Beta auxiliary diesel power

[John Hutchison]

Anyone have experience with Beta marine diesels? I'm considering one for my 6000# displacement sloop currently w/o an auxiliary. Whats the best source of info and supply to help design and complete the job?

Any advice appreciated.

[mwybo]

I just purchased the 28hp model and will install it this spring. I looked closely at Yanmar, Westerbeke, Nanni, and Phasor. The Beta seemed to be the most well thought out in terms of having everything easily accessible and maintainable. It also had the best price and the dealer has been more than generous with his time in helping me choose the right model and giving me advice. The Nanni and the Phasor are the same Kubota block as the Beta 28.

So no running experience but the research I did clearly pointed to the Beta.

Mike

[sv Lorelei]

On the very early engines there was some anecdotal suggestion of overheating problems under prolonged high loads, but I think that was resolved very quickly. I've heard nothing but good things about them. A friend of mine replaced a yanmar with a Beta on his 31 foot sloop several years ago and liked it so much he became a dealer for them!

[Mike Keers]

Tim,
I have put Mr. Hutchison in contact with 'the owner of the 31 foot sloop' you mention. And I'm the guy that ended up with the YawnMore we yanked out of that same boat, as you know!

[sv Lorelei]

Thanks Mike, didn't have Steve's info handy or would have done the same myself. How's the Puffin coming along? I'm just about done with my skiff project (pics in the spring when I can do the last bit of epoxying and finish the sails...in she goes) and I've started laminating ribs for Tally Ho Major (otherwise known as Tim's Last Big Stupid Project).

[windmill4048]

I have a Beta 20 hp in a small powerboat. No problems after about 100 hours.

The dealer has been great. I second the comments about how well thought out the motor and its auxilaries are. Haven't barked a knuckle yet.