Beta or Westerbeke for repower?

[Island Time O25]

A good friend is a retired diesel mechanic with 50+years of experience. When he mentions Westerbeke it's usually preceded by an expletive. Says they are the worst of the worst from mechanic's POV. Use a bunch of different base engines, disguise the makes and models, use hodge podge approach to add-ons, gouge on parts, etc.

I'm happy with my original Universal 5432 but if I had to re-power no question I'd go with Beta 38. Hands down over other choices, with their electronic doodahs giving up the ghost in just few years of salty environment.

[abroadreachtrvl]

We installed a Beta 20 in our previous Alberg 30 and a Beta 38 in our Tartan 37. Have no complaints with either, Beta USA was great in resolving minor warranty issues (oil leak) and ordering spares.

If you are planning to self-install Beta was the only one (in 2020) that didn't require a dealer to install or verify installation before activating the warranty.