2002 Beneteau 331

Feb 14, 2014
12
Beneteau 331 North Fort Myers
This boat has a trashed Westerbeke 30Bthree Diesel engine. Westerbeke doesn't seem to offer this model anymore. They do offer a Model 30Cthree which I am told is a drop-in replacement and has slightly different characteristics like higher power and rpm. 1. Would this be an appropriate replacement for the 30Bthree. A Yanmar 3YM30 has also been suggested to me as a better replacement, but I'm nervous about its 2" higher height and possible alignment and reconfiguration problems with connections, which will not be the same as the Westerbeke. Has anyone had experience with this kind of experience they'd like to share? Hoping to get started very soon with the replacement installation, which seems limited to these 2 options. Help will be appreciated.

Sorry about the typos - the above should be correct.
 
Jun 21, 2004
3,039
Beneteau 343 Slidell, LA
I have a Yanmar 3YM30 in my present boat; also had a 2GM20F Yanmar in my previous boat. Even though the engines have been trouble free and I am pleased with Yanmar, I think that I would replace the Westerbeke with another Westerbeke. As you mentioned, I would also be anxious about the mounting configuration, gear box coupling, alignment issues, and wiring harness. Sure, the Yanmar could be adapted to fit; however, for a quicker and less expensive installation, I would use another Westerbeke. Westerbeke has been around for a long time; I believe that the service history is good as any other.
 
Feb 14, 2014
12
Beneteau 331 North Fort Myers
I have a Yanmar 3YM30 in my present boat; also had a 2GM20F Yanmar in my previous boat. Even though the engines have been trouble free and I am pleased with Yanmar, I think that I would replace the Westerbeke with another Westerbeke. As you mentioned, I would also be anxious about the mounting configuration, gear box coupling, alignment issues, and wiring harness. Sure, the Yanmar could be adapted to fit; however, for a quicker and less expensive installation, I would use another Westerbeke. Westerbeke has been around for a long time; I believe that the service history is good as any other.
Thanks for the reply. I'm finding out the price differential between equivalent Westerbeke and Yanmar engines also might not be a big enough inducement (Yanmar supposedly on sale right now with price increases coming up soon) to make the switch. You also reminded me of the service history, as I cruised for 7 winters with a Westerbeke 15 KW generator and never had a single serious problem.