Getting to know Westerbeke engines

[Marquesas]

Purchased a '95 Catalina 320 with a Westerbeke three cylinder 27hp, model 30BC three with 980 hours mostly in brackish waters.

I'm not that familiar with this engine as I am with a Yanmar. I have been doing some research on this brand of engine and I'm happy at what I've read so far. Interested to know out there your read on this type of engine. The general condition is good. During my survey I had a visual inspection on my sea trial and the rpms where were they should be, there was no unusual exhaust smoke. There is a slight leak coming from my impeller pump. I have a replacement pump that I plan to replace in the spring. I have noticed that the hoses could use replacing. When I had the boat relocated, I had a mechanic look it over and he gave it a thumbs up except for the hoses.

Love to have your feedback on this type of engine and what I should be looking out for

 

[Barnacle Bill]

I've always thought they were good products. I really like the hose leading to the oil pan for easy oil changes. Wished other engine manufacturers did that (but retrofit kits are available for this).

 

[petersea]

westerbeke vs yanmar is a lot like ford vs chevy both are good products but just a little different. They both do the same thing. I would have no problem buying either engine but one trends to lean towards what they are familiar with,or maybe had better luck with in the past. Either brand maintain it and forget it !!

 

[kloudie1]

Yup..good engines.. I think that they are "marinized" Mitsubishi engines.. excellent engines.. Their other brand, Universal, uses Kubota engines that are modified for marine use.. again good stuff.. Like Yanmar, they are tractor motors, designed to go hard all day long..

 

[Nicholson58]

Our boat has a 115 HP straight 6 main engine and a 12 KW 4-cyl gen-set. Both are Westerbeke and original equipment from 1984 with many hours. The main engine head was re-built about 6 years ago. It is a huge, slow-reving impressive hunk of iron about the physical size of the engine in an over the road truck. I think bullet proof is the word. Turns a 3-blade 24 inch Hundested variable pitch prop through a 2.5:1 reducer.

This is new to us & I'd like to go to school to de-mystify some of the do-dads.

 

[Marquesas]

Thanks. Given the hibernation period for us northern sailors. I plan to take an abridged course on Westerbekes, given by one of our diesel marine shops.