A NEW DIESEL ENGINE

[vindo40]

I'm ready to buy my new diesel engine and my options are:

- 3YM30 from Yanmar (30HP)
- BD722 from Beta Marine (20HP)
- M3.09 from Vetus (25HP)

Not taking into consideration the price deferences is there any other thing about like tecnical support, quality, part ability world wide.... that I shuold pay attention to before my purchase?
Any comment is welcome.

Thanks

[LazyGuy]

Why no the Beta Marine BD1005? It is 28 HP which is between the other two. Is this a list of used diesels and those are your options?

I just went through the diesel selection process on a false alarm (Thankfully I did not need to replace it) anyway... I spoke with two mechanics neither one likes the new Yanmars. They love the old ones but hate the new ones. Beta is what everyone appears to be going with. They are smaller, quieter and as reliable as any other. Anything that needs to be replaced is on the front, including the water pump. I think Beta is the only way to go. What size engine are you replacing?

Cheers
Dennis

[Tim]

My own experience with Yanmar has been excellent. My 2GM20F is extremely reliable, efficient, and just plain great. Parts are expensive, but there are Yanmar dealers all over, and plenty of easy online parts availability. I'd be hard pressed to find a reason not to buy another Yanmar when the time comes.

Beta Marine engines have a growing following and, so far anyway, a good reputation. Since they're based on Kubota tractor engines, parts can typically be found easily and locally, and at farm prices. I don't have a lot of direct experience with these, but will be installing one in another boat in a couple months.

My only experience with Vetus diesel has been an M2.06. It was a fine engine, but definitely "rougher" in character (sound, etc.) than the Yanmars. But I don't see any reason to really fault it, either. It was a lot less expensive than the Yanmar. The M2.06 was based on a Mitsubishi block; I don't know about the M3.09.

[Tim]

I spoke with two mechanics neither one likes the new Yanmars. They love the old ones but hate the new ones.

Could you expand on this? Did they tell you their reasons for disliking the new engines? Was it a serviceability/access issue, or some other core issue with the new engines? There must be some specific reasons.

[LazyGuy]

One said that they took a step backwards on the serviceability. He blamed it on a statement where Yanmar was moving ahead with the larger engines. He figured that by staying silent on the small engines that they were leaving them alone but he was wrong. The water pump on the new model HM vs GM I think (I will check and re-post) is less accessible than it was and you practically have to stand on your head to replace the filters.

The other said that the quality was no longer there. He is the type that will take half the engine apart, locktite the threads and put them all back just so you can get them off 4 years from now. The second also made the comments on the filters but added that they have remote kits. He also did not like the relocation of the water pump.

From the way they both spoke, I am sure there was more that they were not explaining. Dale said that he would not sell one of the new ones unless the customer specifically said that he wanted a Yanmar.

[vindo40]

The engine my boat had before was a Universal 15 HP with 2 cylinders... very weak !!! for this full keel baby. Another major problem is that we need more space for a much bigger one. I'm going to buy a brand new one in October.
I heard that Yanmars location is difficult for maintenance, because it's a "local" company I'm thinking twice.
My biggest fear is reability and support post sale.

[Tim]

One said that they took a step backwards on the serviceability. He blamed it on a statement where Yanmar was moving ahead with the larger engines. He figured that by staying silent on the small engines that they were leaving them alone but he was wrong. The water pump on the new model HM vs GM I think (I will check and re-post) is less accessible than it was and you practically have to stand on your head to replace the filters.

The other said that the quality was no longer there. He is the type that will take half the engine apart, locktite the threads and put them all back just so you can get them off 4 years from now. The second also made the comments on the filters but added that they have remote kits. He also did not like the relocation of the water pump.

From the way they both spoke, I am sure there was more that they were not explaining. Dale said that he would not sell one of the new ones unless the customer specifically said that he wanted a Yanmar.

Thanks for the additional info--all stuff to throw into the mix next time I need to look for a new diesel.

[jollyboat]

Vindo - where is your "old engine" now?

[vindo40]

Brian,
I traded it a time ago.

Miguel

[jollyboat]

Oh, that is good - I asked in that I very much like twins. Was it gas or diesel?