I have just read a report recently decrying the Westerbeke engine and suggesting that the Yanmar is far superior. I am wondering how Beneteau owners feel about this as the manufacturer has flip/flopped back and forth with these engines. It would be invalueble information to me as I am in the process of finding "my" Beneteau. So why has Beneteau flip/flopped on the engines??
Westerbeke v Yanmar????
- Thread starter essman
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Yanmar
I do not know why Beneteau has flipped back and forth. I do, however know that the Yanmar is much easier to work on. I went to the Phili boat show and studied both engines on stands. The Yanmars have everything right in front of you and seemed more polished. I also know that Yanmars support services are great. I have called Mack Boring (910/792-1900) on a number of occasions and spoke to Doug or Tom and received patient and knowledgeable advice.
I do not know why Beneteau has flipped back and forth. I do, however know that the Yanmar is much easier to work on. I went to the Phili boat show and studied both engines on stands. The Yanmars have everything right in front of you and seemed more polished. I also know that Yanmars support services are great. I have called Mack Boring (910/792-1900) on a number of occasions and spoke to Doug or Tom and received patient and knowledgeable advice.
Westerbeke
I've had a Westerbeke 30B3 on my Beneteau 361 for 5 years and have had absolutely no problem with either service or parts. I really can't say much about service because I've had no problems with the engine. Changing the impeller is a bit of a pain, but on a friends Island Packet, the alternator needs to be dropped to change the impellor on his Yanmar. When these engines are squeezed into a sailboat, access is completely different than at a show. I have heard that in some parts of the world Yanmar has better distribution. In the southeast US it's no problem.
I've had a Westerbeke 30B3 on my Beneteau 361 for 5 years and have had absolutely no problem with either service or parts. I really can't say much about service because I've had no problems with the engine. Changing the impeller is a bit of a pain, but on a friends Island Packet, the alternator needs to be dropped to change the impellor on his Yanmar. When these engines are squeezed into a sailboat, access is completely different than at a show. I have heard that in some parts of the world Yanmar has better distribution. In the southeast US it's no problem.
Engines
I have an 2002 361 with a Westerbeke 30B and so far I've had good luck with only two minor problems. The first was a clogged fuel pump which was not Westerbeke's fault. The other was a broken motor mount. Seems as though they didn't harden the steel properly and some of the mounts developed cracks in them. They were very helpful and paid in full to have the repairs done. I find the engine runs smooth and fairly quiet unless I push it into the 3000 RPM range. I have an Autoprop on her and normally run in the 2700 RPM getting 7kts through the water. This past fall I had a chance to put 20 plus hours on a brand new 34' Benny with a Yanmar in it and while it started in an instant, it was quite a bit noisier than my Westerbeke. Based on 5 years with the Westerbeke I'd have no problems buying another boat with one in it. As far as Beneteau flip/flopping back and forth they have offered Yanmars as optional engines for several years. Some models even provided a choice between a Volvo and Yanmar. Some of their current boats have the Yanmars standard. It varies and I would expect Benny to make their decision based on the designer's recommendations, known reliability, customer preferences, and of course negoatiated pricing. The latter is probably the biggest factor.
I have an 2002 361 with a Westerbeke 30B and so far I've had good luck with only two minor problems. The first was a clogged fuel pump which was not Westerbeke's fault. The other was a broken motor mount. Seems as though they didn't harden the steel properly and some of the mounts developed cracks in them. They were very helpful and paid in full to have the repairs done. I find the engine runs smooth and fairly quiet unless I push it into the 3000 RPM range. I have an Autoprop on her and normally run in the 2700 RPM getting 7kts through the water. This past fall I had a chance to put 20 plus hours on a brand new 34' Benny with a Yanmar in it and while it started in an instant, it was quite a bit noisier than my Westerbeke. Based on 5 years with the Westerbeke I'd have no problems buying another boat with one in it. As far as Beneteau flip/flopping back and forth they have offered Yanmars as optional engines for several years. Some models even provided a choice between a Volvo and Yanmar. Some of their current boats have the Yanmars standard. It varies and I would expect Benny to make their decision based on the designer's recommendations, known reliability, customer preferences, and of course negoatiated pricing. The latter is probably the biggest factor.
Finest diesel encountered
I have been acquainted with diesel engines as a technician and user for more than 40 years and have never encountered a diesel engine that starts so well or performs as well as the Yanmar in my B393. I have had no problems with the engine what so ever in the two years of ownership. In past years, I have had various difficulties with many brands of diesels, especially when attempting to start in the winter. The Yanmar starts like my car. Turn the key and it is running. No stumbling, no black smoke, no pre-heating and most importantly, no aggrivation. Jim
I have been acquainted with diesel engines as a technician and user for more than 40 years and have never encountered a diesel engine that starts so well or performs as well as the Yanmar in my B393. I have had no problems with the engine what so ever in the two years of ownership. In past years, I have had various difficulties with many brands of diesels, especially when attempting to start in the winter. The Yanmar starts like my car. Turn the key and it is running. No stumbling, no black smoke, no pre-heating and most importantly, no aggrivation. Jim
Yanmar
My recently purchased '98 Benny 461 has a Yanmar 4JH2-HTE and I love it! The boat was on the hard for 4 years before I bought her. I drained and flushed the fuel tank, changed the fuel filter, bled the system and it started right up. I have no problem starting it in 20 degree weather. Does anyone have an Operator's Manual for this engine that I could get a copy of?
My recently purchased '98 Benny 461 has a Yanmar 4JH2-HTE and I love it! The boat was on the hard for 4 years before I bought her. I drained and flushed the fuel tank, changed the fuel filter, bled the system and it started right up. I have no problem starting it in 20 degree weather. Does anyone have an Operator's Manual for this engine that I could get a copy of?
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