You should not expect to be able to buy Beta spare parts over the counter anywhere here, unless at the local Beta distributer. There is a web shop, but I’m not sure how to use it if you came here as a visiting yachtsman.

 

[DownWest]

I doubt that Beta make much of the stuff that you need to change at service. Just need to ID the bits.
Vetus also Kubota base units, so that might help as well.
Had a Vetus 16 hydraulic lock at only ten or so hours (finger trouble by the owner) Quick strip showed a bent rod only. Sourced that from Kubota and back in service.

 

[Daydream believer]

The 35HP Beta in my launch runs quite well once I increase the revs above 1700 RPM but shakes badly at lower revs . When not in gear I always run at higher revs just for comfort. I use the launch for towing mooring tackle to position in the river & the engine can begin to overheat if run at full revs for more than 30 mins when towing a load against the tide.
My Volvo Md 2020 has circa 5000 hours on it & I have justhad the injectors changed & adjusted the tappets for the first time since new. Runs like a sewing machine & is very quiet. Third exhaust elbow & had 2 glow relays, 2 alternator overhauls & a broken engine mount. That is it in 18 years.

 

[NorthUp]

The 35HP Beta in my launch runs quite well once I increase the revs above 1700 RPM but shakes badly at lower revs . When not in gear I always run at higher revs just for comfort. I use the launch for towing mooring tackle to position in the river & the engine can begin to overheat if run at full revs for more than 30 mins when towing a load against the tide.
My Volvo Md 2020 has circa 5000 hours on it & I have justhad the injectors changed & adjusted the tappets for the first time since new. Runs like a sewing machine & is very quiet. Third exhaust elbow & had 2 glow relays, 2 alternator overhauls & a broken engine mount. That is it in 18 years.

Thats not a poor Beta engine, thats symptoms of a poor installation.

 

[jwilson]

If it helps your decision any, I have a Volvo in mine and dream of having a Beta in it someday.

And I have a high hours Yanmar 3YM and if it ever died (rather than just needed some new expensive part) I would be very seriously tempted by a Beta or a Nanni (both Kubotas) even though a new Yanmar 3YM might actually cost slightly less fitted as all mountings would be unchanged. Old engines of any make obviously have all sorts of problems, but new small Volvos also have some history of very common problems with the "black box" electronics.

 

[pvb]

... but new small Volvos also have some history of very common problems with the "black box" electronics.

As far as I'm aware, the MDI problem only affected a limited number of engines. My 2014 D1-30 hasn't missed a beat in 7 years.

 

[jwfrary]

I doubt that Beta make much of the stuff that you need to change at service. Just need to ID the bits.
Vetus also Kubota base units, so that might help as well.
Had a Vetus 16 hydraulic lock at only ten or so hours (finger trouble by the owner) Quick strip showed a bent rod only. Sourced that from Kubota and back in service.

Vetus generally are a Mitsubishi base.

 

[jwfrary]

Beta are good engines, there isn't an awful lot that's specialist to them, everything's long lived assuming its looked after properly.

The gearbox I would always go for the PRM hydralic option if theres one availible for the engine.

To be honest theres not much to choose between the Volvo beta or yanmar, it's the dealer your working with and the space your trying to fit it in that makes the difference

Nanni are also well packaged for a kubota based alternative.

 

[DownWest]

Vetus generally are a Mitsubishi base.

This was a while back, 2002?

 

[jwfrary]

The m line are Mitsubishi, the larger ones are deutz.

I just had a look at the pics on the website, the oil filter position gives it away