The Kubota engines are great, we sell alot of them under the Universal
brand name. Westerbeke Corp ownes Universal and has made some
significant improvements in the production end to co-share some marinizing
parts; in particular the V-band coupling of the exhaust mixing elbows, makes
them easy to replace when the time comes.
Of the big three Westerbeke, Universal and Yanmar, they are all evenly
matched on Price, durability and reliability; if any one of the three
has an edge, I would say Universal has a slight edge concerning
maintenance and durability.
Although we have sold all three in the past, Westerbeke & Universal
continue to be clear winners when it comes to parts, service and warranty
here on the West Coast.
Best wishes,
Marty Chin
Beta diesels are marinized in Stroud, England: http://www.betamarine.co.uk
For information on Beta Marine engines in the US contact is:
Stanley Feigenbaum
Tel: (252) 249 2473
sfmarine@pamlico.net
mail: P 0 Box 5, Arapahoe, NC 28510
plant: 11702 Hwy 306S, Minnesott, NC 28510 fax. (252) 249 0049
showroom: 1218 John Smafl Ave., Washington. NC 27889 teL (800) 682 8003