• Featured Engine, the 37.5HP Beta Marine BV1505
  
  

Joe, please feel free to forward this or any email we had on the engine installation discussions to potential customers who want to know how well it worked out for me.

I did the installation myself on the BV1505, 37.5 horsepower engine. I have read in European magazines about the popularity of Kubota engines marinized by Beta Marine, which are seemingly mainstreamed into production boats there.

The following criteria were used to select Beta Marine:

1. I needed a brand that was supported in the US.
2. A well engineered, modern engine design; light, compact, and quiet.
3. I liked the idea that the engine parts were available in many tractor and construction equipment dealers (all the Yacht club people I spoke with who are involved with the construction trades knew about Kubota).
4. If any thing did go wrong, the parts would be affordably priced... Not the case with all brands - Buyer beware.

My philosophy in business is that if you go with the popular brand (such as Yanmar) the company and its dealer won't work as hard to keep you happy as the aspiring brands. The other fact of life is that the larger orders get the attention. This proved to be very true in my case. I received far better support and timeshare for installation advice from Sound Marine Diesel than I ever would have hoped to get from a local Yanmar dealer, despite the distance. Add to this the fact that you are buying a $7-10K range engine, and some fisherman wants a 35-70K engine in the 250 and up HP range, guess who will get the attention? So, using a product and brand that specializes in the power range that you need has value as well.

If you are a capable do-it-yourselfer (as I thought I was until I measured my prop shaft short by 3 inches -oops) this type of support (email, phone) and accessibility to answers works wonders.

I would not call any repowering operation a simple and painless one. There are always some glitches. But getting answers prior to the next steps or just bouncing off ideas for 10 minutes on the phone helps a lot.

Finally, the engine: So far, can't really tell its Mean Time Between Failures, since it has run quite well. But observations are:

1. No problems, seems quite to expectations, out of the box.
2. I love to show my friends the nicely thought through features like the oil change pump and the serpentine belt, and the easy access for maintenance. Even the boat yard (a Yanmar dealer) liked it.
3. The boat (C&C 40 hull #60) is happier with this engine than the previous Westerbeke 30, for sure. It was, indeed, 10 HP less than the new engine, and it is nice to stay at 2K RPM in light air and achieve a good cruising speed.
4. The engine seems 20dB quieter than the old one at idle. We can hear each other in the cabin and the vibration energy transmitted to the hull is a LOT less.
5. The fuel consumption is a slight increase, given the higher power output.
6. The engine is 20% less weight and half the volume than my old W-30, and 50% more power (And I am therefore glad I repowered instead of rebuilding).
7. The engine design is quite well thought through. These British marinizers must have gone to US engineering schools!
8. Starts like a champ.
9. The stainless elbow is quite a nice feature.
10. The Iskra 100 amp alternator is delivering the specified output.
11. The engine temperature seems very stable at all power outputs.

That's about it. Good engine, good service, and Joe is simply a good dealer who helps out his customers and focuses on providing quality support and value to his customers, in a timely fashion. I got the time I needed to get the advice I needed.

I hope this helps anyone considering a Beta Marine engine or Sound Marine Diesel LLC.

Edwin Muth
Managing Director, Satellite Radio Products
Engineering Director, Multimedia Products
Media Connectivity Division
Agere Systems (a Semiconductor IC company)
Holmdel, NJ

Joseph DeMers sailed with me in November 2000 in the Caribbean 1500 Rally from Hampton, VA to Virgin Gorda. Joe is a natural sailor who can more than "hand, reef, and steer". He is knowledgeable about all aspects of the sea and sailing. He is the most thorough diesel mechanic that I have ever come across and he takes pride in his work. Joe was always on time for his watch, with a smile on his face. He is good humored and pleasant to be with.

Joseph will be a valuable and fun crew on any vessel. - Robert M. Glassman M.D.

Joe DeMers and crew delivered my Tartan 34-C from Noank, Connecticut to Amityville, New York two weeks ago. I would be happy to use them again for any delivery of my boat. Joe's sailing resume speaks for itself. It was his reassuring manner, obvious common sense, and conservative approach that made me comfortable to entrust him with my boat.

Joe is above all honest. He was open about his plans regarding the timing of this trip. He showed wisdom in delaying his departure to wait for the passing of a strong cold front. The trip itself involved intricate coastal navigation at the point of departure and during the inshore part of the boat's return home. Great South Bay is notoriously shallow and the marks are not intuitive. Joe and his crew had no difficutly.

The boat arrived in at least as good condition as it was before the trip. Joe went over the systems so thoroughly I feel as though I got a free survey with the deal! - Kai Sturmann, Tartan 34

This letter is to recommend Joe DeMers, the engineer during my most recent cruise. WESTWARD is a 125 foot schooner that carries a compliment of 10 professional crew and 25 college students offshore for 6 weeks.

Joe has a great deal of experience on this vessel, both underway and in shipyards. He's an excellent mechanic whose breath of knowledge is quite diverse. Personally, he's a congenial shipmate, and I recommend him for any endeavor he chooses. - Alan W. Hickey - Master - R / V WESTWARD

Joe DeMers shipped as engineer aboard the reasearch vessel WESTWARD during my routine of 6 weeks as Captain. The engineer aboard WESTWARD maintains not only the entire engine room, but also repairs everything from bunk lights to the deep water hydrowinch to the diesel stove. The engineer is also expected to teach students assigned to the engine room on the regular watch schedule.

It is a 24 hour a day job. Mr. DeMers worked conscientiously, reliably, and cheerfully throughout our cruise. At one point, he collected bits of steel, cut, and finally welded a rock dredge for our students. He did this working 10 hours straight.

There is always a berth for Joe, as engineer, aboard WESTWARD. - Terry Hayward - Master, R / V WESTWARD

“Thanks very much for the advice, counsel and sale of my new Beta Marine engine 2 years ago and the consistent and timely responses you have offered in supporting me with further advice, parts and service. I know I can always count on you to offer your thoughts and opinions with a fast and helpful email or phone call. It’s been a pleasure.”

 
Fred - Tartan 30 owner