Small diesel manufacturers

[Diamond Jim]

A chum is going to repower a 25’ sailboat. Which makers of 12-15 HP diesels should we look at?
We’re in Massachusetts.

 

[hdra]

Yanmar, or any of the Kubota marinizers. I think Beta may have the best distributor/service network in the US of the various folks who marinize kubotas, but I'm sure others are more knowledgable.

 

[ryley]

10 hp is going to be more than enough for a 25' sailboat. I've got a 1gm10 that pushes my 32' sailboat at a consistent 6.5 knots.

you can find used and reman 1gm10's for between $2500 and $4500. it's a pretty reliable engine.

 

[Diamond Jim]

Riley- The boat is fat and heavy, with lots of wetted surface. It’s a tired 1GM that we want to replace.
Who are other Kubota marinizers?
Anybody know about Koehler/Lombardini?

 

[SASSAFRASS]

Vetus, Nanni, Beta, Yanmar Volvo are the big ones. We repowered with Beta, probably the most thoughtful marinization package of the group and they really specialize in this market, second would be Yanmar, for out of the box done. You could Try Freeport Diesel in Maine for local recommendations. It's a bunch of Maine Maritime grads who sailed commercial or still do, most worked for me at one time, very good guys.

 

[167149]

avoid mitsubishi diesels

 

[Son of Hans]

Also know that not all of these small diesels are emissions-legal in all states. I don't know what the status is in MA, but in the state of denial (CA) it would not be legal to repower with a 1GM10. Don't know about Beta, etc.

 

[Zonker]

I'd say Beta. Our sailing co-op Catalina 30 (10,000 lbs) has a Beta 14 (~13.5 HP). It's sufficient and 2 cylinders. Nice marinization.

Maybe skip Nanni (poor dealer network in US) and Lombardini (same)

An old Yanmar 1GM10 might be developing a bit less than 9 HP if it's been ages since the injector was cleaned, exhaust elbow partly clogged etc.

 

[harrygee]

Another vote for Kubota conversions.

Parts (in Aus, anyway) are readily available and cheap compared with Yanmar, which would be my other top pick.

Avoid the Italian hand grenades, though that may be a bit unfair; it's based on experiences with old stuff.

 

[Blue Crab]

The boat is fat and heavy, with lots of wetted surface.

Is this a synonym for Hunter?