Beta Auxiliary engine

[swimnfit]

I am looking at a boat that has recently had a Beta Marine Diesel engine installed. I know of Universal, Yanmar etc. But have not heard of Beta. Does anybody have any insight into this engine and are they any good?

[seabreeze_97]

Beta uses Kubota engines.

[sailingdog]

Beta makes a very good marine diesel based on various Kubota diesel blocks. Designed for ease of maintenance and reliability.

[Rockter]

They are Kubota-based, and a damn good motor. They cannot, nor do they try to, rip you off for spare parts as the motors are often found in fork-lifts, and other uses. I have checked some of the spare parts prices, and although not cheap, they are not a rip-off.

http://www.betamarine.co.uk/newsite/...038%20S_ds.pdf

They are quite high-revving, so there won't be much of a "chugg-chugg" to them. They have the usual Japanese quality. They have a cast-iron block and heads. They are not that heavy either.

On this motor, it looks like the gearbox is air-cooled, and so doesn't need plumbed into the coolant feed. Others are liquid cooled. It looks like the 'box can be removed easily too.

They say that the canshaft is gear-driven, so you won't have to suffer the uncertainties of toothed cam drive belts.

I know one guy that has one and speaks highly of it.

The 38 hp Kubota will be my next motor. My own motor is a good one.... the cast-iron block 35 hp Volvo MD17C.... but the spare parts prices have been descrided by one as "lunatic". I have noticed.

I have no latent or formal interest in Beta Marine or Kubota.
.

[noelex77]

Yes Beta engines widely regarded are good. Spares are reasonably cheap and I believe they supply part numbers so you can order non marine parts.
If I was looking for a second hand boat my fist choice would be Yanmar second Beta then the rest.

[JohnRPollard]

I'd consider a new, properly installed Betamarine engine a major plus. No hesitation on that account.

[Valiente]

If I ever live long enough to outlast my rebuilt Atomic 4, I would choose the Betamarine "drop in" in a heartbeat. Their design with all "replaceables" within easy access is a big plus, as is their "tractor parts" heritage.

[Dick Pluta]

I have a Beta genset and, after a few teething issues, it has been a solid, reliable unit. As has been noted, it's a Kubota engine and I have been able to find parts in the Bahamas, which says a lot.

Dick Pluta
AEGEA
Islander Freeport 41
Nassau Bahamas

[capn_dave]

The only parts you would have to buy from Beta are the heat exchanger parts. The end O rings etc. All the other engine parts can be purchased from any Kubota dealer.
Kubota tractor dealers are all over the world. It's really one of the easiest engines to get parts for and at reasonable cost. My injector pump went out in Bocas Del Toro and had it repaired in one day for 75.00 U.S.
Fair Winds
Cap'n Dave

[Rockter]

The motor is tough too. I know of one that was thrashed day after day as a wee cement mixer, and still it runs, and runs.