I need some diesels... which ones and where to buy?

Does anyone have any advice or thoughts on what the best marine diesel engine is?

I need it to be light weight and reliable. I know... conflicting interests!

So far, I have Yanmars and Betas in mind. Anything else I should be considering?

Where is the best place to buy them in the southeast USA?

Is there anywhere to buy them in New Hampshire? I believe they will try to stick me with local sales taxes down here, which would amount to a small fortune.

 

Have a look at lombardini for light http://www.varriale.com/diesel_engines_focs_series.htm
For robust and ease of parts, I would look at isuzu and Kubota
Maybe worth looking at the new Cummins-VW as well http://www.cmdmarine.com/Product2/1.9L/1.9L14.html

 

I prefer the Nanni conversions of Kabota engines rather than the Beta.

Waterway Power Centre in Annapolis are the US distributor.

 

Yeah, I had an iastall of one in the 20s hp range & sump/pan clearances were easier to fit with the Nanni, although I think maybe Beta had the option(at x cost) for similar. I fitted a few Betas to some displacement launches,this was convenient at the time 'cos the Aus distributor was across the street & very helpful. Both good!

 

How do you guys rate Volvo?
Their saildrive looks ok?

 

Pretty close to a c*nt..............so I was told by previous owners

I know a few guys that have had them
And now they don't

 

We have just installed 2x D1-20 Volvo saildrives in a motor cat that we have just completed.
The boat will be launched during December. I will post pics then.
The way I looked at these Volvo motors is that they are easy to service and our local dealer is good.
I dont have experience with this but would like to learn more, so please post details of what actually went wrong.
Thanks.

http://www.volvopenta.com/VOLVOPENT..._DIESEL_SAILBOAT/ENGINERANGE/Pages/d1_20.aspx

 

The ones I was commenting on relied on turbo's and electronics in the engine and were based in areas where help was not at hand

What was required was something more "agricultural"

Nice looking boat by the way, checking your site now.

Ah, not the same boat
What is the one you have above? any more info? Pure motor boat?

 

I,m going with a Nanni Cat,from what I,ve learned so for you cant beat the Kobota conversion of a Beta or Nanni. Comparing all things, price of the Nanni wins on a 10hp to 14hp. The Beta in the hp range you will be looking at may have a few extras worth the price difference. Bateau sells Nanni and list their prices, Simplicity Marine also list their prices on Nanni but did,nt email me back. Rick

 

I didn't know Bateau sold Nannis! Thanks for posting this, Rick.

I'll have to take a look at them. I really do like the Kubotas. Parts are everywhere and they are pretty inexpensive. Then again, I've never even needed parts on any of the 3 Yanmars I've previously owned.

I'll take a look at weight and price on those Nannis Joel has. Thanks for the tip.

 

Re Volvo
The fact that the Moorings charter business wont have a volvo in the fleet anywhere in the world and that was the rule from about 3 years ago says it all.
Volvo have definately lost the plot with the small engines

 

Volvo Penta small diesels are Perkins

 

Yes I know and once they put all the green Volvo designed **** on them they are not worth owning
Clearly I am not the only person who knows that
Alternator for Volvo say USD800 ( custom)
Alternator for Yanmar say USD100 ( with choice of vendor)

 

Check also for the basics parts cost..(fresh and raw water pump/injector/alternator/starter/any electrical devices... volvo are nice and good engines but price for parts was really insane few years ago..remain probably same now ! also problems with corrosion in few bigger model likeTamd61 serie.. need to change a lot of tubing at extravagant cost, I was ashamed to tell the price to my clients !!
I like nanni /kubota also..
best rgds
Bertho

 

I will go truck next time probably Izuz or nissan. Thais run them in everything --they are too simple to give problems that cant be fixed.

I dont ever ever want a comon rail electronic fuel injection in a boat. I will give up boating first.