I thought I would start a thread to document the installation of our new Beta 38. The Westerbeke 50 it’s replacing has been an interesting learning experience (my first diesel). It had several issues that couldn’t seem to be resolved. Anyway, I am very excited get this project going, especially since the boat has been on the hard for two years awaiting an engine.
First, a brief explanation why I chose the Beta 38… Initially in my research I considered Westerbeke, Yanmar, and Nanni...it came down to Nanni & Beta by the time I got to the Annapolis Boat Show. As far as I know, all but the Yanmar are marinized engines, the Yanmar is purpose built. I don’t know how much of a factor this is? I couldn’t find anything other than sales talk why a purpose built was an asset, in fact it could be considered a liability?
http://www.betamarinenc.com/index.php/engines/?next=19 • I found that the marinization of it is well thought out and executed. No more having to remove the entire water pump just to change a impeller or scraping my arms up and spilling oil in the bilge changing a horizontally mounted oil filter. It even has a built in oil change pump.
• It’s based on a Kubota block; therefore those parts are readily available from any Kubota dealer/distributor (Nanni is also a Kubota block). I have been told that Betas international network has grown a lot in the last few years, not really a factor for us since we don’t plan to do any international travels anytime soon, being able to gets parts in Indonesia wasn’t a concern
• With the custom machined feet, I should not need to do any bed modifications. Of course this is yet to be determined. The local Beta rep, Stanley at Beta, and I checked the measurements so I am pretty confident
• The Beta 38 (& Nanni) is a 4 cylinder, the Yanmar is a 3. The Beta should be quieter & less vibration. Beta also uses an enlarged flywheel = smoother/quieter operation.
• I never heard anything bad about Beta, in fact I have to give a nod to forum member and much respected sailing forum contributor “Maine Sail” on his personal recommendation for the brand. This may sound trivial, but if he recommends it, I’m probably going to listen!
• And perhaps more than anything, Stanley at Beta USA, East Coast distributor. He has been very responsive from the first inquiry; he genuinely cares about his customers, and has been exceptional in his after sales assistance. He went out of way (literally) to answer my questions and help with the initial measurements for the custom engine feet.