Cal 2-34 Repower with Beta?

[raleighwatts]

Hi Sailors, greetings from Seattle. The ol' Westerbeke is giving up the ghost after about 8,000 hrs including cruising to AK and all through BC. Blow-by has ruined starter after starter with oil and the thing leaks fuel and oil everywhere. Even replacing the thermostat involved addressing serious corrosion. I found a mechanic willing to work with me on replacing the W-30 with a Beta 30, attaching it to the existing Paragon and V-Drive (and open to more suggestions). The installation will involve remodeling the companionway stairs cabinetry as the engine will be a bit more forward and the exhaust will come out the back (meaning bow-facing) end of the engine. Checking to see what experience others have with similar repowering from the original Westerbeke to Beta? We carry a 16 LH 12 (3) blade prop as we do a lot more motoring around here than sailing.

[rcvesselstyn]

I only wish I could be of assistance but we have not been able to afford a repower. I have rebuilt and swapped a few engines over the years, but a repower has been beyond our reach. However, we would all benefit if you would be willing to document your progress. Perhaps we might have some helpful thoughts along the way. Good luck!

[Capn ken]

Have you thought about Going with an Atomic 4 instead? Very few modifications necessary, excellent support base, used 2 to 3 grand new a little bit more. Check out Moyer marine excellent website Great community support

[Scrimshaw]

The atomic 4 was a wonderful engine. But to now use a gas engine when a diesel is available is really opening oneself to unnecessary and potentially dangerous situations. Leaks can develop in even the most maintained vessel- just not worth the risk. As a lawyer I was involved in several litigated matters regarding explosions from gasoline engine events. One case involved an explosion principally caused by a marine fuel station in San Diego. The person fueling the boat had failed to close the hatches prior to filling the boat and he also spilled some gas. There was an enormous explosion and subsequent out of control fire. The dock was destroyed along with several boats. Fortunately, no one was seriously hurt.

Scrimshaw, Cal 34-3
warren fox, Marina del Rey, Ca

[rcvesselstyn]

I fought a Atomic 4 for almost 30 years. In boat rebuilds, out of the boat rebuilds. Reliability is great, unless it is crucial, then something would fail. We loved the boat, I hated that engine. One of my best days was to get this little diesel and watch that damned Atomic 4 sail away. I miss that boat though.

[Capn ken]

I on the other hand love the atomic four. Easy to work on, great parts and service availability that you can do yourself and relatively inexpensive to overhaul. The marine gas engine versus the diesel engine is a nonstarter for meThere is not one recorded instance by the Coast Guard of a gasoline engine on a boat catching fire not one. And frankly I hate the smell of diesel in the morning.

[Scrimshaw]

Capn Ken

I agree with all that you said except for the reference to the Coast Guard. The Coast Guard does not necessarily know about all boat fires, as they are not always brought to their attention. As I previously mentioned, I was involved in a trial in San Diego over a gas engine boat fire. It was a week long trial because of all the damaged caused the the exploding gas powered boat. I also personally know of other gas boat caused fires. As a lawyer, I was involved in many boating situations, having represented both boat manufactures and boat owners.

Scrimshaw 34-3
warren Fox, Marina del Rey, Ca

[rcvesselstyn]

Hi Raleigh, The Beta is a great little engine! Kabota has been perfecting their little diesels for a very long time. The Universal M18 that we have is a older smaller Kabota and we love it. When we bought the boat it had not been maintained for years and years. The fuel was bad and lumpy. The Raycor was just a solid black ball of wax. The exhaust system was a disaster and was ready to flood the engine a any moment. We changed the battery and that Kabota fired right up. We powered over 60 miles the next day without any other fixes. Admittedly I have done a lot of cleanup, a new exhaust, fuel lines, etc., but this engine has not failed once in the 9 years we have been using it. Wishing you a smooth repower!

[raleighwatts]

Thanks - very helpful! I'll keep you posted about how this plays out.

[GBR3068]

I have a 2-34 re-powered with a Universal M40B. A Kubota engine. Works great with Max-Prop 3-blade feathering prop. Extra power is really nice to have in tight spots and in current.

See https://www.westerbeke.com/advanced%20s ... 0m-40b.pdf

"If you’re looking to replace that aging Atomic-4, the Universal B-Series is still the boaters’ choice for Atomic-4 replacements**. The M-40B, M-35B, M3-20B, and M-25XPB offer many similar dimensional characteristics to the Atomic-4, making for a much easier installation."

Let me know if that is of any interest to you and I can post details and pictures here.