Universal, Westerbeke, or Beta

[Tylerdurden]

Getting ready to plunk down the hard earned cash on a motor for the Rescue Minor and I was hoping I could get some opinions.
I have narrowed it down to the threee manufacturers and to be honest I am leaning to either Universal or Westerbeke, Mainly because when at the Portland show I talked (or tried to) all of the above.
The salesman from Hansen was about the most responsive and helpful By a huge margin. I was in work clothes that day and truth of the matter is that If you don't look like there is a Lexus in the parking lot, A lot of these clowns just don't have the time for you. Of those the Beta guy was the worst . I am only looking at the Beta because most everyone I talk to hold them in high regard. My experience is with Detriot, Cat and MTU so I could use all the help I can get in deciding what Engine to go with. Thanks

[Ken Hutchins]

Beta is Kubota based so parts are available everywhere. I've gotten tractor rear axle parts overnight once when I had a breakdown while in a time restriction to get a job done. I've been beating the heck out of my Kubota tractor for 30 years without a single engine problem, so that's what went in my boat. Do you want a charming salesman or a dependable engine?

[Tylerdurden]

Answer is: Dependable engine.
I went in with no opinions, so I had to base it on something.
Gennerally I will be a loyal customer because of the service, not the cheap price or flashy salesman. That was just my first impression.
Shows are a tough market, I have been on both sides of the aisle and when I am selling I have found that those with the right questions not the right image are the qualified customers. I know I am not nuts about how I was treated by the Beta salesman because the man he shifted his attention to was so put off by the display, he walked away with me.

[paladin]

I would recommend the Beta....what size etc are you considering....drop me a private e-mail and I may be able to help you a bit.....

[Thad]

I appreciate the universal parts availability and parts price pitch for the Beta, and considered it, but bought the Westerbeke 12c because I am here in Marblehead, Hansen had the engine here, parts, service, advice, etc. all of which I am happy with. Works great.

[High C]

Some of the universal models are Kubota based also.