For anyone who is replacing a Westerbeke 52 or maybe any Westerbeke engine, be aware that the “replacement” may not really be a replacement and may not fit the way the old engine fit. Mine was not a dropping. We had to do a lot of extra work to replace the 52 with a 55D. The engine was actually backwards from the original engine so the boatyard had to buy lots of extra parts to get it to fit properly. And we had to replace the wet exhaust. The boatyard was really very nice and kept to the price they quoted for a drop in.
Also, Westerbeke operates on a local, regional and manufacturer basis. You put the order in with the local dealer who communicates with the Regional person who puts the order in with the headquarters in Massachusetts. Some place along the way, the fact that the 52 was a V drive never made it to the headquarters. I was in the boatyard office when the order was placed and I know a V drive was ordered. We got notice that the engine was ready to ship (5 or 6 months after being ordered) and I had an inkling that they would send a straight drive. I called headquarters and that was the case.Another delay. Westerbeke added a couple of thousand dollars to the price and held the instrument package for ransom until I paid the extra. Point is after you order a Westerbeke or any of the other engines now sold by them, check with headquarters in Massachusetts to be sure the order is correct. Also order the remote oil filter kit. It makes oil changes MUCH easier.
Phil LeVine, MeSays, San Pedro, California, Nonsuch 36#3
This spring I replaced a Westerbeke with a Beta 20. The order process went well (Beta Canada) as did the installation. There was project creep. Larger through hull to match the engine, sea strainer (missing before) new shaft, ( the original was short) dripless seal, cutlass bearing, and finally a Variprop to match the engine. I am vey happy with the result. The total cost is a closely guarded secret.
Mike Darlington
Tiroc 26C
Whitby Ontario