Which small diesel inboard?

Generally speaking diesels that are direct injection do not have glow plugs as they are easy to start but tend to be noisey,indirect injection engines are harder to start but have less diesel "knock" so tend to have some form of cold start like glow plugs.So if it has glow plugs and you have no power the chances are you will not beable to start it by hand anyway,whitch is probably why manufactures did away with them ,and to save a few pounds.
 
I had a Beta 13.5 fitted to my Invicta 26 over two seasons ago. It has never failed to start at the first turn of the key, even after 6 month's layup.

Its dead simple to service, uses no oil and very economical. It is also quiet and vibration free, running like a sewing machine. Haven't needed any spares but understand that Kubota tractor spares are much cheaper than from marine suppliers.

Their service and helpfulness is outstanding. I 'phoned yesterday afternoon for a replacement sacrificial anode (this is solely a marinisation part) and it arrived this morning! Beat that!

It has only given me one problem. At over 6 knots as the stern dips the outlets of my cockpit drains through the transom are submerged and I had to fit a pair of dinghy bailers over the end to stop the cockpit getting awash. That solved the problem.

Yes it has glow plugs so a hand start would be superfluous as no battery, no start.

As I don't use it for long if there is wind about so I had the bigger alternator (optional extra) fitted which charges my starter battery and domestic batteries in no time.

As far as mountings are concerned, they will fit mountings to match the position of your old engine mounts. Talk to them about that. Now that the fuel filter has been moved from the starboard side to the front everything is easily accessible.

For your boat I would suggest that the 10hp model would be ample. It is the same as the 13.5 but less highly tuned. With experience I think it would have sufficed for my boat.

It gives me complete peace of mind.

Go for it!

Bob
 
Handstarting.

I've never actually owned a boat with handstarting, and never had the need to use it in those boats which did have it. I believe it's a nice safety backup and certainly appeals, but then again, not having it saves on the need for a huge flywheel.
I've also fund that ruuning low on power is usually caused by slack "power hygiene" and inattention to battery charging. I like to have other sources of lighting like sailing at night with small hurricane lamps as saloon lighting, etc., saving most of my battery for the masthead.

But I think the reason manufacturers are moving away from handstarting is simple: less chance of serious injury to arm elbow and knuckles from kickback, and less chance these days of a manufacturer getting sued!

Ah, joys of modern life!

Mac /forums/images/graemlins/wink.gif
 
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