It appears that a major failure in Purrfection’s Westerbeke 27A will require a new engine replacement. I have quotes on a Beta 25, a Beta 30 and a Yanmar 3YM30. Looking for advice, suggestions, alternatives, etc. BTW: I do not believe that electrification is appropriate, given our use of the boat (California Delta, often for a couple of nights on the hook) and my (lack of) experience in such major mechanical projects.
Thanks for your comments.
Dana Badley
Purrfection #385 Ultra
Stockton CA
Good afternoon
For what it is worth, I replaced the original Volvo MD11C in my 30C with a Beta 30.
A major advantage was that after providing Beta with the measurements of the original engine bed, they build the ‘feet’ of the engine to fit.
There was no need to make any significant modifications to the original bed. I think we had to drill and tap one hole on each side of the bed to accommodate the mounting bolts.
I have been very pleased with the performance of the engine and support from Beta Marine,
My 30 has the sail drive and I replaced that at the same time.
David
Spray 1981 30 C #93
South Dartmouth and Westport Point, Ma
At the Canadian Boat Show at Toronto, the Beta salesman said that they had a drop in replacement for the Nonsuch 30 boats. Beta is very highly regarded in Ontario.
Ps. Just for interest sake, what was the major failure?
Cheers
Brian McCuaig. NS30u
Whitby, Ontario
“Having a yacht is reason for being more cheerful than most." -Kurt Vonnegut
Beta engines are the go-to for VERY heavy and long steel narrowboats on the British canals. I have never heard one complaint about a Beta engine (but I’ve heard plenty of kvetching when it comes to Westerbeke).
Ernie A. in Toronto
It appears to be a cracked head, along with other peripheral damage. At least $3,000 (US) just for one of the damaged parts. Seems like a lot to spend just to end up with a thirty year old engine. Sigh.
It may be worth looking at parts for the Mitsubishi KE150 engine. Westerbeke has a bad rep for multiplying the price of other manufacturer's parts.
If this company knows what they are talking about the 27 is a KE 150. They were used in garden tractor types of installations and as long as the parts aren’t “marine conversion” items like exhaust manifolds they are Mitsubishi.
Paul M
NS30U #211, Sandpiper
Cowichan Bay B.C.
Get a quote from a non marine rebuilder. Tell them it's a Mitsubshi. Rebuild makes sense if the cost is under 5K and the annual hours are less than 100.
Diesel rebuilders do hundreds of engines the local marine shop a couple of dozen..
