repower options

[doctom]

So we pulled out the old volvo penta 2003 and are biting the bullet for a new engine. the old one worked okay but was showing its age and beginning to smoke a little (not bad for 20 years of abuse and neglect by PO). I have a large engine compartment with a very large hatch opening on top so I dont think I am obligated to replace the 2003 with the newer D1-30 as I am also considering a new prop as well. I looked at Kubota, Westerbeke and Yanmar and for the similar engines they have similar prices. Does anyone have any firm reasons for one over another? I mean I know I like Coke and not Pepsi, but I am hoping to have a stronger reason for just going ahead and getting another Volvo.
Thanks in advance...and please let me know if anyone is interested in a used 3 cyl diesel...lol.
Mike

[Freesail99]

I know within the past year, this has been talked about a few times. Did you do a search here on sailnet ? If not, please do, there is lots to read.

[teshannon]

Free is right, this has been discussed a good bit on prior threads. I don't know about the Kubota but the Yanmar is lighter and smaller than the Westerbeke. Availability of parts is another issue depending on where you sail. I know Yanmar parts are available in many places but don't know about the others. The search should help a lot.

[JohnRPollard]

The chronic complaint heard here on Sailnet is that the Volvo parts are astronomically priced.

Yanmar makes a good engine, with reasonable but nevertheless "marine" prices for spares.

I would suggest that you compare the value of the Betamarine engines (marinized Kubato). You can get spare parts for them very cheaply at the tractor shops. The BD722 is a nice engine, as is the BD-902.

Many re-powering threads here on Sailnet. Here's one where a few of us discussed different options and their advantages: Repowering

To save you some time, here are my comments about the Beta engine from that thread:

Originally Posted by JohnRPollard

Northeaster,

I got a price of $6800 for the BD722 when I inquired with Beta a month or two ago. That's not a whole lot less than your Yanmar 3YM20 price. But you'd have to study the specs to see what the respective prices include. For instance, the Beta price includes a new transmission, motor mounts, control panel, a PTO, etc.

Off the top of my head, some differences that I recall are that the Betas have built-in oil change pumps, shallow sump options, and glow plugs. Also, the Beta raw water pump is cam driven off the engine, so there is only a single belt (for the alternator and fresh water pump).

Another consideration is that the Betas are based on the ubiquitous Kubota tractor engines, so the replacement parts tend to be cheaper and more readily available than Yanmar.

[dhornsey]

I've just gone through this same decision process. In many cases there is very little difference between the choices out there. We ended up choosing Beta. The clincher for us is that Beta will manufacture custom engine mounts to fit your existing bed. Avoiding the possibly messy job of replacing your fiberglass engine stringers. Maybe others do this also?

[Rockter]

I have always liked the look of the Kubota (aka Beta).

I have a Volvo MD17c... a good unit, but I would not buy another Volvo. The spare parts prices really are crazy.

Beware though, I suspect that the Beta will turn the prop the other way from the Volvo, so you'll probably need a new prop, if only for that reason.

[chucklesR]

I love my WB 30b simply because it has an electric fuel pump and is self priming. Parts are available cheaper because it's just a marinized version of tractor engine.

[whatugonnado]

I repowered my Nonsuch with a Volvo D1-30. I really liked the Beta engine however, I have a saildrive and the gear ratio with the beta to my rebuilt saildrve would not work. The Volvo with a new saildrive was $1,000 more than the Beta engine by itself and with an adapter kit from Volvo, fit the old saildrive bed exactly. I sold the old saildrive for $1,000 so I broke even. The volvo does come standard with a 115 amp alternator the beta comes with a 40 amp and the 100 amp option costs an additional $600. The Volvo is also a marinized Jap block. The raw water pump on the Volvo is in the front and there is a separate tube to pump out the oil. I just attach my electric oil change pump to it.

[hellosailor]

Personally I don't like companies that disrespect their own products. WB slaps red paint over the entire assembled engine (last time I checked) including the rubber hoses--which every rubber part maker will tell you, is going to cause them to fail prematurely. What else are they doing wrong, where I can't see it?

And, they are prime manufacturers of nothing, they contract out to the low bid and then assemble a "marinized" engine, AFAIK. I'd rather go Kubota/Beta as price leaders, or Yanmar as "the" name--despite their parts prices.