MD6 removal

macksnap · Feb 23, 2006

The Beta replacement, from the US perspective, is hardly worth it, as Yanmar's comparable unit is only pennies more and makes a vessel much easier to market. WM

Victor Schreffler vsschreffler@... wrote: Hi Marcin,

I repowered with a Beta last summer and thus had to take the old
engine out. I'd be glad to share anything that I've learned with you.
As far as removal, remove what you can--don't even waste your time
trying to remove the flywheel--then unbolt it. The yard didn't have a
crane but they had a fork lift that went high enough. They just put a
chain through the lift point on the engine and slowly lifted, while i
and another guy swung it forard enough to lift it on out. It's not
that hard really.

Steve Birch helped me through the process in a very great way. He
has a document of someone else's Beta install along with one I wrote
that had some pic and explanation to supplement the orignial doc.

Good luck on the project--i see your planning an overhaul--you may
have already done this, but it's well worth considering replacing with
the Beta. I can't ell you how nice it is to have an extremely
reliable engine, the ability to stop on a dime, and even the capacity
to use a little prop walk for docking. At the very least you'll want
to go with a wet exhaust system.

Victor
Blue Fin
V1553

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stevebirch2002 · Feb 23, 2006

Hi Edward Mclean

What a load of hogwash....... I promise I am not saying it as I have a
Beta. I do not earn from US Vega owners buying a Beta as you must buy
from the US Dealer info@...

The beta is as good, if not superior to the Yanmar, fits perfectly on
the bearers and we now have over 120 (one hundred and twenty) Vegas with
the Beta installed. I call that a great testament. There are more Vegas
in the USA re-engined with Betas than Yanmars and worldwide the Betas
win hands down. I am not decrying the Yanmar just trying to set the
record straight.

Spares are availablke worldwide, both Yanmar and Beta are based on
Japanese Blocks, The Beta is fresh water cooled whereas the smaller
Yanmar 1GM10 is seawater cooled.

There are now three Betas that easily install in the Vega:

13.5HP 2 Cylinder
16 HP 2 Cylinder
20HP 3 Cylinder

Sorry if this sounds like a rant....................

Steve Birch (Technical)

macksnap · Feb 25, 2006

Dear Steve: This sounds like defense of a some sort of commercial interest. I can speak fairly easily in this matter as I have two boats, each powered by indestructible Volvos. The Beta people in the US are boobs and, I assure you, it is much much easier to liquidate one's position in a boat if it is powered by Yanmar, as opposed to Beta. Neither engine is as long-lasting, however, or as vibration-free, as a Volvo. EM

Steve Birch steve@... wrote: Hi Edward Mclean

What a load of hogwash....... I promise I am not saying it as I have a
Beta. I do not earn from US Vega owners buying a Beta as you must buy
from the US Dealer info@...

The beta is as good, if not superior to the Yanmar, fits perfectly on
the bearers and we now have over 120 (one hundred and twenty) Vegas with
the Beta installed. I call that a great testament. There are more Vegas
in the USA re-engined with Betas than Yanmars and worldwide the Betas
win hands down. I am not decrying the Yanmar just trying to set the
record straight.

Spares are availablke worldwide, both Yanmar and Beta are based on
Japanese Blocks, The Beta is fresh water cooled whereas the smaller
Yanmar 1GM10 is seawater cooled.

There are now three Betas that easily install in the Vega:

13.5HP 2 Cylinder
16 HP 2 Cylinder
20HP 3 Cylinder

Sorry if this sounds like a rant....................

Steve Birch (Technical)

stevebirch2002 · Feb 25, 2006

Hi Ed

As I said before, I have no commercial interest in selling Betas to the
USA or Canada. I am no longer allowed to sell to the North Americas
because of a contractual deal between the US Distrubutors
(info@...). I do however sell them to the UK Vega members.
In the UK the condition of the engine and the maintenace carried out
determines the sale of the boat, not the make of the engine. I hope that
selling boats in the US is not determined by a name plate on the engine!

As you know most marine engines are Japanese based (Including Volvo by
the way). I agree that the older Volvos were built to last and I loved
my MD6A dearly until I finally succombed to changing my MD6A for a Beta
due to the cost of parts for the Volvo.

Again, please read my previous email, I DON NOAT HAVE ANY COMMERCIAL
INTEREST IN SELLING TO THE USA/CANADA.

By the way I have two boats, one powered by a Beta (Vega) and the other
powered by a Yanmar 2GM (Jupiter 30 Sailiboat)

Cheers and good sailing

Steve Birch (Technical)

pelagicasd · Feb 25, 2006

I put the Yanmar in. It was alot of work. Fuel consumption was twice as much
as I'd been let to believe. Albin changed from the MD6 to the MD7 for more
horsepower. The 1GM is a bit puny at 9hp (although some of our memebers will
disagree) There are times when you need to be in a safe port and the wind is
howling at you right on the nose. The Yanmar 2GM with 18hp is overkill. So
throttle down? Yanmar doesnt reccomend it. It's also hard to fit into the
compartment, loud and you change the oil by braile. All things considered I
would have went with the Beta if I had the choice of doing it again. Walt
PS It took forever to fabricate the stringers to mount it on.

wxt8981 · Feb 25, 2006

Hi Walt;

I've put in a Yanmar 1GM after the Albin gave up. I'm very
satisfied, fuel consumption is good (runs about 4 hours or
better on one gallon), and spare parts are available. (so
far I had to replace the impeller two times). Other parts
like filters- no problem.
The Yanmar pushes me (calm sea) at 6.5 mph,which I think is
hull speed; I've never really understood what a larger
engine will do besides pushing the boat at hull speed and
what that has to do with "the wind on the nose" I have no
idea.
I've put the engine in myself- I do admit I had to grind a
bit- but basically it was easy.

I know nothing about the Beta- hence I can't give any
comment.

Wilhelm, V-257

stevebirch2002 · Feb 25, 2006

Hi Wilhelm

In a strong tide or headwind the extra horsepower will push you against
the prevailing conditions. With the 10HP MD6A I sometimes had a bit of a
problem when I wanted to beat a tidal gate. The Beta has improved things
a great deal. I will not go on anymore about the Beta, I will let the
satisfied Vega owners take the helm!!

Cheers all

Steve Birch (Technical)

wxt8981 · Feb 25, 2006

Hello Steve;

nice to hear from you. Basically I don't care what kind of
engine is propelling the boat when need arises. And there
are times when an engine is needed. In such a case I like
to push the button and hope the engine starts and gets me
out of the predicament.

Sailing has been great lately- though last night it started
to rain and the wind picked up- no wonder I'm sitting at
home and answer e-mail. But things can only get better- and
I can't wait for being on the boat again.

Please don't stop writing about the Beta; I'm sure it's a
good engine. When I re-powered my boat, I didn't know about
this engine; I came across the Yanmar and the rest is
history.

Best regards.... Wilhelm, V-257

stevebirch2002 · Feb 25, 2006

Hi Wilhelm

Great to hear from you again Wilhelm. Good to hear you are sailing. My
Vega is two miles away in a Garden Centre Carpark! It is wet, cold and
windy. Juts had to cut four big trees down in our local school, chop and
strip them and burn the branches. It has been a hard day!!! Had time to
paint the inside of one of my lockers whilst waiting for the chainsaw to
be sharpened! Doing a fair bit of work on Southern Comfort including a
new stainless fuel tank that I have designed, built and installed in the
port locker. It will bring the fuel delivery higher so an easier feed
for the engine (no names!)

I hope to be going to the IFR in Germany in July to see loads of Vegas
in their real place (In the sea, In The Baltic).

I have a few more ideas in the pipeline for bits for the Vegas which
will be coming out in the next month so keep your ears and eyes open!!!

On a more sombre note I have been phoning round for VAGB subs that are
due and called up the first owner of Southern Comfort (he has owned 6)
only to hear the sad news from his wife that he had passed away. Brian
Dennis was a fine Vega Owner and a fine engineer, mind you he wa sthe
one that poured two tins of glue down the top of the mast to stop the
cables making a noise. Rest in peace dear friend.

Cheers all and a happy Saturday

Steve Birch (Technical)

stevebirch2002 · Jun 29, 2006

Hi all

Just had three great days sailing in The Solent with Diana Webb (Vega
Secretary). As some of you know Diana lost her husband in April after
more than 35 years of marriage.

We had a great time in Cowes, Fareham, Hamble, Southampton Water,
Fawley, Hardway. Lovely weather, great F3/4 South Easterlies and bright
sunshine. It was good to see a smile on Diana's face again.....

Just thought I would share this with you all...

Steve Birch (Technical)--
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neyorolf · Jun 30, 2006

Dear Steve,

I'm glad you share these precious thoughts with us all. It doesn't always
have to be technical. It's also good to know that Diana feels better again.
Although I haven't met her personally, I know she is a very friendly and
helpfull lady.

We (my wife and I) are leaving for a two weeks trip (couldn't get off longer
otherways it would have been the IFR) down the French north coast on Sunday,
wind and weather permitting of course.

Wish you and all those who attend the IFR a smooth crossing and a plesant
stay in Denmark.

Kind regards,

Flor Oyen ,
Mohana, SV 566

stevebirch2002 · Jun 30, 2006

Hi Flor

Many thanks for your thoughts, I will pass them on to Diana.

I will be flying to Copenhagan on 9th July and sailing down to the IFR
with another Vega (Slow Fox) with teh owner Peter and his dog Konrad
(minature schnauzer). Really looking forward to the trip as it is part
of the Baltic I know well and love.

Anyone else on group going to the IFR?

Steve Birch (Technical)