James, I bought a new one for much less than that on Ebay. I see there are a number for sale there now, though did not check the model numbers. My yard painted and installed it and it works fine.
Don Ringsmuth
Selkie 30U 425
Traverse City, MI
I replaced mine last year. I think the part was about a boat dollar.
I ordered mine from a Westerbeke dealer in Charleston SC
Is right in your neighborhood
They are everything Westerbeke
They are expensive
BUT
They are honest and extremely qualified
I’ve had a westerbeke since 1989 in my cal 34 and now in my U30.
They have rebuilt a lift pump and tranny for me.
They would have come to my boat in Noank CT
BUT
I was totally disgusted with my yard and just wanted it out of there.
So I pulled it and they picked it up.
They also had great tips
I sailed until Dec 1st when I was younger and they taught me how to start the Beast
I’ve never had problems since.
They have supplied any number of parts over the years.
Just last month I lost my heat exchanger and spoke with them.
New Westerbeke ex $1,200
New aftermarket ex $800
Tubes and gaskets reasonable
Advice and service “Priceless”
I went to https://www.mrcool.us/ for the part $500
BUT
Hansen will be my first stop for advice and all those other parts that you can not get anywhere else
Sometimes the search is just not worth it
As Joe Mentioned get it rebuilt at an auto electric shop. for couple the cost of tax on so called "westerbeke " starters . If they can’t for some reason rebuilt it they can sell you a new one for 1/3 the cost of westerbeke.
Starters, alternators, lift pumps heat exchangers, anodes fan belts, oil filters and hoses are all aftermarket parts , never buy them from the pirates at Westerbeke. Engine parts are either Mitsubishi or Perkins…
I needed new washers for the valve cover… Westerbeker $125 each. Mitsubishi. 12 cents…