Do members have any views or experience on how the Beta 60 and Nanni 5.280 compare in performance and fuel consumption? I am considering a replacement for my old Yanmas 3ES (low revving 50 HP) currently used in a 36 feet timber displacement hull fishing vessel. Any feedback much appreciated
From Tassie - now recreational fishing and sailing Bass Straight Australia
The Beta 60 is built on the latest Kubota V2403 engine block and is likely to stay in production unchanged for many years to come. It also meets all the current and new emission regulations world wide and as such will use a bit less fuel than the older spec engines. All service parts are readily available from us and from other Beta Marine dealers. Filters can be sourced from Kubota and auto parts stores, impellers from most marine supply stores etc.
The Nanni 5.280 is built on the Kubota F2803 engine block and this engine is now out of production at Kubota. Please check on the availability of items such as thermostats and fuel filters for this engine. Beta Marine also used to marinise this block but it was replaced by the V2403 some time ago. On the other hand, if the dealer selling the engine is going to give you an incredibly cheap deal that you cannot refuse on an obsolete engine, this may tip the scales for you.
Both of these engines are smooth running and very quiet compared to what you are used to. We have found , here in the States, that the Beta 60 does very well in heavy displacement cruising boats as it has a lot of honest, low RPM torque.
Thank you for the very helpful and objective reply - precisely the sort of information I was seeking. There is a Beta marine dealer here in Australia so I can take it from there. I also own a Kubota 4 cylinder tractor and have found this to be an excellent machine and parts are no problem even in Tasmania which is quite remore from anywere.
