Westerbeke – Whats it like in Eur, Med, Pacific and Aus?

[Islandmike]

Im sorry I spelled it wrong, it is Hansen Marine Marblehead MA sorry for any confusion.

[Alan Wheeler]

Service is one key issue for Mark. But can anyone tell him about the reliability and such of their Westerbeke. Thanks for your experiance Gunner.

[GordMay]

Originally Posted by MarkJ

... What is parts availability and service like outside USA?...
... What is it like in Europe etc?
Mark

Contact and ask some of the listed European Distributors.
If you want a personal reference, you might specify a location, or country.
You might also explain, to us, the urgency of your query.
Westerbekes are generally reliable, as far as marine engines go.

[Islandmike]

At this point I am very happy with my Westerbeke if you want to know anything specfic ask away. At this point it has performed up to or exceded expectations..My engine has the same block as the much larger 90 something horses. It operates at only 2400 while the rest of the Westerbekes are all rated for 3000-3600RPM. It is quiet and smooth, I only have to run it 1800rpm to push my 27000 lb sailboat to hull speed in calm water. Fuel use is excellent.

[Inlet Marine Services]

Depending on the size dont forget Universal, Westerbeke owns universal. The only real difference is the engine, Westerbeke is still using Kobota on the Universal and a Jap motor on the smaller Westerbeke and Isuzu on the larger Westerbeke. The motors that are being used now are much different then the past, they have used perkins and Leland so when asking dependability ask specific model. As a dealer for Westerbeke, Universal and Yanmar the parts are less expensive for Yanmar.

[Steve Pope]

You need to know which engine the Westerbeke 64A is based upon, (probablyMitsubishi) once you know that you should be able to get engine spare parts from any major stopping point (port) as the motor will be used in all sorts of other applications from saw mills to diggers and generators. In out of the way places in the Islands you will have to rely on your own supply of basic spares, ie filters, alternator belts, water pump impellors, Zinc pencils for the water cooling etc. etc. Westerbeke parts would be available direct from Westerbeke or any of the distributors listed on their web site. Don't get too anal about it, you are starting with a new engine so with good maintenance, oil changes sooner rather than later, new 'o' rings fitted with every filter change you should not have any insurmountable problems. Most Westerbeke / Universal engines have come to NZ on American yachts and havn't found their way back to the US often being replaced while preparing to go North again after the Cyclone season and often ending up in a kiwi yacht. Mostly perkins 4107 and 4108 but other derivatives as well. I havn't come up with a Westerbeke agent here, but some of the other kiwis that post to the forum may have a better idea.

[Steve Pope]

On the NZ grapevine Yanmar's are considered to be very expensive to overhaul, may be from local markup though. I havn't had first hand experience. I do know that the NZ agent is very tough on approving an installation for guarantee purposes, If an engine cannot reach full revs under load (-200rpm) the won't accept it.

[MarkJ]

Thanks everyone.

Just had an unexpected oportunity to buy a boat with one when have not had it as an option before. Have needed to move fast in the last few days so its been difficult.

Thanks


Mark

[irwinsailor]

Just for information, I have a Westerbeke 90Afour and it is built on a Mazda engine. As I understand it this engine is used all over Europe and Asia. It is not common in the USA.

[Steve Pope]

Mazda equates to Ford which think = Iseki??

[Pblais]

I have a Westerbeke 64 too. They are a nice engine and you can get parts for them still. It's a common engine that isn't too special. Most problems you might have can be fixed by a basically good mechanic.

[Alan Wheeler]

On the NZ grapevine Yanmar's are considered to be very expensive to overhaul,

All the modern Marine engines are expensive for parts. Ask Marauder about his wee 10Hp Bukh. The price for parts is beyond belief. Then there are Volvo spares. That is an absolute killer. It darn near costs you just to look at a volvo, let alone take a spanner out in front of it. When compared to some, Yanmar are not so bad. When it comes to the fact that they are all basic Diesel engines, they are shockingly expensive.

[Islandmike]

Paul,

I have only 55 hrs on my 64A, anything I should be watching for on the engine? Up til now it has performed flawlessly, of course 55 hrs is not much.

[Pblais]

Mine has over 3500 hours but we didn't put more than about 80 on it so far. I wouldn't say there is anything special but of course it's a diesel subject to the normal stuff. Westebekes will run at lower rpm better than a lot of engines without glazing. It's maybe one of it's better attributes. Mine starts easy enough after a good glow and runs rough for about a minute before it settles in and hums along. The wet exhaust is out the side instead of the rear on this boat so you do see what is coming out better. I initially thought it would smell more but after it starts it's fine. The side exhaust makes a shorter run.

This 64 is a bit overboard for this boat but Gozzard tends to do that so it can rev a little bit slower and quieter. On flat water it does better than the water line theoretical hull speed if you take up near the top end. Any issues so far are not related to the engine itself but more the parts attached to it plus a fuel problem that was due to the boat sitting for a long time before we purchased it. It's a 1991 boat so the issues I have are mostly age things. The engine was cared for pretty well over the years.

If you have not done so I would change out all the fluids in the engine and tranny. They usually want you to do that after a very short break in period. Then get about with normal service schedules.

[Islandmike]

Thanks Paul, I researched all the engines before I purchased, and one of the things I liked best about the 64 was the lower RPMs. Hopefully it continues to run well, thanks again.