I have decided to repower and have 99% decided on a Beta 38. I have had the injectors & pump rebuilt and some other items and still it wasn't running to my liking. I couldn't resolve the increase fuel consumption issue, plus the hard starts (even on warm days), and several other minor but irritating issues such as the rear oil leak. After pulling the engine to do a mini overhaul, pricing parts and the time I would have to devote to the repairs, it just doesn't seem worth it anymore.
If we're ever going to go offshore I would not feel comfortable with the old Westerbeake, so since the engine is out, we'll just wait until we can afford a new one, which will hopefully be this fall at the boat show. Stanley at Beta seems pretty familiar with re powering our boats, and the Beta also seems to have the best fit from what I have read here and elsewhere. I would also consider a Yanmar but from what I understand, the install is far more complicated in regards to the engine bed and exhaust mods needed.
BTW...anyone looking for W50 parts, contact me as I think I may start to piece it out. The rebuilt injectors and injector pump have very little hours on them, the glow plugs all work, plus I have two heat exchangers (one spare).