Need to by new diesel inboard, what one?

[TrailerCruiser]

I'm moved up to a Hylas 44 that needs an engine. This boat currently has a westerbeke V70. I'm considering either putting in a Yanmar or Beta engine the 44. I'm close to buying one of these brands for my newly purchased 1984 Hylas 44 hull #3, which currently has a 20 inch maxprop. I want to make sure I make the right choice on manufacture and horse power. I want to make sure I buy the right engine that works with that my existing prop and still provides me the power I need to push the boat along at hull speed with a little extra power to burn just in case I need it for a short term purpose. I'm considering two different engine manufactures, as well as two different Horse Powers (HPs). Looking for advice as to best option between these 4 engines:

Yanmar 80 HP
Yanmar 57 HP
BETA 75HP
BETA 60 HP

Questions I have:
1) Are the Yanmar 57 HP or BETA 60 HP models just to small, and will not give me that little extra HP just in case? Or are the Beta 75 and Yanmar 80 really what I need to have some reserve horse power?
2) What about the different between the Turbo Charge Yanmar aspiration, verses the BETA Normal aspiration? Is one technology better than the other?
3) How world wide can I get Yanmar parts verses than BETA parts? is one manufacture easier to get in an out of the way place for the world traveler.
4) Last question. Would the Yanmar, or BETA be easier to work on yourself? The Yanmar looks a lot more complicated and reminds me more like the new automatives with all there electronic gizmos. Whereas the BETA engine looks old school, more like my old 1970 pickup truck engine, with no frills.

[skipmac]

Beta.

Have not heard of a single unhappy Beta customer. Based on Kubota tractor engines so the non marine parts are available cheaply, world wide.

Designed for easy access and maintenance. Great customer service.

Heard too many stories about Yanmar parts prices, restrictions on parts access except through your local dealer, etc.

[donradcliffe]

I think you've answered your own question on the brand.

With a 20 inch diameter prop, anything over 60 hp is wasted. The original engine was probably 55 hp. You will probably get about 8 knots with a clean bottom and full throttle in flat water, but you will be burning 3 gal/hr to do it.

[Island Time O25]

Agree with the above. Also my friend who is a diesel mechanic with 40+ years of experience says new generation of Yanmars, being lighter built and more electronically dependent, are less reliable and more expensive to repair than their old work horses. He says only Volvo is worse in its customer service and parts prices/policies. On the other hand Beta is very user friendly and easier to service DIY, not to mention the owners' ability to get parts cheaper from local Kubota tractor dealers.

[robert sailor]

Just installed a new Beta 50 in our 42 ft mono, we love it but it was about $2500 more than a Yanmar or Volvo. I still prefered it though.

[denverd0n]

Originally Posted by donradcliffe

With a 20 inch diameter prop, anything over 60 hp is wasted.

This. Your displacement is less than 23,000 lbs. A 30hp motor would get the boat up to hull speed in calm water. 50hp will be plenty for punching into wind and waves. And, as above, anything over 60hp is just extra weight, cost, and fuel consumption for no measurable benefit.

Personally, I would go with a Beta 50.

[SteveSails]

I put a Beta 43 in my F&C 44 ketch in 2009, over 1K hrs without a problem, one of the best things I did. Very easy engine to service. I think for a Hylas 44 between 50-60hp would be more than adequate. Talk to Stanley at Beta Marine in NC, he will give you the right advice.

[vtomanov]

try this guys if you care about price - quality is quite good also

Marine diesel engine supplier for inboard marine diesel engines for boats

[hamburking]

Get the BETA.

I love yanmar, but turbochargers are just another level of complexity and trouble. IMHO on a boat you want simple, reliable, and easy to work on. Thats BETA.

As for HP...I would go lower. The limiting factor for power is not the engine, its the prop and transmission. IMHO its very rare to actually be able to use anything close to the rated HP. By going lower you should have a lighter/smaller engine, running at higher efficiency and lower fuel consumption.

[tdoster]

I love my Yanmar, but would probably go Beta on repower.

Both will run a very long time well maintained. Key is the expense and ease to maintain. Yanmar you have to go through the Dealer network, Beta will even tell you that you can go with them or Kubota for parts non-marine engine parts.

[Hylas 49 Hope]

Lots of good press for the Beta. We have a 75 hp yanmar. Seem to push the boat around just fine. Our yanmar starts immediately even if not started for a number of months. I have no complaints on the yanmar, but have not owned our boat too long so far.

[Capt.andiamo]

I repowered with a Yanmar two years ago and love it. Starts every time.

[Stu Jackson]

Originally Posted by Hylas 49 Hope

Our yanmar starts immediately even if not started for a number of months. .

Originally Posted by Capt.andiamo

I repowered with a Yanmar two years ago and love it. Starts every time.

Please help me understand this phenomenon:

Why are people seemingly surprised that their engine starts and is reliable?

Mine starts all the time, just like my cars do.

I would expect nothing less.

I read this often on boating forums. Once, at a friend's dock, preparing to leave, I started the engine, and my friend said: "Oh, that's cool, it started right away." I asked him, "Doesn't yours?" "Not all the time," he said.

I don't get it.

What's the deal here?

This, really, is a serious question, that I've been meaning to ask for quite some time, thanks.

[a64pilot]

I think it's just a way of saying it doesn't often break?
But some Diesels will lose prime if left to sit long periods, I know my Duramax will if I let the bleeder screw get just a tiny bit loose, it won't leak fuel but will lose prime if you let it sit for a few weeks.
Took a while to figure it out, never really did, but noticed loss of prime went away with a filter change


Sent from my iPad Pro using Cruisers Sailing Forum

[Capt.andiamo]

If you have never had an engine fail to start then you are very lucky. That is one of the reasons I replaced my Perkins with a Yanmar.